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5 Plants That Naturally Repel Mosquitoes

5 Plants That Naturally Repel Mosquitoes

March 27, 20171889Views

Spring is springing up everywhere around the country, and with the birth and regrowth of new life comes the bugs. While most bugs are actually beneficial as pollinators (despite how annoying they may be), mosquitoes are capable of carrying and transmitting dangerous diseases, leave painful, itchy welts, and offer virtually no positive effect on the planet through their existence. While you can certainly coat yourself in DEET and say “Bring it on,” why not just cultivate plants that repel mosquitoes in your own backyard?

Many of these plants are quite common and can be acquired from your local nursery or home and garden store. If you really know your way around the garden, you can even start them from seed. Another added benefit to planting plants mosquitoes hate is that most of them can be eaten or otherwise used in a way that doesn’t involve repelling mosquitoes. Here’s a list of just five that will help keep the bloodsuckers out of your outdoor activities!

1. Basil

basil feature
Photo from Jeremy Bezanger/Unsplash

Basil works naturally in plant form to repel mosquitoes, but it can also be used to prepare a mosquito repellent spray with purified water and alcohol. Tearing the leaves releases the essential oils which can be rubbed on the skin.

2. Catnip

If you have felines around the house, you can make their day and keep the mosquitoes away by planting some catnip. Catnip contains an essential oil called nepetalactone, which researchers found to be 10 times more effective than DEET at repelling mosquitoes!

3. Marigolds

Marigolds
Photo from J K/Unsplash

Bright, bold, and beautiful, marigolds make a stunning addition to any garden or patio. They also happen to be another of the plants mosquitoes hate. The repellent comes from the very strong smell of the Marigolds. Additionally, marigolds offer much-needed support for the world’s bees.

4. Rosemary

Rosemary
Photo from Zé Ferrari Careto/Unsplash

This woody-stemmed plant with pine needle-like leaves delivers an intoxicating smell with the slightest pinch, and while it might be a delicious aroma to humans, mosquitoes find it repulsive. It makes a wonderful repellent in the garden or as a topical agent you can easily make at home.

5. Garlic

Garlic
Photo from Mockup Graphics/Unsplash

No one can deny, when these tasty little guys are cut open, the smell is mouthwatering. However, not a lot of people know that garlic is effective against more than vampires! Plant these bulbs to receive natural mosquito repellent for your yard and savory aromatics for your kitchen!

These are just a few plants that repel mosquitoes, for more on natural mosquito repellent, check out 5 Natural Ways to Repel Insects!

Featured Image from Jeremy Bezanger/Unsplash