What Outdoor Plants Keep Mosquitoes Away?

Outdoor plants can be a great way to repel mosquitoes and other insects from your yard or outdoor living space. Mosquitoes are more than just a nuisance; they can spread dangerous diseases like Zika, West Nile Virus, and Chikungunya. Therefore, it is important to take measures to keep these pests away from your home.

There are several types of plants that have natural mosquito-repelling properties.

Lavender is one of the most popular choices for repelling mosquitoes. The fragrant flowers contain compounds that make the plant unattractive to the insects. Citronella grass is another effective choice for repelling mosquitoes, as its leaves contain citronella oil, which has been proven to repel mosquitoes in laboratory tests. Other plants known for their repellent properties include marigolds, catnip, basil, and peppermint.

In addition to using plants as a natural mosquito-repellent, you can also use essential oils derived from these plants. For example, lavender essential oil can be used in an oil diffuser or sprayed directly onto fabrics like curtains or cushions. Citronella essential oil can also be used in the same way and has been found to be more effective than some chemical-based insect repellents.

In conclusion, outdoor plants can be an easy and effective way to keep mosquitoes away from your home or outdoor living space. Plants like lavender and citronella grass have naturally occurring compounds that make them unattractive to the insects. Essential oils derived from these plants can also be used as an additional measure in keeping mosquitoes at bay.

Photo of author

Alex Wright