8 Amazing Plants that Repel Mosquitoes

You may have adopted various chemical means to repel mosquitoes, but do you know that there are a number of plants that repel them naturally? Well, mosquitoes pose a serious threat to life, as they spread diseases like zika, Dengue and malaria. Moreover, they are an obvious nuisance around your home. Read on to know about plants that repel mosquitoes, so that you can do away with harmful chemical and enhance the beauty of your garden.

Citronella

This plant looks like tall grasses. It is commercially used to make mosquito-repellents, as the oil extracted from its leaves has a strong odour. People crush the leaves of these plants to extract a juice. This juice, when applied on the skin, releases a pleasant aroma. However, it is unpleasant for the mosquitoes and you can get rid of them naturally. You can grow this plant in large pots, as they generally acquire a height of five to six feet. They need proper drainage and sunlight. As they are prone to heat and drought, these plants can be grown in hot countries as well.

Marigolds

Well, you were probably not aware of the other important feature of this plant, usually associated with beautifying your garden. They contain a compound known as ‘Pyrethrum’, a common ingredient of chemical mosquito repellents. Simply place the flower pots near the windows, balcony or entrances of the house. This will block the common points of entrance for the mosquitoes. This is one of the best plants that repel mosquitoes. You too, can cherish the beauty of the yellow-gold flowers.

Basil

Basil is one of the most powerful natural mosquito repellent plants. Its scent is so strong that you don’t even have to crush the leaves. It can naturally grow and emit the scent in your garden. The pungent smell of basil keeps off mosquitoes. Additionally, the leaves of basil can be used to prepare various dishes. You can plant them in your yard or around the house. In case you want to boost up your protection, you can also rub basil leaves in the exposed areas of your body.

Peppermint

You must be familiar with the peculiar odour of peppermint. This smell is unpleasant for insects and thus, peppermint is another plant, adding up to the list. It comes with a sweet smell, which is preferred rather than the unpleasant smell of chemical repellents. Moreover, you can also kill larvae of mosquitoes by blending water with peppermint oil. In case you have a garden, make sure to have this plant and stay safe from mosquitoes.

Pennyroyal

You can use pennyroyal in a number of ways to drive away mosquitoes. A vase of beautiful, violet pennyroyal enhances the look of your drawing room. Besides, you can also plant them in your garden or yard. The smell of pennyroyal flowers effectively keeps off mosquitoes. Pennyroyal belongs to the family of mint and is a fast-spreading plant. You should grow it in a container to prevent excessive branching. If you plant it in your backyard, make sure to put up a strong fence to avoid having excessive bushes. If you look for plants that repel mosquitoes, this is one of the best for you to choose.

Geranium

This another flowering plant that should make its way into your garden and keep off mosquitoes. The plant has pink flowers that boost up the beauty of your yard. This plant emits a lemon-like smell and you should admire its beauty, besides its repellent powers. Geranium prefers a warm and dry area to grow, so make sure to provide it with the right ambience. They also need frequent pruning.

Lavender

The sweet smell of lavender that pleases you is equally unpleasant for mosquitoes. You can grow these plants in pots and place them in your balcony. Lavender scent strongly opposes mosquitoes and you can keep the nuisance at bay. Apart from this, the calming and relaxing sensation comes as a bonus to you. Place these pots close to the entrance points, like doors and windows. You can also place these pots in outdoor entertainment areas.

Rosemary

Rosemary is primarily known to be a beautiful flowering plant, occasionally used in various dishes. People hardly know the other benefits of this amazing plant. It is one of the plants that repel mosquitoes, so you can use it effectively to keep off the nuisance. The leaves need to be burnt to emit the odour. You can throw a few branches of this plant into fire or light up the leaves using an incense. It will release a pleasant smell which the mosquitoes cannot resist.

Hopefully, you will find these plants beneficial when you plant them around your house.