Try planting mosquito repelling plants for a greener approach
Do the mosquitoes drive you indoors when you’d rather be relaxing and enjoying your backyard? No one enjoys the uncontrollable itching that comes with a mosquito bite. It’s enough to ruin a nice family barbecue. Now don’t get your hopes up that certain plants will eliminate mosquitoes completely. But is has been proven that certain plants actually help discourage mosquitoes, so it just makes sense that you use some of these plants in your landscaping design or in pots.
How They Work
These plants mask the scent mosquitoes hone in on to find their prey: carbon dioxide. You’ll be harder for mosquitoes to find you. In addition, crushing the leaves to release the oils, or burning them, is even more effective than having some nearby in a pot.
Easy to Grow Mosquito Repellent Plants
Catnip, Nepeta cateria. Researchers report that the essential oil in catnip that gives the plant its characteristic order, is about ten times more effective at repelling mosquitoes that DEET, the compound used in most commercial insect repellents. Obviously cats love it, so if you have cats or neighbor cats visiting, you might want to put some wire cage around it.
Basil. This herb has been used as a medicinal remedy for thousands of years and has been proven to discourage mosquitoes. This plants offers a dual benefit. You can use it for cooking as well as mosquito protection. There are lots of varieties. Lemon basil is nice. It’s a incredibly easy herb to grow…even a novice can manage it. And what a nice treat to be able to have fresh basil on hand for all your favorite recipes.
Lemon Grass. This plants grows quickly and contains citronella and gives off a strong citrus order that is offensive to mosquitoes. It makes a great container plants, and can be used in recipes. It brings a light, lemony flavor to any dish. It likes a lot of sun, fertilize monthly and don’t let the roots dry out in the summer. Try bringing it indoors in the winter and enjoy it as a fragrant houseplant.
Marigolds. These annuals have a distinctive smell and have commonly been used as ornamental border plants. They contain Pyrethrum, a compound used in many insect repellents. Marigolds like sun and fertile soil and also benefit from deadheading to promote additional blooms. Besides repelling mosquitoes, they repel insects which prey on tomato plants so try planting a few plants in your tomato bed for added protection.
Rose-scented Monarda. This colorful perennial has a slight rose smell and is extremely repellent to mosquitoes. An essential oil found in this plant is actually used in some commercial mosquito repellents found on the market
Thyme and Rosemary are two additional herbs that mosquitoes don’t like. So choose your herb of choice and enjoy the benefits outdoors and in your kitchen this summer.
Additional Ways to Discourage Mosquitoes
Eliminate Standing Water. Mosquitoes lay eggs in standing water. Getting rid of standing water will cut down the number of mosquitoes in the immediate vicinity. Change water in bird baths by flushing with a hoe at least once per weeks. Make sure your gutters are draining well and flower pot saucers are drained.
Replace Lighting with Yellow Bulbs. Yellow bulbs attract fewer mosquitoes.
Fan Mosquitoes Away. Mosquitoes are generally weak fliers, so keeping an oscillating fan will make it hard for them to get to you.
Attract Bats. Bats can reportedly eat 1,000 mosquitoes per night. Attracting bats to your garden can help to significantly reduce the number of mosquitoes and reduce your chances of being bitten.
Pond Owner Advice. Add fish that feed on mosquito larvae or use mosquito dunks. The dunks contain Bacillus thuringiensis, which kills mosquito larvae and does not harm fish, pets, wildlife or humans.
Citronella Candles. They are effective and easy to distribute around the deck or patio seating area.
Truth Be Told
None of these methods will be nearly as effective as DEET-based repellents. According to BugOff.com, botanical repellents have to be re-applied up to four times more often and shouldn’t be depended on for serious mosquito protection.
Fire up the grill and let those unexpected guests know that they are not welcomed! Your outdoor living area is an extension of your home. The expert team at Whitehouse Landscaping provides a full range of landscaping and planting, to patio design, walkways and retaining walls. Our landscape design options will blend your dreams with our expertise. Contact us today for a free consultation or call 484-300-4290 to meet with us to discuss ideas that will enhance your property, as well as the enjoyment of your home.