To put it bluntly, humans despise mosquito bites. Our immune system responds aggressively to their saliva, resulting in significant, painful welt bites that annoy us for days. You can use a lot of bug spray to protect yourself from mosquito bites, but the insecticide from the spray can also irritate.
Fortunately, there are natural methods to keep those annoying pests at bay. Strong-smelling plants such as Rosemary, Sage, Lavender, and Citronella repel mosquitos. Mosquitoes and other insects are attracted to us because of the scents and gases we emit, such as carbon dioxide, sweat, and stinky feet, to mention a few. They may be drawn in from a distance of up to 100 feet. Of fact, even the smoke from the fire deters bugs. However, by including plants that repel mosquitoes and other biting insects, you can disguise your odor.
You can easily repel mosquitoes by putting in a few plants, whether you’re camping or having a backyard party around a fire pit. Burning plants and herbs is a natural and safe approach to keep insects away from you. Continue reading to learn which fresh plants and herbs repel mosquitoes and how to utilize them.
Catnip
Catnip (also known as catmint) is a mosquito repellant that grows in nearly any environment. It’s a member of the mint group that flourishes both as a plant that you can find in markets and as a weed. It’s really easy to maintain, and it has the potential to propagate to other areas of your yard. They are excellent mosquito repellants and another BBG suggestion, provided you are ready to overlook the plant’s sneaky character. Catnip is proven to be ten times more efficient than DEET, the active component in most insect repellents.
Rosemary
Rosemary is a popular plant that is an excellent mosquito repellant. Mosquitoes, cabbage moths, and carrot flies are all deterred by Rosemary’s wood scent. They thrive in hot, dry conditions and flourish in pots, making them perfect for cold climes. While keeping the bugs at bay, you may enjoy the smell of the herb and season your food with it.
Lavender
Have you ever observed how your lavender plant has escaped the wrath of insects, rabbits, and other animals? It’s due to their wonderful scent, which originates from essential oils present on the plant’s leaves. Also, lavender oil impairs the capacity of mosquitos to smell. Once established, this plant is extremely hardy and drought-resistant, requiring simply full light and adequate drainage. Although it can thrive in a wide range of temperatures, it favors warmer climates.
Citronella
Citronella is a well-known and widely used component in mosquito-repelling candles. Its powerful odor effectively masks the characteristics that attract mosquitoes to humans. Fortunately, citronella is a simple plant to grow. Because it cannot resist frost, this low-maintenance plant grows best in big pots, but it may be planted directly in the ground in warmer regions.
Sage
Burning sage produces a pleasant fragrance that enhances an evening spent outside. Another advantage is that a similar odor repels mosquitos and other flying insects. If you like socializing around the fire pit in your yard, plant some sage around the fire pit. If you throw some of the plants into the fire, the earthy fragrance will keep pests away. You may also dry sage and use it to make your insect spray.
Peppermint
Because most pests detest the scent and taste of peppermint, growing it around your home is an excellent method to keep them away. Also, if you do get bitten, peppermint leaves applied straight to the skin provide effective bite relief.
The lovely minty aroma that makes a fantastic complement to meals and beverages is an extra benefit.
Marigolds
Marigolds, a colorful, hardy annual plant, are an excellent insect repellent. Marigolds comprise Pyrethrum, an insect repellent chemical, and have a distinct fragrance that bugs find unpleasant.
The blooms are lovely and may be used as a border or accent to any flower garden. Mosquitoes may not want to cross your home’s borders if you place them around the perimeter.
Lemon balm
Lemon balm, also known as horsemint and beebalm, is a mint species that is incredibly easy to cultivate. Lemon balm is a tough plant that can withstand drought and thrives in the shade. Because it is a fast-growing and occasionally aggressive plant, you may wish to confine it to a pot where you can relocate it to avoid it taking over your landscape. The leaves may be dried and used to produce an excellent herbal tea.
Basil
Plant some basil in your garden. You’ll have a wonderful fresh herb on hand to add to all of your favorite dishes, as well as a quick and easy mosquito repellant.
There are a lot of various basil types, so try them all and see which ones you like most. To keep insects at bay, many professional gardeners prefer lemon basil or cinnamon basil. Basil is also one of the easiest herbs to maintain – even the most inexperienced gardener can do it.
Pennyroyal
The beautiful pennyroyal blossom acts as an insect repellant. Incorporate some into your flowerbeds. Pennyroyal plants also make good groundcovers and attract a wide range of butterflies. Some fish recipes call for pennyroyal as well. This plant, as you can see, offers several benefits.
Finally
Malaria, dengue fever, yellow fever, chikungunya, and, more recently, the West Nile and Zika viruses have all been carried by mosquitos. Mosquitoes are also to blame for the spread of heartworm in dogs and cats. As a result, it’s not simply a bother or an unpleasant bite; it’s also a health concern for you and your pets.
Most insect-repelling plants use their natural scent to repel mosquitoes. This keeps bothersome mosquitoes at bay while also bringing pleasant fragrance to your surroundings. You may burn some of these plants to keep mosquitoes away naturally if you don’t want to use chemical insecticides on yourself or your garden.