Let’s be sincere — mosquitoes are absolutely the worst.
You’re on the market on a ravishing summer time night, with a drink in hand. Possibly somewhat string mild motion is happening, and what occurs?
You change into the buffet.
And when you’re like me, you’ve in all probability tried the whole lot from citronella candles to these questionable bug zappers that sound like they’re frying tiny demons each 5 minutes.
However what if I informed you there’s a prettier, extra pure solution to maintain these little pests away?
Yep — crops.
Good old school potted crops that not solely look nice in your patio but additionally assist repel mosquitoes. And no, you don’t have to be a gardening professional to maintain these alive.
19 Crops That Repel Mosquitoes Backed by Research
1. Lavender
Okay, I do know this one sounds somewhat too dreamy to be true, however lavender isn’t only for calming pillow sprays. It seems mosquitoes can’t stand the stuff.
In keeping with a examine revealed within the Journal of Vector Ecology, lavender oil was discovered to repel grownup mosquitoes successfully. Plus, it smells superb and appears like one thing out of a Pinterest board.
Professional tip: Put it in a sunny spot as a result of lavender loves the warmth. I’ve acquired a few pots close to my patio chairs, and I swear I get bitten manner much less after I sit by them. Right here’s how one can develop lavender in pots.
2. Citronella
You’ve undoubtedly heard of citronella candles, however the precise plant is even higher. It smells like lemony goodness, and mosquitoes hate it.
One of the best half?
It’s a hardy little factor, so it’s onerous to kill (an enormous win in my e book).
Nevertheless, you’ll need to get Cymbopogon nardus or Cymbopogon winterianus — these are the real-deal mosquito-repelling varieties. Not these ornamental “citronella” geraniums they often attempt to go off at massive field shops.
3. Basil
Picture credit score: Leyla by way of Substack
Sure, the identical basil you throw in your pizza or in a caprese salad. Seems it’s additionally a pure mosquito repellent.
A examine within the Malaria Journal confirmed that basil important oil has mosquito-repelling properties. And if science says so, who’re we to argue?
Bonus: It’s tremendous simple to develop in pots, and you’ll simply snip somewhat off for cooking everytime you want it. Twin-purpose crops are my favourite form of crops.
4. Mint
One other kitchen staple that doubles as a mosquito deterrent.
Mint grows like loopy (significantly, don’t plant it immediately in your backyard until you need it to take over your life), and it’s nice in a container. Mosquitoes aren’t followers of their sharp scent, so inserting just a few pots round your hangout spot can assist maintain them away.
Professional tip: Mint likes partial shade and common watering. And also you’ll adore it in mojitos.
5. Marigolds
These cheerful little flowers may remind you of your grandma’s backyard, however they pack a punch within the bug-repelling division. Marigolds include pyrethrum, a pure compound usually utilized in insect repellents.
They’re simple to develop in pots, and the brilliant blooms add some good shade to your patio setup. Plus, they repel different pests like aphids and whiteflies, too. It’s like hiring tiny floral bodyguards.
6. Rosemary
Ah, rosemary. Seems to be good, smells superb, repels mosquitoes, and makes your grilled rooster style prefer it got here from a elaborate bistro. What’s to not love?
You may develop rosemary in a pot in your patio, and when you’re feeling fancy, toss just a few sprigs on the grill — the smoke helps chase mosquitoes away, too.
7. Lemongrass
This one’s essential.
Lemongrass comprises citronella oil, and mosquitoes detest it. It grows tall and grassy, making it excellent for including somewhat privateness round your patio.
For those who’re questioning if lemongrass does repel mosquitoes, right here’s what the analysis says.
Moreover, lemongrass loves warmth and solar, so give it a vibrant spot and well-drained soil. Bonus — you possibly can snip a stalk or two in your do-it-yourself Thai curry.
8. Catnip
Enjoyable reality: Catnip doesn’t simply drive your cat wild, it additionally repels mosquitoes like a champ.
In keeping with analysis from Iowa State College, catnip is ten occasions simpler than DEET at repelling mosquitoes. Wild, proper?
Warning: If in case you have neighborhood cats, be ready for just a few additional guests.
9. Bee Balm
Additionally known as Monarda, bee balm attracts pollinators like bees and butterflies, however sends mosquitoes packing. Its spicy, minty scent isn’t their factor.
Plus, these vibrant, shaggy flowers are complete showstoppers.
Professional tip: Maintain it in a sunny spot, and deadhead the blooms for much more flowers.
10. Scented Geraniums
These aren’t your grandma’s houseplants.
Sure sorts of scented geraniums (particularly the lemon-scented ones) have mosquito-repelling properties due to their robust perfume.
Professional Tip: They thrive in pots, love full solar, and you’ll crush just a few leaves in your palms to launch much more of that lemony goodness.
11. Pennyroyal
This lesser-known herb is a part of the mint household and has a powerful scent that mosquitoes hate. It’s a low-growing plant, so it’s nice for filling in round taller pots.
Warning: Pennyroyal will be poisonous to pets if eaten, so steer clear when you’ve acquired curious furry associates.
12. Thyme
Particularly, lemon thyme is a strong alternative for mosquito management. It releases a citrusy scent that bugs can’t stand. And truthfully, it seems to be lovely spilling over the edges of a clay pot.
Furthermore, it’s one other one you possibly can prepare dinner with. Summer time grilled veggies, anybody?
13. Allium
Yep — these massive, globe-shaped purple flowers are a part of the onion household, and mosquitoes can’t cope with their scent. Alliums look dramatic in a pot and pull double responsibility in pest management.
You can begin with potted garlic and proceed experimenting with different members of the allium household.
As a bonus, in addition they repel aphids and different annoying backyard pests.
14. Wormwood
This silvery, feathery-leaved plant is a favourite of cottage gardens and occurs to be a pure mosquito deterrent, too. Its scent and bitter style are completely unappealing to mosquitoes.
Professional tip: It likes dry, well-drained soil, so it’s excellent when you’re liable to over-forgetting your watering can.
15. Bay Laurel
You in all probability have a jar of dried bay leaves in your spice rack, however the plant itself makes a stunning patio addition. And mosquitoes hate the scent.
Bonus: Pluck just a few recent leaves for soups and stews when the climate turns chilly.
16. Pitcher Crops
Right here’s a wild card — pitcher crops are carnivorous, which means they eat bugs. Mosquitoes included. They’re somewhat trickier to look after since they like humid situations and distilled water, however they’re completely fascinating.
Notice that these crops will not be big deterrents alone, however a cool addition to your anti-mosquito squad.
17. Tansy
Tansy has cheerful yellow button-like flowers and a powerful camphor scent that retains mosquitoes at bay. It’s a bit old-school, nevertheless it’s made a comeback with gardeners searching for pure pest management.
Like pennyroyal, tansy will be poisonous if ingested, so maintain it out of attain of pets and small children.
18. Dwarf Eucalyptus
Eucalyptus is legendary for its clear, menthol-like scent. Whereas some varieties develop into large bushes, you’ll find dwarf or potted varieties that thrive outdoor in summer time.
Professional tip: Crush just a few leaves between your fingers for an additional mosquito-repelling enhance.
19. Feverfew
Final however not least, feverfew is an old school herb with small daisy-like flowers and a powerful scent. Bonus: It’s been historically used to deal with complications, although you’ll need to analysis that one earlier than testing it out.
It’s a hardy little factor when it comes to rising, excellent for pots and flower containers.
A Few Fast Ideas for Success
- Group your crops round your seating space for somewhat pure forcefield impact.
- Pinch or crush just a few leaves from time to time to launch extra of their pure oils. That’s what mosquitoes actually hate.
- Make sure that your pots drain properly as a result of standing water is mainly a mosquito spa.
Conclusion
Pay attention, I’m not saying potted crops alone will flip your patio right into a mosquito-free utopia.
However paired with a fan (mosquitoes are weak fliers — enjoyable reality) and possibly a strategic citronella candle or two, it makes a noticeable distinction. Plus, your out of doors house will look and scent unbelievable.
For those who’ve acquired a favourite mosquito-repelling plant I didn’t point out, let me know! I’m all the time looking out for brand new plant associates. As a result of truthfully, I’ll take any excuse to purchase extra crops.
Right here’s to mosquito-free evenings and patios stuffed with fairly, hardworking crops.