Mosquito Repellent Plants

AlleyCat

Well-Known Member
Joined
Jun 18, 2005
Messages
18,779
Reaction score
2,285
Sorry if this has been posted in the past. This link gives a list of plants you can plant to repel mosquitos. The only ones I've ever planted from this list were catnip and catmint (not knowing they repel mosquitos, though.) Anyone else have any luck with these plants?

http://plantcaretoday.com/13-plants-repel-mosquitoes.html

Love being outdoors but sick of those annoying blood-sucking mosquitoes? Put down the sprays and nets, here are thirteen different plants you can grow that’ll help keep the mosquitoes away.

Bug zappers are also annoying, and leave you sitting among insect parts. Moreover, you may not be in the mood for smoky candles or incense. However, this does not mean you have to be bothered by mosquitoes. Most people know about cintronella, it’s found in many products that keep bugs away, but there are others that can do the job.

Lemongrass (Cymbopogon citratus)

Mosquitoes hate the lemony scent of this plant. With some patience, you can easily grow this plant in your garden. You just have to buy stalks easily available in the market. Lemongrass prefers good drainage and full sun. However, it’s important to understand that this beautiful tropical plant does not tolerate freezing temperatures.

Catnip (Nepeta cataria)

For some gardeners, this is a perennial. For others, it is an annual plant. Catnip is considered about 10 times more effective than DEET for repelling mosquitoes. However, this plant has a tendency to be quite invasive.

If it’s in the garden bed, cats can crush this plant. But you can keep a couple of them in hanging containers to avoid both problems.

Marigold (Tagetes spp.)

This is a sun loving annual plant. Besides mosquitoes, this one can also repel aphids. It can be an exceptional companion plant for the vegetable garden. Marigold plants are very easy to maintain. You don’t need a lot of care to keep them healthy and flourishing.

This is a border plant that offers the simplicity to collect seeds for next year’s planting. Due to this, Marigold is an excellent addition. However, you should never rub this plant on your skin.

Rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis)

Rosemary oil is considered heavenly to most humans. This shrub can easily repel mosquitoes, and keep your garden safe. This is one of the most attractive plants for herb and container gardens. It does not require a lot of water. In addition to this, Rosemary is also delicious, and you can use it for cooking soups, egg dishes and meat.

Wormwood (Artemisia absinthium)

This perennial plant has a somewhat silvery foliage. In most zones, this plant can be easily grown in full sun. This is one of the most unique border plants. The pungent odor of this plant can keep mosquitoes at bay. Once again, you should make sure this plant is not rubbed on your skin.

Mint (Mentha spp.)

Many different mint oils are excellent for repelling mosquitoes. Thus, you should keep a couple of pots filled with these aromatic and hardy plants in the garden. Mints can spread easily, and they are best cultivated in small containers.

Floss Flower (Ageratum houstonianum)

This is an annual plant that grows about 6-12 inches. It needs partial shade to full sun. Besides repelling mosquitoes, this plant is considered an excellent butterfly nectar plant.

Cadaga Tree (Eucalyptus torelliana)

As the name suggests, this is a tree. It requires full sun to grow properly. This tree can attract wildlife to your garden. However, it is effective for repelling
mosquitoes. With this tree in your garden, you may need a fence.

Catmint (Nepeta faassenii)

Catmint is another perennial plant to repel mosquitoes. It’s height is just about 2-3 feet. This plant is an excellent mosquito repellant. In addition to this, catmint is also a butterfly nectar plant. Your cats will just love it.

Citronella Grass (Cymbopogon nardus)

This is a popular perennial plant that flourishes in the USDA zones. This plant needs partial shade to full sun. The oil from this plant is also used to produce mosquito repellant candles.

Clove Tree (Syzygium aromaticum)

This is another tree to repel mosquitoes. However, it’s not very tall. It needs partial shade to full sun. The flower buds of this tree produce spices, which are used in various dishes. It’s an excellent mosquito repellant.

Lavender (Lavandula angustifolia)

This is a perennial plant. It provides nectar for butterflies. The flowers can be easily dried and kept in the garden to repel mosquitoes and other insects.

Lemon Balm (Melissa officinalis)

Lemon balm is a perennial plant, and requires partial shade to full sun. The leaves can be used in flavor iced and hot teas. It can also be used as a substitute for lemon peel.

These were the 13 most popular plants to repel mosquitoes. With these plants in your garden, it will be easier to get rid of mosquitoes, and enjoy your time in the Sun or while taking care of your garden.
 
True about the catnip plant being crushed by the kitties. I bought one a few years ago and my kitty crushed it. :lol:
 
good to know....wonder.if theres sny plants for ticks.....
Mmm
 
Good thread, right time of the year too....as for mosquitoes, I've always used a bug light and candles...have seen some plants in the garden centers that repel mosquitoes also....a mosquito bit me on the butt once, right through my pants and my butt swelled up pretty bad..."lop-sided arse"...but as I've gotten older, they don't seem to bother me anymore....:hmm:
 
We were bitten alive by mosquitoes last summer while watching our house being built. We live near a lot of wetlands. So we will be paying extra attention to new plants. The catmint I had at the other house grew into a huge, beautiful plant, and so fragrant. I divided it after it grew so big, and planted the other half elsewhere, and I somehow killed both halves. :(
 
I got two huge misquito bites when we were out on the lake. Misquito bites and sunburn not a good match.
 
Strange how they didn't include the most popular mosquito repellent plant citronella geranium or Pelargonium 'Citrosum'
smells like lemons

I love how after you brush the leaves they release strong sweetly, lemony scent. It's so strong I can not rub it on my skin as it gives me a headache.

Fuzzy
 
Strange how they didn't include the most popular mosquito repellent plant citronella geranium or Pelargonium 'Citrosum'
smells like lemons
Fuzzy

It's all kind of new to me. The article did say this list was comprised of the 13 most popular plants, maybe that's why the one you mentioned was not listed (or who knows, the author might've been biased!) But I'll look for the one you mentioned too when I do some more plant shopping. :)
 
They didn't include the citronella geranium because it merely smells similar because it has some of the same essential oils. It has no mosquito warding properties and mosquitoes regularly land on it. It's also not a true citronella and that taxonomic designation is wrong.
 
They didn't include the citronella geranium because it merely smells similar because it has some of the same essential oils. It has no mosquito warding properties and mosquitoes regularly land on it. It's also not a true citronella and that taxonomic designation is wrong.

aah, that's why :)
I admit I pasted the link I didn't read whole :giggle:

however, it smells heavenly !!, so I definitely recommend to buy this for ornamental purposes.
you will love how it smell every time you pass by and brush the leaves! and it's pretty, too.

Fuzzy
 
I have found that planting citronella and marigolds around pool, decks, and patios deters all but the most biting critters. On a side note they also help with other pests as well. :)

Sent from my Z970 using AllDeaf App mobile app
 
Oops all but the most determined biting critters. Sorry :/

Sent from my Z970 using AllDeaf App mobile app
 
We were bitten alive by mosquitoes last summer while watching our house being built. We live near a lot of wetlands. So we will be paying extra attention to new plants. The catmint I had at the other house grew into a huge, beautiful plant, and so fragrant. I divided it after it grew so big, and planted the other half elsewhere, and I somehow killed both halves. :(

Do the entrances to your house have foyers/vestibules?
 
I got told off when I mention I used it by doctor,i got tick on head last year,horrible things and I do it again if had one but that me.
are they malaria mozzie do you have maleria
 
Back
Top