Plants That Repel Mosquitoes

Spring brings wet, warm weather – and unfortunately, mosquitoes. More than pesky and annoying, controlling mosquitoes is no longer a nice-to-have but a health and safety concern with the rise of West Nile virus and potentially Zika virus.

Homeowners are told not to keep standing water in their yards, but once you’ve covered the rain barrels and emptied the bird baths, what else can you do? The experts at Nutri-Lawn Vancouver compiled this list of plants that will naturally repel mosquitoes. Scatter these plants around your patio, garden, or yard or plant them in containers that are easy to move.
Strong smells are the key to repelling mosquitoes with plants, and there are a variety of plants that humans find pleasant and insects can’t tolerate. It should be too difficult that find something you like that will send the mosquitoes (and other bugs) packing for greener pastures.

Lemon Balm

Lemon Balm or horsemint is one option if you love the smell of citronella. This plant won’t offend the bees and butterflies so you can be a bit more selective about which insects you don’t want around. Lemon Balm will spread aggressively, so maybe plant this one in a container. This way you can move it around and have it just where you want it all season long.

Lavender

Lavender is a lovely staple of English gardens, but turns out this plant does more than just look pretty – it can repel mosquitoes. Whether it’s the actual plant, or a repellant made from the leaves and oil of the plant, mosquitoes won’t be around very long.

Marigolds

Marigolds are very popular with Canadian gardeners though it’s not well known that mosquitoes hate them. Many interested in companion gardening have used marigolds in their gardens to protect other plants from insects.

Catnip

Catnip attracts cats, but also repels mosquitoes. So, if you decide that the cats are the lesser of two evils, then this might be at the top of your list. The oil in the leaves of catnip is said to be ten times more effective than DEET at repelling mosquitoes.

Basil

Basil, related to peppermint, is a common herb plant and highly fragrant. Lemon basil and cinnamon basil have the best mosquito repelling properties. Some varieties of the herb are fragrant, but rubbing the leaves on your skin is also said to repel mosquitoes.

Citronella Grass

Citronella Grass, as expected, will repel mosquitoes. Many are familiar with this plant’s mosquito repelling properties from the many citronella products on the market for that purpose. These plants are popular at garden centres so don’t wait too long in the season to grab yours. Plant this around your yard as an ornamental grass, but be careful working with it as it can cause skin irritations.

Rosemary

Rosemary is a kitchen favourite, but is said to repel mosquitoes. This plant won’t survive the winter outdoors, but can be brought inside during the cold months and live for many seasons. If you’re having a campfire, burning some rosemary and sage in the fire is said to repel mosquitoes. They smell delicious and the smoke sends the mosquitoes packing.

Mint

Mint is a native plant with similar properties. This plant will help repel mosquitoes and is a refreshing addition in drinks and other dishes.

Nutri-Lawn Vancouver wants you to totally enjoy your lawn this summer mosquito-free. Let us help reduce, prevent and control mosquito populations in your yard with all natural repellants. Contact Nutri-Lawn Vancouver for a complimentary quote.