Plants To Help You Battle Mosquitoes

The long weekend in May is over so you know what that means? The mosquitoes will be out in full force! With the rise of West Nile virus and lately the Zika virus, the media has reminded us how mosquitoes are no longer just a nuisance, they are a legitimate health concern.

Once you’ve eliminated all the incubation units (aka standing water) in your yard, what’s left? The experts at Nutri-Lawn Burlington compiled this list of plants suitable for our Canadian climate that will naturally repel mosquitoes. With strategic planting, you can keep many mosquitoes away from patios, play areas, or doors. Insects can detect strong scents, but some of the scents humans find attractive actually deter mosquitoes and other insects. Mosquitoes are known to be attracted to heat (like a sweaty athlete or gardener), dark colours, and body odour.

Catnip

Catnip is best known for its ability to attract cats, but it is also an effective mosquito repellant. Canadian gardening reports the oil in the leaves is ten times more potent than DEET at repelling mosquitoes.

Basil

Basil is a common plant in herb gardens. Lemon basil and cinnamon basil have the best mosquito repelling properties. Rubbing the leaves on your skin is also said to repel mosquitoes.

Lavender

Lavender is a pleasant smell for humans but apparently insects and mosquitoes are not fond of it. Lavender also repels moths and flies. Lavender will spread rapidly if left untended, but is pretty enough to plant around the patio or front door.

Citronella Grass

Citronella Grass is also effective at repelling mosquitoes but often sells out at nurseries so don’t wait. Many citronella products are known for their ability to repel mosquitoes. Plant this around your yard as an ornamental grass, but be careful working with it as it can cause skin irritations.

Lemon Balm

Lemon Balm or horsemint has a strong odour similar to citronella that mosquitoes hate but doesn’t bother bees or butterflies. This plant is an aggressive perennial that will spread quickly. Try planting Lemon Balm in a container and then moving the planter to where you need it most.

Marigolds

Marigolds are popular annuals and are powerful mosquito repellants. They are effective at deterring other insects as well.

Rosemary

Rosemary is a favourite in the kitchen, but it does repel mosquitoes as well. This plant is not winter hardy so will either need to be replaced each spring or brought inside for the winter. 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 is intolerable to mosquitoes.

Mint

Mint is a native plant that is great at repelling mosquitoes, it will also take over your garden and is very hard to remove once rooted. These are great in containers placed around the patio or other spaces. Mint comes with the extra bonus of adding the leaves to your drinks and other dishes.

Nutri-Lawn Burlington has the knowledge and expertise to help you control the mosquito population and take back your yard this summer. Let us help reduce, prevent, and control mosquitoes on your property with all natural repellants and mosquito killers. We can start anytime. Contact Nutri-Lawn Burlington for a complimentary quote.