Plants that Repel Mosquitoes from a Garden With a Water Tank

It’s inevitable that birds and insects will drop by your garden, and one insect you can expect is the mosquito. Mosquito stings are not just annoying—they also can be a cause of a number of diseases, some of which are deadly. As such, it’s important that they not be allowed to enter ASAP.

Planting plants that mosquitoes dislike so much is one great way to prevent mosquitoes from getting in or staying so long in your property. Highlighted below are some of the best plants that repel mosquitoes.

  1. Catnip

This plant, most often associated with cats, is one of the best plants to grow if you are looking to prevent mosquitoes from entering or staying in your property. The secret behind its mosquito-repelling property is its essential oil, which research has suggested might be more effective in mosquito repelling than DEET, a primary ingredient of commercial mozzie sprays.

  1. Lemongrass or Cymbopogon

Lemongrass is a good mosquito-repelling plant. This is not only because it contains citronella, a substance which is said to be an effective mosquito-repelling substance, but also because its lemony smell is effective in blocking the senses which mosquitoes use in tracking targets down.

  1. Basil

Aside from making certain dishes delicious, basil is also a very effective mosquito repellent. The secret to its mosquito-repelling capability? Its scent, which the plant naturally excretes without any rubbing involved.

  1. Rosemary

This is a decent mosquito-repelling plant as it’s able to mask the scent of humans. Best placed in pathways, doorways, and near eating areas located outdoors, although they can be set up as borders.

  1. Mint or Peppermint

This plant has a lovely smell which can annoy mosquitoes (as well as other insects). Let’s not forget to mention that it is an amazing addition to your tea.

  1. Marigolds

This cheerful and bright plant is an easy-to-grow plant that you can consider including in your garden, not only because of its bright colour, but also because of the chemical insecticides that they release. This is why marigolds have a strong odor once touched.

Keep in mind that the plant’s leaves and flowers release these insecticides, but it’s the blossoms that pack the strongest punch.

A number of this plant is best placed into patio pots and fed with rainwater from a small water tank to make your summer evenings bug-free.

  1. Sage

Sage is a good herb that brushes mosquitoes off. But unlike the plants mentioned above, sage works best when used. And by used, this can either mean crushing a number of leaves, and then rubbing these onto clothing or skin, or tossing a bundle of its stems (dried or fresh) into the firepit to create a thick cloud of smoke able to repel mosquitoes.

If you do not have a firepit in your property, you can light an end of a bunch of sage, then let it smolder on a tray that’s fire-resistant. For best results, smolder sage together with rosemary and thyme on the same tray.