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Prevent Mosquitoes With These Practical Plants


ByAgkidzone Staff
Updated: Aug 31, 2024

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Mosquitoes might be a key part of the food chain for some creatures in your yard, but they’re a real pain for people! Not only do they bite, but they can also carry diseases. If you’re tired of swatting these pesky insects away, it’s time to take action. Sure, citronella candles and light-colored clothing can help, but there’s an even better way to keep mosquitoes at bay: planting mosquito-repelling plants.

These plants can naturally deter mosquitoes with their strong scents and unique properties. Let’s dive into some of the best plants that can help you enjoy a mosquito-free backyard!

Garlic

Garlic isn’t just for keeping vampires away; it’s also a fantastic mosquito repellent! This pungent plant produces a strong scent that mosquitoes absolutely hate. Even though it might not be your first choice for garden aesthetics, garlic has a lot to offer. Toward the end of its life cycle, garlic blooms into charming clusters of green, pink, or white flowers in late spring or early summer. These flowers add a nice touch of color to your garden while the plant’s shoots continue to ward off mosquitoes. So, if you want to keep those mosquitoes at bay, garlic might just become your new best friend!

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Allium
Looking for something that’s both beautiful and practical? Allium is the answer. With their striking purple, blue, pink, or yellow flower globes, alliums add a splash of color to any garden. Belonging to the same family as garlic and onions, they pack a punch when it comes to repelling mosquitoes. Plus, they’re low maintenance—just plant the bulbs in the fall, and they’ll grow back year after year with little effort. Alliums don’t just deter mosquitoes; they also keep aphids, cabbage worms, and slugs at bay, making them a must-have for any garden.
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Lemongrass
If you’re looking for a plant that does double duty, Lemongrass is your go-to. Not only does it contain citronella oil, which is known to repel mosquitoes, but it’s also a delicious addition to your cooking! Lemongrass thrives in warm, sunny climates, and while it might not be the best choice for year-round outdoor growing in cooler regions, you can still grow it in pots and bring it indoors for the winter. This versatile plant is great for adding a zesty flavor to soups, salad dressings, and even chicken or pork dishes. Talk about a win-win!
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Lavender
We all love the soothing scent of Lavender, but mosquitoes and other pests like moths, fleas, and flies do not! Lavender is a great choice for keeping bugs away while adding a calming fragrance to your garden. The darker the flowers, the more intense the aroma, which means more mosquito-repelling power. This plant is hardy and can withstand drought, wind, and heat, making it perfect for various climates. Just remember, in humid areas, lavender might struggle, so consider planting it in raised beds or containers.
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Lantana
Bright and beautiful, Lantana is another fantastic plant that mosquitoes hate. Its vibrant flowers almost glow in the sunlight, attracting hummingbirds and butterflies while sending mosquitoes packing. Lantanas are easy to grow and thrive in sunny spots with well-drained soil. They make excellent border plants and can reach up to six feet in height. However, be mindful that lantanas can become invasive in some regions, so it’s best to keep an eye on them to prevent overgrowth.
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Scented Geraniums
Add a touch of charm to your garden or patio with Scented Geraniums. These versatile plants not only add beauty with their delicate flowers but also emit a strong scent that mosquitoes can’t stand. They’re best grown in warm, sunny conditions but can tolerate partial sun and cooler temperatures. The leaves and flowers of scented geraniums are edible, offering a range of scents from peppermint to lemon. They’re perfect for pots, especially if you live in a region where winter temperatures drop below 20 degrees.
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Monarda (Bee Balm)
Known for its minty aroma, Monarda, or bee balm, is another excellent mosquito repellent. This perennial plant comes in striking shades of red, purple, and white and is a magnet for bees, hummingbirds, and butterflies. While monarda prefers full sun and moist soil, it does require a bit of maintenance, like deadheading spent flowers to encourage more blooms. Certain varieties, such as “Claire Grace” and “Gardenview Scarlet,” are resistant to powdery mildew, making them a better choice for your garden.
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Rosemary
Rosemary is more than just a tasty herb for your kitchen—it’s also a natural mosquito repellent! This hardy evergreen shrub thrives in warm, moderately humid climates and needs regular pruning to keep it in check. In addition to repelling mosquitoes, rosemary blooms with lovely blue, pink, white, or lavender flowers in the spring and early summer, and some varieties even bloom in the fall. Its strong scent and essential oils are what keep mosquitoes at a distance. Plus, you can use it to flavor your favorite dishes!
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Ageratum (Floss Flower)
If you want a pretty yet effective mosquito deterrent, look no further than Ageratum, also known as floss flower. These vibrant blooms are perfect for window boxes and flower beds, coming in colors like pink, white, and blue. Ageratum thrives in sunny or slightly shaded spots and prefers warmer temperatures. They’re annuals, so you’ll need to replant them each year, but their effectiveness at keeping mosquitoes away is worth the effort. Just remember to water them with slightly warm water for the best results.
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Petunias
Don’t underestimate the power of Petunias when it comes to pest control. These cheerful flowers have a built-in defense system that goes beyond mosquitoes. Their sticky stems and tiny hairs work together to deter insects that like to munch on them. Petunias are heat-tolerant and come in a wide array of colors and patterns, so you’re sure to find one that suits your garden’s aesthetic. They thrive in full sun but can also do well in partial shade, making them a versatile choice for any garden layout.
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