Understanding Mosquito-Repellent Plants: Do They Really Work?

 

Nothing ruins a great day outside quite like a mosquito bite! Fortunately, if you plan to spend some of that day in the garden, you have an unexpected secret weapon against these biters: mosquito-repellant plants.

Could planting special plants be the eco-friendly solution to pest control you’ve been looking for? Maybe! While some plants may help, the effectiveness of others is up for debate.

Let’s explore the truth behind what plants repel mosquitoes and the top varieties you might want to include in your garden.

What Are Mosquito-Repellent Plants?

Mosquitoes have an incredible sense of smell, which is how they locate their next meal. They can sniff out and pinpoint our carbon dioxide fumes from over 150 feet away. So, it seems logical that a highly fragrant plant would impede their ability to find us, right?

That’s what so many gardeners hope when they plant mosquito-repellent plants in their yards. The idea is that if the essential oils of these plants repel pests, the plants themselves should, too.

Some of the most popular plants that repel mosquitoes include:

• Citronella
• Lavender
• Marigolds
• Lemongrass
• Rosemary
• Basil
• Garlic
• Mint
• Lemon Balm
• Catmint

Many gardeners and homeowners believe that planting any combination of the plants listed above will make their gardens less susceptible to pesky mosquitoes.

The Science Behind Mosquito-Repellent Plants

Using plants as a natural mosquito repellant seems like a great idea. After all, who doesn’t love an eco-friendly solution to a pest control problem?

But, as it turns out, there isn’t actually that much scientific proof behind mosquito-repellent plants. According to the American Museum of Natural History, the current studies are “promising, but the number of plants that have been extensively studied is relatively small.”

Most of the research has concluded that the aroma from living, growing mosquito-repellant plants doesn’t significantly affect the number of mosquitoes that land on a human subject. Even though the plants give off a strong scent that is pleasant to be around, they don’t do much to deter mosquitoes.

Surprisingly, the ineffectiveness of mosquito-repellant plants can be explained by how plants release their fragrance. While a lavender plant smells delightful up close, it does not fill the air around us with a strong fragrance. That same statement can be made for all the plants in the above list. Most of them only release a significant scent when crushed, which is why the essential oils drawn from them are so potent. And it’s the plant extracts that have the most powerful repelling properties—but only when those active ingredients are applied directly to the skin.

Best Practices For Using Mosquito-Repellent Plants

While simply planting these plants won’t ward off biters entirely, adding a few to your garden won’t hurt. Here are some tips on incorporating some of the best mosquito-repellent plants into your yard or garden.

• Plant them in heavily trafficked areas, such as windows, doorways, and outdoor seating areas, to maximize their delicious scents.
• Mix them with other typical garden plants to create a biodiverse and aesthetically pleasing space.
• Keep up with their maintenance. Healthy plants emit stronger scents, while dying or decaying plants may end up attracting more pests.

You should also make it a habit to collect their leaves and flowers to use in DIY mosquito repellents and other sprays. When you crush the leaves, you’ll release the oils that mosquitoes hate the most. Some gardeners will crush the leaves and then rub the crushed leaves on their exposed skin as they work in the garden. However, this can lead to dermatitis if the plant’s oils are too harsh for your skin.

Make Homemade Mosquito Repellants from Your Garden

There are certainly plenty of recipes for DIY mosquito repellant out there. But there are a few important considerations to take before you start:

• The effectiveness of homemade mosquito repellant wears off relatively quickly, so be prepared to reapply every few hours.
• Applying essential oils directly to your skin can trigger a reaction. Apply a small amount first to check sensitivity, especially with children, who are often more sensitive than adults.
• Essential oils have a limited shelf life. It’s best to store homemade repellant in a dark-colored bottle in a cool, dark place.

To make a homemade mosquito repellant, combine the following ingredients:

• Essential oils from bug-repelling plants like lavender, catnip, eucalyptus, lemongrass, and other aromatic plants
• A carrier oil (olive oil, almond oil, or grapeseed oil)
• Witch hazel
• Vodka, about ½ teaspoon (apply responsibly!), which will act as a preservative

Repelling mosquitoes is no easy task, so be prepared to add about 100 drops of essential oil to 2 tablespoons of oil. Herbal mosquito repellants work the same way, using essential oils from mosquito-repellant plants like basil or rosemary as active ingredients.

Natural DIY mosquito repellants can be effective. Just remember that mixing, storing, and applying these homemade solutions to your skin can get messy. Many homemade mixtures leave behind an oily residue. And people with sensitive skin might have an allergic reaction. Consider all these factors before you invest time and effort into a homemade mosquito repellant.

The EPA website offers excellent information regarding insect repellants applied directly to the skin. It also has an excellent search tool that will help you identify which repellant is right for you.

How Mosquito Joe Can Help

Of course, the best way to tell these flying pests that your yard is off-limits is to combine plants that repel mosquitoes with other types of pest control. That’s where our Mosquito Joe® services come in!

Our comprehensive pest control services keep mosquitoes, ticks, and fleas from biting. Our complete satisfaction is guaranteed by the Neighborly Done Right Promise® and the Mosquito Joe Satisfaction Guarantee.

Request a free estimate today and let our experts make your outdoor space fun and bite-free again!

FAQs About Mosquito-Repellent Plants

Since 2010, Mosquito Joe professionals have protected families like yours from nasty biters that would have you itching and scratching your way through summer. As an industry leader dedicated to environmentally sound pest control, we’re happy to use our many years of experience to answer your most frequently asked questions about mosquito-repellent plants

What smell do mosquitos hate the most?

There’s a reason why so many eco-friendly bug repellents are made of citronella. Bugs hate the smell! Other scents they avoid include peppermint, lavender, lemongrass, rosemary, and garlic.

How do you keep mosquitos out of potted plants?

Potted plants can bring new life into smaller spaces, but they can also create a welcoming environment for mosquitoes! Keep them away by planting mosquito-repelling plants, eliminating standing water, and providing proper drainage options. You can also add mosquito dunks to the soil of your plants to kill any existing mosquito larvae.

Services may vary by location. For more information, including the most accurate list of services and guidance, contact your locally owned and operated Mosquito Joe for details and a customized on-site assessment.