The majority of plants that repel bugs do so because of their inherent odors, which attract and repel troublesome mosquitoes as well as add pleasant fragrances to your garden. You can naturally repel mosquitoes by growing some of these plants in your garden or yourself rather than covering yourself or your surroundings with chemical insect repellent. Plant these plants near eating places, doorways, or other areas where visitors are likely to gather. If you cannot control mosquitoes in your surroundings by yourself, contact pest control in Four Corners.
How can pests be deterred by planting mosquito-repellent plants?
- Lavender plant
Ever notice how your lavender plant never gets entirely torn apart by insects, bunnies, or other animals? It is a result of their wonderful scent, which is produced by the essential oils the plant’s leaves contain. Some even claim that lavender oil impairs a mosquito’s sense of smell! Once established, this plant just needs full sunlight and good drainage; it is highly resilient and drought-resistant. Although it can thrive in every kind of conditions, it prefers warmer climates.
- Lemon grass or citronella grass
Citronella grass, also known as lemongrass, is a natural component that is often used in insect repellents due to its strong scent. In fact, to keep off mosquitoes, experts suggest lemon-scented plants like citronella grass. Fortunately, the live plant shows the highest level of pest-repelling efficacy. Because it cannot tolerate winter, this low-maintenance plant develops best in large planters. However, in warmer climates, it can be planted directly in a sunny spot in the ground.
- Marigold
An annual flower that is easy to grow, marigolds repel mosquitoes with their scent. To keep bugs out, grow them in planters and put them close to your patio or front door. Vegetable gardens and borders are popular places to use marigolds. In addition to deterring mosquitoes, they can also deter aphids, thrips, whiteflies, squash bugs, Mexican bean beetles, and tomato hornworms.
- Catmint
Catnip (catmint) can be found growing in almost any place. It belongs to the mint family and grows wild, as well as being commercialized in huge quantities. It is very easy to care for, and it might even spread to other areas of your garden. However, these plants are excellent insect repellents if you are okay with their sneaky nature. Catmint was proven to be ten times more useful than DEET, the chemical comprised in most insect repellents.
- Rosemary
Rosemary is another great insect repellent. Many of us are quite familiar with rosemary, and its woodsy smell is just what drives away mosquitoes, cabbage moths, and carrot flies. They grow in containers and do best in hot, dry regions, which makes them perfect for places with harsh winters. They also make good borders or decorations when pruned into a number of sizes and forms. You can use the herb to season food and enjoy the flavor while the bugs are away.
Other ways to prevent insects in your home
In addition to selecting the best plants that repel mosquitoes, there are many more steps you may take to keep your environment stress-free this summer.
- Examine and Remove Any Standing Water
Particularly, mosquitoes breed in still water. Check your yard regularly for any standing water in any containers that might hold rainwater, such as flower pot saucers or clogged gutters. The first step in lowering mosquito populations is removing these nesting sites.
- Trim and Prune
Pests can find hiding places and breeding grounds in overgrown vegetation. In order to keep your yard tidy and well-ventilated, trim your trees, shrubs, and bushes.
- Seal entry points
Look for holes, cracks, and other places on the exterior of your house that pests could use to enter.
- Clear debris
Leaves, mulch, and other trash piles may act as hiding places and homes for bugs. To keep pests away, clean up your yard on a regular basis, get rid of yard debris, and keep the compost heap in good condition.
Conclusion
Take time to arrange routine yard inspections to maintain your attention. A specialist in pest control can identify telltale signs of insect activity, such as plant damage, nests, and droppings. Rapid action by early detection prevents possible infestations.