There are several plants you can incorporate into your lawn and garden to naturally repel pesky mosquitos and other insects. Gnats, biting flies, and ants can ruin your outdoor activities! Mosquitos are especially important to prevent as much as possible because they can carry serious diseases such as West Nile, Eastern Equine Encephalitis and Dengue fever.
Insects are attracted to the odors we give off, such as carbon dioxide and even sweat. Luckily, scents like mint, fruit and even chocolate can block our smells from the insects, and some plants give off these fragrances naturally that repel the bugs. Why not surround your yard, deck or patio with these useful plants?
Pest Repelling Plants
- Lemon grass, lemon thyme or any citrus fragranced plant will keep the bugs at bay.
- Lavender prevents moths, fleas, and flies.
- Garlic repels mosquitos and moths.
- Dill not only repels cabbage moths but is a great plant for attracting beneficial insects for your garden such as butterflies.
- Rosemary helps prevent flies and mosquitos.
- Basil repels bugs and is also great to cook with.
- Peppermint not only repels bugs, but also mice.
- Marigolds are the perfect flower to beautify your garden while repelling nematodes (destructive microscopic worms) and mosquitos.
- Mint helps prevent against ants as well as other insects. However, mint is an aggressive grower that will take over your garden fast. Instead, lay leaves of mint (from the plot) over the plants in your garden you want to protect. You will need to do this daily!
Planting onions between cabbages is another great way to throw off the smell. Plants with pungent scents are effective pest repellents. Herbs such as rosemary and basil serve two purposes: fighting off the bugs and flavoring your favorite foods.
These are just a few of the many plants that are known to be bug-repelling. Like humans, insects have their preferred foods that they find by scent. The smell from these natural bug-repelling plants make it harder for insects to smell your food when the scent is mixed with these other fragrances. This confuses the bugs and they will hopefully find another home to torment!