While it may come as a surprise, female mosquitoes are responsible for most of our summertime misery. As we swat at itchy bites and curse the pesky insects, we’re largely dealing with the wrath of females only. The sheer scale of their impact is staggering – imagine an army of tiny terrors feasting on your skin!
My own experience has been no exception; my young son was mercilessly bitten every summer, prompting a quest for solutions that ranged from natural remedies to chemical countermeasures and even medical advice. But it wasn’t until I took matters into my own hands by planting mosquito-repellent flora that the tide turned in our favor. Last year’s effort paid off in a big way: my son suffered fewer bites than ever before, thanks to my newly-minted yard oasis.
Now, I’m eager to share this knowledge with you, hoping it will spare your family from the same frustrations and inspire a similar transformation in your outdoor space.
Mosquito Repelling Plants
Citronella
Citronella plants are well-known for their pungent aroma, which mosquitoes detest. By incorporating these plants into your yard, you’ll reap the benefits of a pest-free property. One of the most notable aspects of citronella is its annual growth cycle, meaning it needs to be replanted every year. While this may seem like a drawback to some, many gardeners find the rewards outweigh the occasional inconvenience of re-planting.
Marigolds
We’ve made marigolds a staple in our garden, and for good reason. These unassuming flowers have a multitude of benefits that make them an essential addition to any outdoor space. One of their most impressive feats is their ability to repel pests and snakes, keeping your garden safe from unwanted visitors.
But what really caught my attention was the discovery that marigolds also deter mosquitoes.
The more I learned about these flowers, the more I wanted to spread them throughout our entire yard. And it’s not just their practical uses that make them so appealing – they also have a distinctive aroma that’s hard to ignore.
I never would have guessed that mosquitoes have sensitive noses and preferences when it comes to scents. But it seems that marigolds’ potent smell is just what these pesky insects can’t stand.
Catnip
Perennials like catnip offer a convenient solution to recurring gardening tasks, as they can be planted once and will return year after year. If you’re looking for a low-maintenance way to keep mosquitoes at bay without needing to replant every season, catnip is definitely worth considering. That being said, it’s essential to note that catnip’s allure extends beyond its practical uses – it has the power to draw in felines from all over!
For cat enthusiasts, cultivating their own catnip can be a fun and rewarding experience. In fact, I’ve been tempted to grow some indoors for my house cats.
Lavender
I situated a lavender plant in my sprawling perennial flower bed, which wraps around the entire front of my house. Its placement was deliberate, as I sought to harness the natural insect-repelling properties of lavender to keep mosquitoes at bay from my front porch. This way, we could enjoy the summer evenings sitting comfortably on the porch, without the nuisance of mosquito bites.
Beyond its impressive mosquito-fighting abilities, this beautiful bloom also boasts a delightful aroma, making it an all-around excellent addition to our outdoor space.
Basil
We cultivate a bountiful harvest of basil in our herb garden each year, utilizing its versatile nature by drying and preserving some for future use, while also enjoying its fresh flavor in various dishes. The discovery of basil’s mosquito-repelling properties further solidified its place in our gardening endeavors, as we utilize the herb’s natural defenses to create a welcoming outdoor space that extends from our backyard to our back porch.
In line with this strategy, it’s crucial to strategically plant these mosquito-repelling species throughout your yard to ensure comprehensive coverage.
Lemon Balm
We cultivate a significant amount of lemon balm in our yard, primarily for the benefit of our bees. These tiny creatures are absolutely enamored with it, and its presence has proven invaluable in facilitating swarm captures. The herb’s sweet aroma is also sure to delight anyone fond of the fresh scent of lemons.
We’ve strategically planted our lemon balm at the tree line of our property, thereby creating a mosquito-repellent perimeter that keeps these pesky insects at bay while allowing bees to thrive. Of course, the key to effective utilization lies in carefully considering the layout and needs of your own property. For us, this meant protecting everything in sight, as my child was plagued by relentless mosquito bites until we took measures to safeguard their outdoor experience.
Peppermint
Around our swing set, peppermint proved to be the unsung hero. My son is a huge fan of American Ninja Warrior, which sparked his enthusiasm for adventure and physical activity. To fuel this passion, we purchased a climbing wall toy that quickly became his go-to play area. However, constant use was marred by an unfortunate side effect – mosquito bites galore!
Seeking a solution, I turned to nature and decided to plant mint around the swing set, taking advantage of the available space backing up to the tree line. My logic was simple: the more mint, the merrier (and bug-free). As it turns out, my plan worked wonders. But, I must caution that peppermint’s potent effects on adult mosquitoes, larvae, and eggs come with a caveat – it will spread rapidly if not contained.
If you don’t want a full-on mint takeover, consider planting it in a pot to keep its enthusiasm in check.
Citrosum
When strolling through the nursery, you may have stumbled upon a peculiar plant labeled as ‘the mosquito plant’. More often than not, it’s likely to be citrosum. While it shares a similar scent profile with citronella, they’re not one and the same. In reality, citrosum doesn’t quite live up to its promise, working effectively only when you crush the leaves and apply them directly to your skin.
Despite this, if you’re keen on having a convenient, natural insect repellent at your disposal, growing citrosum and rubbing its leaves on your skin might be an attractive proposition.
Sage
Whether you’re a fan of cozying up around the fire pit on warm summer evenings or simply looking for ways to enhance your outdoor gatherings, having a stash of sage on hand can be a game-changer. Not only is it a lovely addition to any garden or yard, but it also has a surprising benefit when it comes to keeping mosquitoes at bay.
By incorporating fresh sage into your fire pit activities – think sprinkling a few leaves onto the flames or using them in a DIY incense blend – you can effectively repel these pesky insects and enjoy your time outdoors without the nuisance of constant buzzing.
Rosemary
If you’re already cultivating a thriving herb garden, there’s no need to introduce a new crop, especially if you’re currently growing rosemary. This versatile herb can be repurposed as a natural mosquito repellent. Next time you’re enjoying your outdoor space around the fire pit and mosquitoes start buzzing about, simply grab some rosemary from your garden and toss it onto the flames, just as you would with sage.
As the fragrant leaves burn, the pungent aroma should effectively deter the pesky insects, making for a more enjoyable evening gathering.
Garlic
While garlic is often touted as a cure-all, its repellent properties are particularly noteworthy when it comes to warding off mosquitoes. The idea that consuming large amounts of garlic would keep these pests at bay has some merit, although the quantity required might be excessive. A more practical and effective approach involves cultivating garlic in your own garden.
Not only is this crop easy to grow, but its pungent aroma also serves as a natural deterrent for mosquitoes, making it an excellent addition to any outdoor space.
Pennyroyal
Pennyroyal, a close relative of mint, is notorious for its invasive tendencies. If not contained, it can quickly spread and take over your outdoor space. To mitigate this issue, I recommend planting similar herbs alongside a tree line, allowing the pennyroyal to naturally boundary itself within the woodland area.
However, if a nearby woods isn’t feasible, consider potting pennyroyal instead. Its crushed leaves are also an effective natural deterrent against mosquitoes.
Simply plant it in your yard or carry some of its leaves in your pocket to keep these pesky insects at bay.
Geranium
Geraniums have always been a favorite of mine – their vibrant colors and lush foliage add a pop of personality to any yard. But what I didn’t know until recently is that these lovely flowers come in a range of scents, including a refreshing lemon variety. Whether you’re looking to add some fragrance to your outdoor space or simply create a mosquito-repellent haven, geraniums are definitely worth considering.
Even without the lemon-scented option, their natural properties make them an effective deterrent for unwanted pests, ensuring a bug-free experience for you and your loved ones.
Lemon Thyme
Thyme, with its potent aroma and flavorful profile, is often overlooked for its benefits beyond the kitchen. However, this versatile herb has another trick up its sleeve – repelling unwanted pests like mosquitoes! By cultivating thyme in your outdoor space, you can naturally deter these pesky insects from frequenting your property. One of the most effective varieties is lemon-scented thyme, which seems to be particularly unappealing to mosquitoes.
With its ability to pack a punch against these biting bugs, thyme proves to be an unlikely yet effective natural solution for outdoor enthusiasts.
Natural DIY Mosquito Repellent Options
Now that we’ve explored the benefits of cultivating mosquito-repelling plants, it’s only natural to consider complementary methods for keeping those pesky insects at bay. That’s why I’m excited to share some effective natural mosquito repellents that can be applied directly to your skin. Not only will these products provide an added layer of protection against mosquitoes, but they’re also free from harsh chemicals and other artificial ingredients that might cause harm.
Neem Oil Mosquito Repellent
Mosquitoes are notorious for their ability to target specific individuals, leaving others unscathed. But what drives these insects to choose certain people over others? While it’s not possible to fully comprehend the intricate decision-making processes behind a mosquito’s biting behavior, understanding the factors that contribute to this phenomenon can be enlightening.
Moreover, knowing how to create your own mosquito repellent using neem oil can be a game-changer for anyone looking to avoid these pesky pests. This article delves into the reasons why mosquitoes choose certain individuals and also provides two practical recipes for creating a natural mosquito repellent – either in the form of a lotion or a spray, leaving you with the freedom to select the method that best suits your needs.
DIY Bug Spray
To create a simple yet effective bug spray at home, you’ll need just three ingredients: distilled water, your preferred essential oils, and witch hazel. This all-natural solution is perfect for those seeking a chemical-free way to repel mosquitoes and enjoy the great outdoors this summer. With these basic components, you can whip up a personalized bug repellent that suits your needs.
3-Option Mosquito Spray
If you’re seeking a natural solution to ward off mosquito bites while enjoying the outdoors, you may have already explored planting mosquito-repelling plants in your yard. However, when you need a quick and effective spray for those moments when you’re away from home, this collection of three recipes with distinct scents might be just what you’re looking for.
Each recipe offers a unique scent profile, allowing you to choose the one that suits your taste preferences best.
Mosquito Repellent Luminaries
If you’re looking for a natural way to repel mosquitoes without resorting to scented sprays or lotions, you’re in luck. There’s an alternative that’s just as effective: using all-natural luminaries to keep those pesky insects at bay. These clever devices emit a gentle glow that not only provides ambiance but also deters mosquitoes from buzzing around you.
