Last updated on September 9th, 2021
Mosquitoes aren’t just annoying because of the itchy skin that they leave behind, they are also a cause of health concerns, with the viruses and illnesses that they are capable of transmitting. And, let’s face it, chemical sprays may keep them off us temporarily, but they themselves pose a considerable danger to our health and wellness.
There’s, however, a way healthier alternative to dousing ourselves with these bad-smelling chemicals. Yes, insect-repellant plants, that don’t just beautify your surroundings, but let you enjoy the outdoors without having to worry about getting bitten! Let’s have a look at 7 of the most popular ones.
1. Citronella
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Also called the ‘mosquito plant’, with its strong citronella scent, it happens to be a common ingredient in bug-sprays and insect-repellant candles. However, it is most effective when planted or used in its crushed form on the skin. Just plant it in colorful pots near your doors, windows and balconies and give mosquitoes a sweet-smelling reason to stay well away from you!
2. Geraniums
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Scented geraniums are one of the best plants when it comes to keeping mosquitoes at bay. And it doesn’t hurt, that their stunningly gorgeous flowers can add immense beauty to your home garden.
3. Marigolds
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Not only do these plants beautify your garden with their vibrantly colored flowers, but they also contain a chemical called pyrethrum, a compound used in many synthetic insect-repellants.
Just place them in pots near mosquito entry-points and enjoy their beauty while they work hard at keeping mosquitoes away from you.
4. Garlic
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All you need to do, to grow this amazing mosquito-repelling plant is to add some garlic to your vegetable garden. It will help keep the mosquitoes off you, and can come in really handy, whenever you plan to cook any garlic-filled delicacies!
5. Basil
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This mosquito-repellant can be a great addition to your herb garden. It happens to be extremely toxic to mosquito larvae, and is a great plant to have near natural water resources as it can control the rate of eggs laid, and therefore, the mosquito population.
6. Lemon Balm
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This hardy plant, belonging to the mint family, wards off mosquitoes effectively with its lemony scent. However, it reseeds itself and can take over your garden in no time, if left on its own, so it’s better to plant it in pots and place those pots near the mosquito entry-points of your home.
7. Lavender
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Lavender, with its pretty flowers and its lovely relaxing smell, releases a scent in the air that repels mosquitoes, flies and moths. It’s a good idea to plant them in your garden or in pots placed near windows and entertainment areas. You can get greater protection from the pests, by crushing and rubbing the plant on your skin that helps release the oils. Even dried lavender flowers, when pressed between clothes, keep moths away.
