If you want to keep your summertime barbecue mosquito free you should consider planting some mosquito repellent plants. These common, well loved plants, are known for their all natural mosquito repellent properties. This works great if you are allergic to some off the shelf repellents, or find that there are just too many mosquitos for them to fight off.
So go get your gardening gloves on and head over to your local Bunnings, as we break down 5 plants that can repel mosquitoes.
How do these plants repel mosquitos?
It is actually a lot simpler than you may think. Essentially these plants release a fragrance that mosquitos hate. It is often completely imperceptible to human noses, so you won’t smell it, but the mosquitos certainly will. These aromatic oils work two-fold, firstly they stink for mosquitos, and secondly they actually mask the smell of you. Mosquitos normally use the smell of the CO2 that we emit when breathing. So, mosquitos want to stay away, and don’t realise you are there in the first place.
Of course, it is important to not, that these plants are still not 100% effective at repelling all mosquitos.
Which plants repel mosquitos?
Citronella
Citronella plants are one of the most common mosquito repelling plants you will hear about. In fact, citronella oil used to be used as a pesticide before it was banned by the EU. Since then, this plant has become popular in gardens for its mosquito repelling properties.
Of course, for this plant to be 100% effective you would need to surround yourself in citronella plants. But, this plant should still help in reducing the amount of mosquitos at your summer barbecue.
Catnip
If you are a cat owner you probably have heard of catnip before. It is because cats are obsessed with catnip.
This plant is a family member of the mint plant. It gets its mosquito repelling properties from the chemical nepetalactone found in its leaves. But, while it may be excellent at repelling mosquitos, it does tend to attract cats.
Basil
Basil is a great plant with many uses. It will make your spaghetti bolognaise and pesto delicious, and keep mosquitos back. The chemicals found in Basil plants make the smells of this plant repulsive to mosquitos. Which is great because it smells heavenly to us.
While not 100% effective at repelling mosquitos, if you are looking for a great multi use plant, Basil will be a great one to try out.
Lavender
The smell of lavender is loved the world over, except if you are a mosquito. They hate the smell. It is a scent commonly used in products like hand soap and washing powder, yet mosquitos actively avoid it. In fact, it is commonly thought to block their ability to smell in general. So, more reasons to love some lavender.
Marigolds
Marigolds are loved for their easy to grow nature and their beautiful flowers. But they are also great for their abilities to repel mosquitos and aphids. Their scent, and essential oil, acts to keep these bugs away. So, if you want your garden to keep the mosquitos away, and look stunning, marigolds are a great option.
Conclusion
While there are many great plant options that help to keep mosquitos away, none of them are 100% effective at stopping mosquito bites. To be so, you would have to be in a jungle of these plants, which is probably not practical.
So, if you want to protect your home barbecue from mosquitos, the best thing you can do is call Pest Gone Pest Control. With great mosquito repelling solutions, that are safe for your family, pets, and gardens, you will be able to live mosquito free.
Give Pest Gone Pest Control a call.