Mosquitoes aren’t just a nuisance you have to endure when you go outdoors, they’re a legitimate cause for health concerns. They buzz around, searching for people or animals to dine on, sucking out their blood and bringing all sorts of diseases and viruses with them, like Zika, malaria and west Nile virus, none of which you’d probably wish on your worst enemy. But, dousing yourself, and your family, in chemical sprays come with another set of problems that can negatively impact health.
So, what’s a gardener to do in order to repel these biting insects and keep everyone in the home free of disease? Use the power of smell. Mosquitoes are attracted to things like sweat and body odor, but certain scents that many of us find pleasant, repel them. That’s why things like citronella candles and DEET sprays work. There is also a number of sweet smelling, beautiful plants that contain powerful mosquito repellent properties.
By including these 11 plants in your garden, you can give up chemical mosquito repelling products and enjoy a much more relaxing outdoor space without fear of getting bitten.
Citronella
Lemon Balm
Catnip
Marigolds
Basil
Lavender
Peppermint
Garlic
Pennyroyal
Rosemary
Geranium