The 5 Best Mosquito-Repelling Plants
Often seen on balconies and terraces as decorative window elements, plants adorn both the exterior of homes and the streets of our cities. But did you know that many of them have the ability to repel insects?
Some may not be as attractive as flowering plants, but this useful property is highly valued by many, especially at this time of year, in the spring and summer months, when, due to the heat, bees, wasps, mosquitoes, and flies proliferate…
In this article, we’ll tell you about five of these plants that have the power to help keep your home free of mosquitoes, allowing you to ventilate with a little more peace of mind.
1. Lavender
This plant, associated with Provence, is not only attractive and easy to care for, but it also gives off an intense and pleasant aroma. This is due to essential oils such as linalool and linalyl acetate, which mosquitoes detest.
With just a few lavender cuttings, you can have a fragrant and insect-free terrace or balcony. Remember that lavender, regardless of the variety, prefers sunny spots and grows best on south- or west-facing windowsills, terraces, and balconies.
It is advisable to plant this mosquito-repellent plant in a permeable substrate, for example, soil mixed with sand or gravel, and make a drainage layer at the bottom, for example, with expanded clay.
It is also important to water it regularly, but not abundantly, especially when it is hot.
2. Basil
Few people know that this popular kitchen plant is not only tasty, but also has mosquito-repellent properties.
Essential oils such as eugenol and cineole are responsible for its intense aroma. These have an insect-repellent effect, yet are pleasant to the human nose.
Basil prefers a sunny spot, but partial shade won’t harm it either. The soil should be well-watered, but not overwatered, as this could cause the roots to rot.
3. Mint
Do you like adding mint leaves to drinks or dishes, or enjoying a hot mint infusion? You’ll be happy to know that growing this plant on your balcony or terrace can also repel mosquitoes and other insects.
Mint contains menthol oil, which has a fresh and pleasant aroma, and it repels insects. If you want to grow it in a pot on a balcony or terrace, keep in mind that this species prefers a spot with partial shade.
If the sun’s rays are too intense and shine directly on the mint leaves, they can burn them. Fill the pot with a suitable potting mix and water moderately, keeping it moist but not soggy.
4. Lemon geranium or citronella
Lemon geranium (Pelargonium citrosum), also known as citronella geranium, gets its name from the distinctive citrus scent of its leaves. Essential oils such as geraniol and citronellol are responsible for this scent and are effective at repelling mosquitoes.
This plant is not only easy to grow, but also very decorative thanks to its small, showy flowers. It needs a sunny spot and well-drained soil, so make sure the plant has a way to drain excess water.
Water it regularly and moderately to avoid over-soaking and root rot.
5. Romero
Rosemary is another herb that can both enhance the aroma of dishes or drinks and repel mosquitoes. Its strong scent is due to the presence of essential oils, such as camphor and borneol, in its leaves and stems.
It can be grown in a pot on a balcony or terrace, provided it receives plenty of sunlight. It grows best in well-draining soil.
Rosemary tolerates drought well and excess moisture very poorly, so water it sparingly.
We hope you found this selection of plants that can help you protect yourself naturally from mosquitoes this summer useful.
