Natural Mosquito Repellent Plants: Your Backyard's Best Defense
As summer approaches, many homeowners in Pennsylvania face the annual battle against mosquitoes. These pesky insects can turn a relaxing evening in your backyard into an itchy, uncomfortable experience. While bug sprays and citronella candles can help, why not harness the power of nature to keep mosquitoes at bay? In this blog, we'll explore a variety of plants that you can grow in your backyard in Pennsylvania to naturally repel mosquitoes, allowing you to enjoy your outdoor space to the fullest.
Here are the best plants that repel mosquitoes to include in your PA yard:
Lavender
Lavender (Lavandula angustifolia) is not only prized for its beautiful fragrance but also for its mosquito-repelling properties. Planting lavender in your backyard not only adds a pop of color and a pleasant scent but also helps keep mosquitoes away. You can place potted lavender plants around seating areas or plant them directly in your garden beds.
Citronella
Citronella (Cymbopogon nardus) is a well-known natural mosquito repellent. While citronella candles are commonly used, you can also plant citronella grass in your backyard. This grass emits a strong citrus scent that mosquitoes find unpleasant, effectively deterring them from your outdoor space.
Lemon Balm
Lemon balm (Melissa officinalis), a member of the mint family, is another excellent choice for repelling mosquitoes. Its citrusy aroma acts as a natural repellent, and you can crush the leaves to release even more of its scent. Plant lemon balm in pots or garden beds near seating areas for maximum effectiveness.
Marigolds
Marigolds (Tagetes spp.) are not only vibrant and colorful additions to your garden but also serve as natural mosquito repellents. Their distinct smell repels mosquitoes, making them a valuable addition to your backyard landscaping. Plant marigolds in sunny areas for best results.
Catnip
Catnip (Nepeta cataria) is known for driving cats crazy, but it has the opposite effect on mosquitoes. It contains a compound called nepetalactone, which is highly effective at repelling mosquitoes. Plant catnip in pots or in a designated area of your garden to keep mosquitoes at bay.
Rosemary
Rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis) is a versatile herb that not only enhances culinary dishes but also helps repel mosquitoes. Its woody fragrance is pleasant to humans but unappealing to mosquitoes. Grow rosemary in pots or as a hedge around your outdoor living spaces.
Basil
Basil (Ocimum basilicum) is another culinary herb that doubles as a natural mosquito repellent. Its strong aroma masks the scent of humans, making it harder for mosquitoes to locate their targets. Plant basil in containers or in garden beds for added protection.
Peppermint
Peppermint (Mentha piperita) is a refreshing herb that not only deters mosquitoes but also has a cooling effect when crushed or brushed against. Plant peppermint in pots or alongside other plants in your garden to create a natural barrier against mosquitoes.
Garlic
While not typically thought of as a plant for mosquito repellent, garlic (Allium sativum) can be effective when grown in your backyard. Its pungent smell repels mosquitoes and other insects. Plant garlic cloves in your garden beds or in containers for a natural deterrent.
Chrysanthemums
Chrysanthemums (Chrysanthemum spp.), also known as mums, contain a natural insecticide called pyrethrin. While effective against a variety of insects, including mosquitoes, it's important to note that pyrethrin can also harm beneficial insects. Use chrysanthemums strategically in areas where mosquitoes are a significant problem.
Lemongrass
Lemon grass (Cymbopogon citratus) emits a strong lemon scent that mosquitoes find repulsive. You can grow lemongrass in pots or directly in your garden beds. Consider crushing a few leaves to release more of its fragrance when outdoors.
Geraniums
Geraniums (Pelargonium spp.) are colorful flowering plants that also act as natural mosquito repellents. Their scent, particularly that of scented geraniums like lemon-scented or citronella-scented varieties, helps deter mosquitoes. Plant geraniums in sunny areas for optimal growth.
Lantana
Lantana (Lantana camara) is a hardy perennial plant with clusters of colorful flowers. It contains compounds that repel mosquitoes, making it a beneficial addition to your backyard. Lantana thrives in full sun and well-draining soil.
Sage
Sage (Salvia officinalis), especially varieties like common sage or Russian sage, has a strong aroma that mosquitoes dislike. Plant sage in your garden beds or in containers near seating areas to ward off mosquitoes naturally.
Thyme
Thyme (Thymus vulgaris) is a low-growing herb with a pleasant scent that humans love but mosquitoes avoid. Plant thyme in rock gardens, along pathways, or in pots on your patio to help create a mosquito-free outdoor space.
Eucalyptus
Eucalyptus (Eucalyptus spp.) trees or shrubs release a refreshing scent that repels mosquitoes. You can plant eucalyptus in larger outdoor areas to benefit from its mosquito-repelling properties while also enjoying its unique foliage.
Pennyroyal
Pennyroyal (Mentha pulegium) is a member of the mint family known for its strong mosquito-repelling properties. It's best grown in containers or in areas where it won't spread aggressively, as it can become invasive in some climates.
Floss Flower (Ageratum)
Floss flowers (Ageratum houstonianum), also known as ageratum, produce small blue, purple, or pink flowers and emit a fragrance that mosquitoes dislike. Plant floss flowers in borders or as edging plants to help keep mosquitoes away.
Tansy
Tansy (Tanacetum vulgare) is a perennial herb with fern-like foliage and yellow button-like flowers. Its strong aroma repels mosquitoes and other insects, making it a valuable addition to your backyard garden.
By incorporating these natural mosquito-repellent plants into your backyard landscaping, you can create a more enjoyable outdoor environment for you and your family. Not only do these plants offer protection against mosquitoes, but they also add beauty, fragrance, and culinary possibilities to your outdoor space. Experiment with different combinations and placements to find the best natural mosquito defense for your Pennsylvania home.
Professional Mosquito Control
While these mosquito-repellant plants can help to keep mosquitoes at bay with their strong scents, the best way to get rid of mosquitoes for good is by partnering with a team of experienced mosquito exterminators. If you are looking for a local pest control company backed by over 85 years of experience, look no further than D-Bug Pest Control! We can help you avoid mosquito bites all summer long, so your whole family can enjoy your outdoor space. Contact us today to learn more!