Mosquitoes put a damper on summer fun, especially if you’re spending time outside. These notorious bloodsucking bugs are attracted to standing water and can be repelled by certain plants. If you’re already dealing with a serious infestation, professional mosquito control might be required. For minor mosquito problems, try planting some of these in your yard:
Lavender
Strong smells have a way of hindering mosquitoes’ ability to smell, which makes them unattractive to the bugs. This tough, drought-resistant plant can endure many types of climates. Along with mosquitoes, lavender is said to repel wild animals like deer and rabbits. To create a stronger repellant, you can crush lavender or extract its essential oil.
Catnip
Also known as catmint, catnip is an unexpectedly strong mosquito repellent. Some say its essential oil is about ten times more effective than DEET. However, this plant grows like a weed, so unless you’re also using it for a cat’s benefit, it may not be worth the trouble.It’s easy to take care of but it can quickly start to invade other areas of the yard or garden.
Citronella Grass
Chances are, you’ve heard of citronella as a mosquito repellent. Sometimes you’ll find “citronella plants” that are actually citronella scented geraniums, which do not repel these pests. Look for clump-forming perennial grass with reddish pseudostems. These plants grow best with filtered sunlight and when watered every day. Crushing the plant and rubbing the oils directly on the skin provides the strongest repellent effect.
Basil
Just like in the kitchen, basil has many ways of repelling mosquitoes. The pungent smell of the plant keeps mosquitoes and flies away. When shredded and tossed around, the odor comes out even more, strengthening its repellent properties. Burning basil, especially lime basil, is extremely effective. To grow basil, keep it damp with good drainage and lots of sun. You can plant it next to flowers or vegetables with similar requirements in order to keep pests away from them.
If mosquitoes are bugging you, reach out to the Des Moines mosquito control experts at Pro-Staff. Give us a call at 515-279-7378 or contact us online for a free quote.