Herbs deter mosquitoes in a variety of ways. Lavender, for example, has an aromatic scent that is highly repellent to many insects. In addition to its strong fragrance, lavender is also an effective insecticide. Dried lavender flowers are also great deterrents. Rosemary also helps to repel mosquitoes by giving off smoke that the insects can’t stand.
Another herb that repels mosquitoes is sage, a perennial that grows in full sun. Its strong aroma can keep mosquitoes away for hours. In addition to its insect repelling properties, sage is also commonly used for spiritual cleansing and is often burned as part of rituals. If you grow sage in your garden, it will be an excellent mosquito repellent. You can divide the plants every few years to keep them in good shape.
Another effective plant to repel mosquitoes is mint. This herb has a strong scent and can be grown in containers or in the ground. You can also make a tea from its leaves, which can help you sleep. Lemon balm and marigold plants should be grown in a partially shaded area. Make sure to water them sparingly so they can dry out and produce their fragrance.
While many plants have repelling qualities, some plants have a better effect on specific types of mosquitoes. You can use crushed, dried, or infused leaves of these plants directly on your skin or clothing to repel mosquitoes. Some plants have a stronger effect than others, so it’s important to check with your dermatologist before applying them to your skin.
Some herbs have essential oils that repel mosquitoes. They can be added to bug sprays or placed in outdoor containers. These plants also help keep your home pest-free. If you don’t want to spend a lot of money, you can also try making your own insect repellent candles or bug sprays.
Some people believe that garlic can keep mosquitoes away. This may not be true, but it can keep vampires and mosquitoes away. While garlic is an effective insect repellent, it is not a pleasant smell for humans. Lavender is a much more pleasant scent, and will give your outdoor spaces a subtle mosquito shield.
Another plant that repels mosquitoes is catnip. This plant grows wild in the US, and contains nepetalactone, a powerful essential oil. It is 10 times more effective than DEET, the main ingredient of commercially available insect repellents. However, the exact mechanism by which it works against mosquitoes is not understood. It may simply act as an irritant.
Lavender is one of the oldest and most effective herbs for repelling mosquitoes. Not only does it smell pleasant to humans, but it is toxic to mosquitoes and other insects. Lavender also adds to the beauty of patios and container gardens.
