Another well-liked plant for repelling mosquitoes is scented geraniums. The preferred aroma appears to be lemon-scented, which is reminiscent of citronella grass, and is recommended by PlantShed, BBG, and NYBG. Numerous pests are deterred by the potent scent. These quickly expanding plants prefer warm, sunny, dry environments, but if you live in a region with a chilly temperature, you can grow them in planters with regular pruning. Learn more about geranium cultivation.
Are all geraniums mosquito-repellent?
Like all living things, mosquitoes are drawn to surroundings with the resources they require to survive. And certain plants fall into this category. Unbelievably, mosquitoes don’t survive on sucking animal blood (only the females bite, and they feed the blood to their eggs). Mosquitoes consume the nectar of a variety of plants as adults, including taro, papyrus, water lilies, and water hyacinths. So clearing such plants out of your yard can be beneficial.
The presence of standing water or other environmental factors, such as these, has a much greater impact on whether you have a mosquito problem. Here are 28 strategies for reducing mosquito populations, including advice on how to make your yard less of a home for the pesky insects.
And it’s true that some plants have a way of deterring mosquitoes. Mosquitoes locate humans and other animals to bite in part by detecting their body heat and motion, but they do so mostly by “smelling” the carbon dioxide that is released from our pores. Some plants actually smell strongly enough to be able to hide your fragrance and/or confuse the mosquitoes, as opposed to typical sprays that include DEET and other mosquito repellants, which operate by making your skin uncomfortable for them to settle on.
However, these plants don’t only spread that odor around the yard! You usually need to take a few of the leaves, smash them up a little, and massage them on your arms and legs to get the mosquito-repelling effect. This is a bit of a non-starter for anyone who might be sensitive or have skin sensitivities. Additionally, this might not be effective enough to make a difference for some people who are very attractive to bites. But these plants really make a difference and leave you smelling wonderful for many people who are looking for more natural mosquito cures and don’t have allergies. What could be disliked about that?
Here are a dozen plants that are not only attractive but also beneficial in the ongoing battle against insect attacks.
Although this specific variety of geranium (formerly known as Pelargonium citrosum), which produces and has a citronella-like scent, can deter insects, not all geraniums do.
Despite not being the most effective deterrent, these purple beauties (Ageratum houstounianum) emit a smell that repels insects, according to SFGate. However, hummingbirds and butterflies adore their aromatic blossoms.
Essential oils and extracts from Cintronella plants, which were once used as a perfume, have proven to be so successful at repelling mosquitoes that they are now a common component in many commercial repellents.
This member of the mint family has a pleasant scent, is good for you, and its oils can get rid of any bugs that may be hiding.
High concentrations of the bug-repelling substance are present in this plant’s potent lemon fragrance, but in a more palatable form. (However, because it is an invasive species, it is preferable to cultivate it in containers.)
Although it may be difficult to believe given how divine the perfume is to us humans, mosquitoes absolutely detest the aroma of this herb. Plant the lavandin variety, which contains a lot of camphor, to keep insects at bay. In addition, it deters insects and moths.
Catnip may be beloved by cats, but it repels mosquitoes. It includes a substance called nepetalactone, which is related to mint and is both a cat attractant and an insect repellent.
In addition to providing your food a flavor boost, putting a pot of basil on your picnic table will help keep the bugs away because it’s one of the few plants that has a strong enough aroma to deter insects without the need for crushing the leaves. Basil essential oil is hazardous to mosquito larvae, according to a 2009 study.
Mosquitoes can be deterred with the use of mint leaves. Bonus: Mint essential oils can relieve itching caused by insect bites.
This perennial, also called “Mosquito Repellant Plant,” is highly promoted as an effective insect deterrent. It can’t hurt to plant some near your porch, even though some studies indicates that this plant may not be the best at warding off biting insects.
S’mores being roasted around the bonfire? Perhaps you should add some sage to the fire. Those annoying animals will stay away thanks to the fragrant smoke. (Rosemary also functions.)
These vibrant and aromatic blooms not only look lovely, but they also keep insects away. Since they contain pyrethrum, a component of many insect repellents, they also deter other insects.
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Which variety of geranium wards off mosquitoes?
The citronella plant said to have a mosquito-repelling function is Pelargonium citrosum, sometimes referred to as the mosquito geranium.
Citronella geranium is so named because the citrus scent released by the plant’s leaves is strikingly similar to that of citronella grass.
Here are some of the maintenance requirements for this plant if you’re considering adding it to your collection of geraniums:
- can be grown in a garden or inside. It can grow outside year-round in USDA zones 9 to 11, but in other regions, it must be brought indoors for the winter or overwintered in a cool but frost-free storage space.
- It produces pink or magenta flowers and has deeply lobed, lacy leaves.
- It will also thrive in some shade, however it prefers to spend around six hours a day in direct sunlight.
- Water only when the potting material begins to dry up because it is not very tolerant of being overwatered and is only moderately drought tolerant.
What kind of plant repels mosquitoes the best?
Certain plant oils can aid in mosquito repulsion. Because of this, it may be advantageous to grow a garden with a variety of plants that can help in the production of mosquito repellents. Several notable plants are:
- Citronella. This leafy plant, which is frequently referred to as “mosquito plants” at big-box stores, is actually a variety of geranium. However, citronella grass is the best source for extracting citronella oil.
- Lavender. Because mosquitoes are prevented from locating hosts by the aromatic scent of lavender oil, it can assist to repel them.
- Marigolds. Mosquitoes are repelled by the aroma that marigolds give off. They make a wonderful addition to a garden because they are simple to grow and guard against pests like aphids and whiteflies.
- basil, thyme, and rosemary. Similar to lavender and marigolds, these fragrant herbs give off a scent that deters mosquitoes on their own.
Do Mosquitoes Feed on Nectar from Plants?
Mosquitoes generally rely on plant nectar rather than blood to survive. Male mosquitoes only consume nectar, plant sap, and honeydew as food; they never consume blood. Only blood is consumed by female mosquitoes in order to prepare their bodies for reproduction. Therefore, mosquitoes in your garden, like many other insects, rely mostly on nectar from flowering plants to survive.
What Scents Actively Deter Mosquitoes?
Female mosquitoes detect carbon dioxide emissions, which are emitted when individuals exhale, using their excellent sense of smell. This means that strong odors and various types of aromas can deter mosquitoes by confounding them. In Lubbock, Texas, citronella candles, perfumes, and other items with natural scents will protect you against mosquito stings in your yard or home.
Geraniums deter from what?
Numerous insects are deterred by geranium. They can be enjoyed in your yard in the mornings and nights because they can be grown in a garden and are mosquito-repellent. In many natural over-the-counter insect repellent products, geranium extract is a common ingredient because it is said to repel mosquitoes as well. According to Golden Harvest Organics’ companion plants guide, geranium plants are frequently used as companion plants for many fruits and vegetables, including tomatoes and cabbage, as well as next to roses. When planted in flower beds, geranium plants also repel common pests that can harm plants, such as beetles.
Which pests do geraniums fend off?
Many vegetables, flowers, and herbs have potent smells that make them excellent companion plants for pest control that is done naturally.
- 1.Basil: This simple-to-grow culinary plant also works as a mosquito and housefly repellant. To create a barrier of protection surrounding patios, grow basil in pots and arrange them there.
- 2. Bay leaf: A slow-growing plant that serves as an insect repellant and is frequently used in soups and stews. Moreover, cockroaches, ants, and flies are deterred by bay leaves. You can buy bay leaves at the grocery store and scatter the leaves’ fragments about sections of your garden that are prone to pest infestation as an alternative to planting your own bay leaf plant.
- 3.Chives: This allium plant keeps rabbits, Japanese beetles, carrot flies, aphids, mites, and other pests away from your garden.
- 4. Chrysanthemums: Chrysanthemums are an efficient way to ward off bothersome insects like fleas, bedbugs, roaches, ants, silverfish, and spider mites because they naturally contain pyrethrum, a substance that is present in many synthetic insect repellents.
- 5.Dill: Growing dill in your vegetable garden will keep pests like aphids, squash bugs, and spider mites away. A word of caution: Keep dill away from your tomato plants as it is known to attract tomato hornworms.
- 6.Garlic: This aromatic allium plant serves as a deterrent to aphids, cabbage worms, carrot flies, and slugs.
- 7.Geraniums: Popular for flower beds and hanging baskets, geraniums are an iconic flower that keep many insects away, such as mosquitoes and leafhoppers.
- 8.Lemongrass: Herbal teas frequently contain this lovely, tall-growing ornamental grass. It has citronella oil, which has a pleasant scent and deters mosquitoes.
- 9.Lemon thyme: This herb, which is frequently planted for culinary purposes, discourages insects. Additionally, its tiny flowers draw bees, which aid in the fertilization of nearby plants.
- 10.Marigolds: The scent of marigolds keeps bunnies, aphids, and insects at bay.
- 11.Mint: Other plants in the mint family, such as sage, peppermint, hyssop, lemon balm, oregano, and catnip, also contain essential oils that are effective insect repellents. According to studies, catnip essential oils are more efficient than the chemical DEET, which is present in the majority of synthetic insect repellents, at keeping mosquitoes away. Find out here how to plant mint in your backyard garden.
- Nasturtiums are referred to as “trap crops” because they draw bugs to their own leaves rather than repelling them. As a result, pests like cabbage moths and aphids will target nasturtiums rather than crops like beans, tomatoes, and cabbage. Because of this, nasturtiums are a common flower to grow as a border for vegetable gardens.
- 13.Parsley: This vibrantly green biennial herb is used as a favorite culinary garnish and also works well to ward off asparagus pests. Here is information on growing parsley in your garden.
- 14.Petunias: These colorful flowers can brighten up any flower area and are useful for preventing aphids, tomato hornworms, and asparagus bugs. Petunias don’t deter these pests; instead, they capture them in their sticky stamens, where they eventually die without doing any damage to your plants.
- 15. Thyme: Thyme is occasionally used medicinally, and its essential oils are an excellent all-natural approach to ward off pests like maize earworms, tomato hornworms, whiteflies, and cabbage loopers.
How can I naturally keep mosquitoes away from my patio?
For mosquito eggs to hatch, there must be standing water. Standing water is the larval habitat. Therefore, mosquitoes cannot breed in the absence of standing water. On the other hand, the presence of standing water will draw adult mosquitoes looking for a location to lay their eggs in addition to provide a home for baby mosquitoes.
Find any containers or kid-sized toys that may be holding water and dump them out. When not in use, flip containers upside down to prevent rainwater accumulation. Check your gutters as well. You may need to clean out your gutters if they are clogged, or you may only need to adjust the angle to ensure appropriate drainage.
Fix the Drainage
The water that collects on your deck is simple to remove. However, you are not doing yourself any favors if there is standing water under your deck. You have a few options if water is collecting under your deck. Put sand under the deck to see if there are any little puddles there. Since the sand will absorb the water, mosquitoes won’t be able to deposit their eggs in the puddles. A drainage system might need to be installed if there are larger puddles. To remove standing water under a deck, a french drain can be effective.
Treat Standing Water
There are various solutions available if there is standing water on your deck that cannot be drained. An illustration would be a birdbath. alternatively, a water feature. Since you won’t be emptying these, you may either use a fountain to make the water flowing or mosquito dunks or bits to treat the water. The water will be sufficiently moved by a fountain to be uninhabitable for mosquito eggs. Products like mosquito dunks and bits introduce a bacterium into standing water that kills mosquito larvae.
Clear Out Clogged Gutters
There is one more area to examine if you believe you have removed all of the standing water from your deck. You might not notice standing water in the gutters above your deck. You must go in and clear those gutters if that is the case. Any area with standing water is a haven for mosquitoes and their eggs.
Install a Fan (or Two)
Mozzies prefer still air. In fact, they struggle to fly in breezes faster than 2 mph. However, going outside doesn’t need you to wait for a windy day. It will be more difficult for mosquitoes to fly around your deck or porch if you install an oscillating fan (or two). The fans will also keep you cool during Georgia’s sweltering summers.
Plant Mosquito Repellent Plants
This one raises some doubts. However, some plants have a reputation for keeping insects away. Some of these potent-smelling plants may aid in deterring mosquitoes since they primarily locate their meal by scent. Lemongrass, mint, rosemary, and citronella are a few recommended plants. Make sure the containers you choose to plant them have adequate drainage. More standing water is the last thing you need. Even if this approach is somewhat dubious, you have nothing to lose by attempting it. Your deck will at least smell good!
Mow the Lawn
Keeping your grass clean is only one benefit of mowing the lawn. It may also aid in repelling mosquitoes. Mosquitoes frequently slouch in tall grass, dense shrubs, and wooded areas. The less hiding places mosquitoes have, the better. Keep your grass short and your plants clipped. This is crucial if your yard backs up to a forest or a slow-moving brook. You want the mosquitoes to stay away from your well-kept grass and toward the woods and the still water.
Burn Some Incense
This is dependent on the mosquitoes’ sense of smell, just like growing plants that repel mosquitoes. There are vendors who offer specific incense designed to keep mosquitoes away. According to legend, the smoke repels mosquitoes since it is so unpleasant to them. Although we are unsure of how effectively they function, it is worth a try.
Attract Birds and Bats
The natural predators of mosquitoes include birds and bats. Birds and bats can help reduce mosquito numbers in your yard since they both eat mosquitoes. With feeders or bird and bat houses, you can draw birds and bats. Just make sure that there isn’t any standing water in the housing and feeders. As usual, anything that causes more standing water is not an effective mosquito repellent.
Burn Citronella
Using citronella candles or torches will provide localized, temporary relief from mosquitoes. While you enjoy a meal, placing a blazing candle on or next to the table may help keep certain insects away. The mosquito population won’t truly decrease as a result of this, but it may temporarily keep them away from you.
Going all out and attempting to construct a citronella wall is one technique to utilize citronella. Place the citronella candles 6 to 8 feet apart around the perimeter of your deck or porch. You can space them 2 to 3 feet apart if there are a lot of mosquitoes present. According to the hypothesis, doing this will build a barrier of insect repellant that mosquitoes won’t be able to penetrate to reach your deck. Again, we are unsure of this’s efficacy, and the smoke might be unpleasant. However, you can try this at your own risk if you feel like going to war with the local mosquito population.
Break out the DEET
Although it won’t actually stop them, this will keep mosquitoes away from your deck or porch and away from you. The World Health Organization strongly supports DEET as a mosquito repellent with high effectiveness. With billions of users since its creation by the American Army in 1944, it is tested and true. Picaridin is a more recent repellant that is also advised by health groups.
Install Screens
Although this is a bit extreme, it can be worthwhile if you are simply sick of mosquitoes. The most expensive alternative is to screen in a porch. However, it can prevent bugs like mosquitoes from entering your personal area. Install screening beneath the deck floor if you are enclosing a deck to prevent mosquitoes from flying up between the deck panels.
Get Professional Mosquito Control
Installing a robotic misting system for mosquitoes is Mr. Mister’s second option for ridding your property of them. This device releases a regular mist of mosquito repellent automatically, much like a sprinkler system. By doing this, you won’t need to make follow-up visits and your property will be free of mosquitoes all season.