The fragrant scent of the lilac heralds the arrival of spring for both humans and a plethora of insects. The lavender blossoms of this sun-loving shrub draw more than just bees and butterflies. Its stems and leaves are a favorite food source for destructive insects including lilac borers and leaf miners. Lilacs come in hundreds of varieties and are found in Sunset’s Climate Zones A1 or 11 and 14 or 16. Lilacs are a part of the Syringa species.
Do lilacs appeal to mosquitoes?
Nonanal and lilac aldehyde were discovered to attract mosquitoes from other places, including Anopheles stephensi, a malaria vector, and Aedes aegypti, which is known to transmit dengue, Zika, yellow fever, and other viral diseases.
What types of insects does lavender drive away?
The biting insects grow as spring and summer do! Can plants truly keep mosquitoes and other bothersome insects out of the garden on their own? Here are the scientific findings and a list of plants that actually repel insects.
Given the prevalence of mosquito-borne illnesses including West Nile, Eastern Equine Encephalitis, and Dengue, mosquitoes are more than just a nuisance. Not just mosquitoes can ruin an outdoor activity; gnats, biting flies, ants, and other pests can as well.
Do Mosquito-Repellent Plants Really Work?
Mosquitoes and other stinging insects hunt for their prey based on the aromas and gases we exhale, like sweat, carbon dioxide, and smelly feet, to mention a few. The carbon dioxide in our breath, for instance, can draw mosquitoes from up to 150 feet away.
Fortunately, certain popular garden plants create strong aromas that can block the scent receptors that bugs use to locate us, but simply having highly fragrant plants in your garden won’t keep the bugs away. The aroma of a plant typically needs to be much stronger and more concentrated in order to deter pests from following you.
It’s All in the Oils
Release of the essential oils from a plant’s leaves is necessary to provide a perfume that is sufficiently potent to repel insects. In fact, it is these oils that have an insect-repelling effect. The greatest ways to liberate their oils are by crushing the leaf or burning plant sprigs.
When you’re working in the garden at home, it’s easiest to smash the leaves and apply them topically. The easiest way to repel mosquitoes is to simply pinch off a few leaves, crush them in your hands to release their essential oils, and then apply the crushed leaves on your skin.
(WARNING: If you have allergies, test the crushed leaves on a tiny patch of the bottom of an arm or leg before using them elsewhere. Direct contact with the oils of some plants may irritate the skin.)
It’s crucial to remember that while some plants may in fact repel insects, applying them as recommended below won’t have the same impact as commercial insect repellents, which have been designed for durability and effectiveness. The majority of the time, utilizing a plant’s leaves will only offer minimal protection for a brief amount of time. As a general guideline, if you can’t smell the aroma on yourself any longer, it’s most likely no longer working to keep the bugs away!
Which Plants Have Insect-Repelling Properties?
Several plants classified as “In reality, they are not insect-repelling. Specifically, the so-called “mosquito plant, Pelargonium citrosum, has shown little to no evidence of repelling mosquitoes, despite its name and pleasantly lemon-scented leaves.
Here are a few fragrant plants that, when handled properly, actually have insect-repelling properties:
- Citronella oil found in the leaves of lemon grass (Cymbopogon citratus) and citronella grass (C. nardus) has been shown to have mosquito-repelling properties. To keep against biting insects, the leaves can be crushed and applied to naked skin. Tall tropical grasses like lemon grass, citronella grass, and other perennials can only be grown in frost-free regions; people who live in colder areas must maintain these plants in containers and bring them inside in the fall.
- Another citrus-scented herb that works as a topical insect repellant is lemon thyme (Thymus citriodorus). Lemon thyme sprigs can be burned (on an outside grill, for instance) to repel pesky insects from the surrounding area.
- Like lemon thyme, lemon balm (Melissa officinalis) has an unpleasant aroma to insects. Utilize topically. Lemon balm belongs to the mint family, therefore if you want to plant it, keep it in a container to prevent it from growing out of control.
- Moths, flies, fleas, and mosquitoes can be repelled by lavender thanks to its potent aroma. To keep bugs out, hang fresh or dried flowers around the house or stuff them into your clothing. Here is a recipe for lavendar sachets.
- Garlic deters vampires more effectively. However, the cloves must be applied to the skin in order to be effective against bugs, which may make them more repulsive to people than to insects. (Unfortunately, eating garlic hasn’t been found to repel bugs.)
- A picnic may not be ruined by flies and mosquitoes thanks to rosemary. Throw a few rosemary sprigs on the grill if the mosquitoes are extremely bad, and the fragrant smoke will help keep the mosquitoes away.
- Basil (Ocimum basilicum) is a culinary herb that also serves as a mosquito and fly deterrent. One of the most potent plants, it emits a potent aroma even when the leaves aren’t crushed. Basil is your best option if you’re searching for an insect-repelling plant that you can “set and forget.”
- Nepetalactone, a component of catnip (Nepeta cataria), has been demonstrated in laboratory tests to be even more effective at repelling mosquitoes than DEET. You shouldn’t rely on catnip to keep mosquitoes away because crushed leaves applied topically proved to have little to no insect-repelling impact.
We are confident that there are additional plants with a reputation for keeping insects away, but we wouldn’t rely just on these few plants to keep our yards bug-free. Eliminating any standing water where mosquito larvae may be dwelling is one of the most efficient ways to reduce the mosquito population.
Basil
Although we all enjoy the scent of basil, flies, moths, and mosquitoes do not. Use basil to keep flies and moths away from your garden, and crush some leaves to rub on your skin to keep mosquitoes away as you work in the garden.
Mint
Another effective repellant for mosquitoes is mint, but you should use it with caution because it spreads quickly and might take over a planting. Place it close to doorways and plant it in pots.
Lemongrass
Citronella, one of the most well-known natural repellents and an alternative to synthetic repellents like DEET, is abundant in this lovely grassy plant. Rub the skin after crushing the leaves (test a small area first). Will they naturally ward off insects?
Alliums
This onion family member is recognized for its long spikes that produce enormous balls of purple blooms (although there are also smaller varieties). Alliums are one of the best defenses against a variety of pests, including cabbage worms, aphids, carrot flies, and slugs, as they dislike the smell.
Chrysanthemums
To deter bedbugs, fleas, lice, roaches, ants, and other pests from entering your home, grow these flowers along the perimeter. These plants naturally contain the pesticide pyrethrin. Ticks, spider mites, Japanese beetles, and other garden pests are repelled by them. Try making this homemade pesticide!
Petunias
Simply place petunias close to brassicas (cruciferous vegetables), beans, basil, tomatoes, grapes, corn, and peppers to help them ward off leafhoppers, squash bugs, tomato hornworms, and aphids. When this organic insect repellent is planted close by, roses benefit as well.
Marigolds
The marigold is one of the best-known plants for repelling insects, and for good reason—it has a smell that deters pests like mosquitoes and nematodes like cabbage worms. To draw beneficial insects that attack and eliminate aphids, use marigolds. Aphids are a favorite food of ladybugs.
Mosquito Plant
As a member of the geranium family, the mosquito plant (also known as citrosa geraniums or Pelargonium citrosum) is a lovely tropical plant with lacy green foliage and lovely flowers. It is renowned for the citrus scent that emanates from the leaf oils. Although these are attractive plants to grow in the backyard, if you want to use them to keep pests out of your yard, you’ll need to crush the leaves in order to get any bug-repelling characteristics. The effects only persist for approximately 30 minutes, which is unfortunate.
Plants that deter pests can be fragrant and attractive. To control the number of bugs in your garden, try planting a handful of these.
Why do insects despise lavender?
It’s critical to take precautions against mosquitoes, ticks, and other bothersome insects. In the end, preventing mosquito bites isn’t only about avoiding itchy bites; it’s also about lowering your chance of getting Zika or Lyme illness. Fortunately, lavender oil can be useful. This is so because lavender includes linalool, a non-toxic substance used in numerous pest control solutions. Lavender frequently scares off spiders, ants, and fleas in addition to mosquitoes and ticks.
Bonus: Lavender not only serves as a natural insect repellent, but it also has anti-inflammatory properties that will lessen the pain associated with insect bites. The oil can be directly applied to bites, and it works particularly well for bites from fire ants, bee stings, and spiders.
Apply a few tiny drops of lavender directly to your skin to avoid insect bites. If you have sensitive skin, you can also add a carrier oil (such as jojoba, sweet apricot, almond, or sesame oil) to diluted the essential oil. You might also add a tiny bit of lavender oil to your regular body moisturizer or lotion. Plant lavender in your yard to keep insects away from your home and purchase lavender sachets, pillows, or another dried lavender product if you’d rather not apply anything directly to your skin.
Rosemary
Rosemary repels mosquitoes, making it one of your go-to oils for lake and hiking activities. Numerous studies have shown that this aroma is also ideal if you feel like you need extra energy and a fast “brain refresh,
Thyme
In one study, the mosquito-repelling abilities of thyme even outperformed those of DEET. Additionally, this essential oil aids with tick and chigger repellent. Thyme has long been utilized in various traditional medicines because of its potent antibacterial qualities.
Citronella
Wearing this citrus, grassy-floral smell will deter insects and fleas. Just bear in mind that compared to a repellent containing DEET, you’ll need to reapply it more frequently during the day. To keep moths and cockroaches away, you can also hang citronella-infused sachets from your closet and kitchen.
Sage
This herb has a distinctively energizing aroma that many people have described as restorative and purifying. Numerous studies have demonstrated clary sage’s unique antimicrobial and mood-enhancing effects. You can wear sage essential oil to ward off insects, such as ticks, chiggers, and flies.
Lavender
The word “relaxation” has come to be associated with lavender in modern culture. This herb supports better sleep, mood, and digestion in all of its forms (tea, topical remedies, etc.). An added benefit of lavender essential oil is that it repels ticks, fleas, flies, and mosquitoes.
Peppermint
Given that it can help keep away ticks, spiders, roaches, moths, flies, fleas, beetles, and ants, peppermint essential oil may be the holy grail of natural insect repellents to use around the openings to your home. Use this oil in sachets next to your windows and doors, or try constructing a diffuser or spray.
Which plants aggravate mosquitoes the most?
Did you know that, according to the pest management business Orkin, the Metro Atlanta region has the worst mosquito population in the United States?
As Gwinnett County enters its busiest mosquito season, I was thrilled to see this wonderful list of 11 unique plants and herbs from Natural Living Ideas that you can grow in pots on your deck or in your garden to naturally deter mosquitoes from swarming around your backyard.
Cinnamon 1.
Most mosquito repellents contain this chemical, one of the most popular ones, so chances are you’ve heard of it before. Strangely enough, though, a surprising number of individuals are unaware that citronella is a plant! Citronella is a lovely perennial clumping grass with a potent scent. Its odour hides other smells and deters insects from being drawn to nearby objects.
The citronella plant is an excellent option because it has a much stronger scent than other citronella-containing insect repellents. Citronella grows quickly and easily, reaching heights of up to 5 or 6 feet! Citronella can be grown in pots and scattered over a patio or porch, or it can be planted directly in a garden bed or yard. It’s a fantastic option for naturally warding off mosquitoes.
Citrus balm
Even if you don’t have a green thumb, you may easily cultivate the plant known as horsemint and beebalm, which is a member of the mint family. Lemon balm is a fairly hardy plant that thrives in shade and tolerates drought.
As a result of its rapid growth and somewhat aggressive nature, you may wish to keep it in a pot that you can move to wherever you like to prevent it from encroaching on your landscape. an extra benefit? The dried leaves can be used to create a delightful herbal tea.
Catnip 3.
Your feline buddies will be delighted to learn that catnip does wonders at keeping mosquitoes away!
In fact, a 2010 study indicated that catnip is 10 times more efficient at repelling insects than the conventional bug repellent DEET.
If you have cats in the house, they will undoubtedly appreciate having it nearby as it is a very simple plant to grow. Pinch the developing stems and flower buds as soon as they appear to keep the plants full.
Four) Marigolds
Marigolds are an excellent mosquito deterrent since they are a vibrant, resilient annual plant. Marigolds have a distinctive perfume that repels insects and contain the chemical pyrethrum, which is used in many insect repellents.
The blooms themselves are lovely and may be used to decorate any flower garden or add a border to it. Mosquitoes may not want to cross your home’s borders if you try placing them there!
Best Practice: Plant marigolds beside tomatoes. They are so despised by insects that they will avoid your favorite tomatoes.
5. Basil
All chefs are needed! Want to protect yourself from mosquitoes twice as effectively? Develop some basil. In addition to having a simple and quick insect repellant on hand, you will also have a mouthwatering fresh herb to add to all of your favorite recipes. (Check out my Easy Pesto Recipe!)
There are numerous varieties of basil available, so feel free to try them all and see which one you prefer.
To discourage insects, many knowledgeable gardeners advise experimenting with lemon basil or cinnamon basil. Additionally, basil is one of the herbs that even the most inexperienced person can maintain.
Lavender 6.
You’re undoubtedly already aware of lavender, a magnificent plant with purple flowers and a peaceful, tranquil aroma. However, did you know that it also functions as a natural insect repellent?
To keep the bugs away, grow it indoors near a window that gets plenty of sunlight or outside in your flowerbed or yard.
While you’re about it, brew a pot of delectable herbal tea or use lavender to give your house a lovely, peaceful scent. Growing lavender has a lot of benefits.
Peppermint 7.
Planting peppermint near your home is an excellent technique to deter insects from paying you an unwelcome visit because they generally dislike its taste and fragrance.
Additionally, peppermint leaves applied straight to the skin work wonders for treating bites if you do manage to get bitten.
The lovely minty aroma that enhances meals and beverages is an added benefit.
(8) Garlic
Studies have revealed that eating garlic does not deter mosquitoes, which is unfortunate for all of us who enjoy Italian cuisine. (Except if you were to consume a lot of food!) Garlic, on the other hand, does!
To further ward off mosquitoes, remember to sprinkle some garlic in your vegetable or flower gardens.
You’ll have a ton of garlic to flavor your food and for its amazing health benefits, in addition to deterring mosquitoes.
Pennyroyal 9.
The sweet pennyroyal flower serves as a natural insect repellent. Plant some around your flowerbeds, if you haven’t already.
Pennyroyal plants grow well as groundcovers and draw a variety of lovely butterflies.
Some individuals even flavor some fish dishes with pennyroyal. As you can see, this plant offers a wide range of advantages.
Rosemary 10.
Did you know that rosemary, a lovely flowering plant that is frequently used to enhance lamb or fish meals, is also a natural mosquito repellent?
It’s ideal to add to your flowerbed or herb garden to deter mosquitoes, and it even draws butterflies!
Additionally, every time you want to give your lamb or steak a little more taste, you can just snip a few springs off.
The geranium
The vibrant blossoms, which are grown in hanging containers, will cascade over the side of the pot, creating a lovely visual piece as well as a very effective mosquito repellent.
Keep in mind that too much watering will cause geraniums’ leaves to yellow and cause the plant to rot. Let the soil get fairly dry before adding further moisture since geraniums can withstand short periods of dry soil far better than long periods of wet dirt. Moreover, avoid wetting the leaves when watering the soil. Your geranium will appreciate it!
Bonus Advice 1:
These plants’ abilities to repel mosquitoes can be enhanced by breaking their leaves and applying their oils to your skin. And just imagine how wonderful you’ll smell! (well, minus the garlic, anyway…)
Bonus Advice #2
Get rid of all standing water in your yard to stop mosquitoes from reproducing there. Everything that could possibly catch even a drop of rain or sprinkler water needs to be relocated or turned over.
In Georgia, there are more than 65 different mosquito species, and some of these plants will be more or less efficient against particular species. However, each of these plants will enhance the beauty of your garden, and some even have culinary uses.