Although summer is arguably the best time of year to be out in the garden, it does have its drawbacks. Summertime is when the mosquito season starts to peak and the chances of being bitten are more frequent. So along with topping up your tan in your garden (we can all hope!) you can also expect to find yourself as a free all-you-can-eat buffet for mosquitoes and midges.
Have no fear help could be at hand in your own garden, to prevent mosquitoes from ruining your summer. It seems certain plants have the ability to help repel mosquitoes. However, although some species of plants can deter these insects to some extent, they are not a foolproof solution for preventing biting insects.
How can plants deter mosquitoes?
Those aromatic fragrances we appreciate from our plants, mosquitoes aren’t really so fond of them. They might not seem strong to us, but the aromatic oils found in the leaves of plants actually help to both repel mosquitoes and mask the scent that people produce, that makes us so attractive to them.
What plants help to repel mosquitoes?
So to help keep your summer as mosquito free as possible, use these plants in your home and garden to help ward off these biting insects. As mentioned earlier, although they can help reduce mosquitoes and mosquito bites, don’t expect them to be 100% effective.
Citronella
If you’ve ever googled “how to get rid of mosquitoes” you’ll have come across numerous articles about using citronella products to deter them. Some research has shown that the aroma from citronella plants can help repel mosquitoes. However, this only works to a certain extent. You would need to immerse yourself in a ‘jungle’ of citronella plants for this to be a 100% effective solution!
Basil
Basil makes great pesto, but did you know it can also help repel mosquitoes? Certain chemicals found in basil plants are known to work at keeping mosquitoes at bay. Although it may seem like a heavenly smell to us, is something quite unpleasant to biting insects. Recent research suggests that basil (Ocimum basilicum) contains four mosquito repelling substances – estragole, citronellal, limonene and nerolidol. However, as with all plant extracts, basil is not a 100% guaranteed fix for a mosquito problem.
Catnip
Catnip is related to the mint plant. It is used as a natural mosquito repellent as it contains the chemical nepetalactone. However, this chemical is also the reason why cats love it so much. So be careful; although this plant might help to repel mosquitoes you might also end up with a gathering of cats and have a little more cleaning up to do in your garden.
Marigolds
Marigolds are easy-to-grow flowers, believed to be effective in repelling mosquitoes. It is argued that their scent, and its essential oils, helps to not only keep your home and garden safe from mosquitoes but aphids too!
Lavender
Who doesn’t love the smell of lavender, but did you know this fragrant herb belongs to the mint family Lamiacea? Well, it turns out mosquitoes don’t like it much. It’s hard to believe that a scent that is used in a range of products from hand lotion to washing powder is detested by mosquitoes; it is also believed to even hinder their ability to smell us.
How to get rid of mosquitoes
Although plants do have the ability to help deter mosquitoes to varying degrees, they are not a total solution. Complete mosquito and midge control is virtually impossible outdoors, as they can breed in any wet/damp areas, in the smallest amount of water.
The best way to keep your property safe from mosquitoes is by enlisting the help of a pest control professional. The use of fly screens will help prevent mosquitoes entering your property. If you are worried about controlling mosquitoes, contact Rentokil.
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