During warmer months, mosquito activity intensifies, making outdoor activities more susceptible to their bothersome presence. There are many tips and tricks for repelling mosquitoes naturally, but do they really work? Many people rely on mosquito-repellent plants to keep their mosquito problem at bay, but this method only provides moderate and short-term relief from mosquitoes.
Mosquito Repellent Plants
There are a number of plants advertised as “mosquito-repelling” but most of them are not. Here are a few strongly scented plants that actually have some mosquito-repellent properties when used correctly:
- Lemon Grass & Citronella Grass have mosquito-repelling abilities because of the citronella oil inside their leaves.
- Lemon Thyme & Lemon Balm both give off a citrusy scent that mosquitoes do not like.
- Lavender is known for its strong scent that can repel mosquitoes and a number of other insects.
- Basil is one of the most strong-smelling herbs and naturally gives off a strong scent that repels mosquitoes.
Do Mosquito-Repellent Plants Actually Work?
Mosquitoes are attracted to humans because of the carbon dioxide they emit. Mosquitoes are also attracted to the smell of the substances our bodies release when we sweat. Mosquitoes rely on their senses to find their next meal and can sense exhaled carbon dioxide from more than 30 feet away.
The strong scents produced by these plants can block the scent receptor that mosquitoes use to find their targets, but it is not a guaranteed method to keep mosquitoes away.
The essential oils in a plant’s leaves produce the scents used to repel mosquitoes, however, simply having these plants in your garden is not going to act as an effective, long-lasting mosquito repellant.
If you want to use plants as a mosquito repelling method, it’s best to pinch off a few leaves and crush them to release their oils, then rub the leaves on your skin.
Remember that while natural methods can be a useful addition to your mosquito control strategy, they likely will not provide complete protection, especially in areas with high mosquito populations. For complete mosquito control, consider combining natural methods with professional eco-friendly botanical sprays.
Eco-Friendly Mosquito Control
If you are looking for a mosquito control solution that is not harmful to the environment, MissQuito offers an eco-friendly mosquito control treatment that utilizes a botanical spray to repel mosquitoes around your home.
By choosing an eco-friendly mosquito spray like MissQuito’s, homeowners can contribute to protecting the environment while still effectively managing mosquito populations around their homes.
Remember that alongside professional treatments, homeowners can also take other measures to reduce mosquito populations, such as frequently removing standing water around their homes where mosquitoes breed.