Mosquitoes do not like certain smells, therefore plants such as citronella, lavender and mint can prove to be your best green allies. But if you expect miracles, you would do better to read until the end. However, these plants keep mosquitoes away.
An evening on the terrace, a pleasant company, a fresh drink … and then a noisy guest arrives and ruins the moment: a mosquito. An eternal summer annoyance that not only stings, but can also transmit diseases. Solution? Chemical spray like Raid They are effective, but more and more people turn to natural alternatives, in particular plants that with their perfume keep mosquitoes away. Are they really effective? Let’s find out seven plants that promise a more serene summer. These plants keep mosquitoes away! Of course, it is no longer ecological than spray paint, but it is certainly more ecological and sustainable. Plant these plants in your garden.
Citronella – The queen of repellents
Citronella, also known as Lemongrass, emanates a strong smell of citrus that confuses and rejects the mosquitoes. It can be grown in larger pots, as it needs heat, filtered sun and frequent watering. Rating the leaves between the fingers, an oil is released that acts as a natural repellent. But be careful: protection is not lasting and requires a regular “perfume” renewal. And these plants keep mosquitoes decidedly far away!
Lavender – Viola Protector
Lavender is not only beautiful and fragrant, but it is also unpleasant for mosquitoes. Its perfume rejects them, but at the same time relaxes you. Plain it in a sunny place, water it one or twice a week and space the seedlings sufficiently so that they can grow well. Lavender is also perfect for creating table bouquet or natural incense.
Citronella – Left / Lavender – Right
Calendula – A flower that is serious
Calendules are much more than a simple decoration. Contains natural substances that act against insects, including mosquitoes. It does not need many care, loves the sun and blooms for a long time and abundantly. Although it is not the most effective repellent alone, it is excellent as part of combined protection and it is also a joy for the eyes.
Peppers: edible and useful
The Capuchins are beautiful to see, edible and, with their spicy smell, keep mosquitoes slightly far away. Although the scientific evidence of their effectiveness are not numerous, many gardeners recommend them. They are an excellent choice for the garden, as they attract pollinators and reject parasites. Plan them along the edges of the garden or next to the living areas.
Rosmarino – A herb with two roles
Rosemary is an extremely resistant and fragrant shrub which thrives even in drought conditions. Its perfume keeps mosquitoes away, but it is also a perfect addition for a barbecue. You can also throw a sprig of rosemary into the fire: the smoke that will release will be unpleasant for insects and pleasant for the palate.
Basil, the queen of cuisine and garden
Basil is not only the king of Italian cuisine: mosquitoes don’t even like it. Fresh leaves contain substances that disturb adult larvae and mosquitoes. It grows quickly, loves the heat and the sun and requires regular watering. It is perfect for balcony vases: practical and protective at the same time. And these plants keep mosquitoes decidedly far away!
See also
Mint – First aid for colds
Mint contains menthol, which gives a characteristic fresh smell, unpleasant to mosquitoes. It grows very quickly, so it is better to grow it in pots to prevent it from taking over on the garden space. It is also useful in the kitchen, in tea, in environments deodorants and as aromatic protection: rub a leaf on the skin or put it in a jar on the table.
Are plants really better than chemical sprays?
In short, not necessarily. Chemical sprays, in particular those containing Deet, guarantee more lasting and reliable protection. Plants act locally and for a short period of time, usually near each other. However, plants have many advantages: they do not pollute the environment, they are safer for people and pets (even if you have to pay attention to lavender in the presence of dogs and cats) and do not disturb the pollinators. They constitute an aesthetic and functional part of the home garden, for this reason it is worth including them in your daily protection.
Practical advice for the use of plants
- Pine them near the sofas, windows, entrances and patios.
- Use them also fresh: rub the leaves or use them to create scented compositions.
- Mint and basil are excellent in the kitchen, while lavender is perfect in the bathroom.
- Rosemary and lemongrass release a strong repellent smell when they are grilled or lit on the fire.
- Do not forget to eliminate stagnant water from the garden: there is nothing that attracts the mosquitoes more.
Conclusion
Plants are not a miracle, but represent an exceptional part of holistic protection. They will not protect you effectively such as chemical sprays, but will make your home more pleasant, more fragrant and more respectful of the environment. The best results are obtained by combining plants, retinals, suitable clothing and, if necessary, effective repellent. And if they do not keep all mosquitoes away, at least they will rejoice your evening in the garden. And these plants keep mosquitoes decidedly far away!
