With the nice weather, biting insects also make a comeback… and it doesn’t take long for the itching to arrive! And given that a natural repellent can do just as well (or even better) than candles or a chemical-based insecticide spray, it would be wrong to deprive yourself of it! Then of course, there are repellent essential oils like lemongrass or lemon eucalyptus essential oil. However, you can also more simply chase away mosquitoes by inviting the right plants into your garden or in pots, on your balcony or veranda. Here are some examples of anti-insect plants that these unwanted critters do not tolerate.
Whether it’s plants to keep mosquitoes away or not, avoid stagnant water which attracts mosquitoes and tiger mosquitoes!
1) Lemongrass, one of the best-known plants against mosquitoes!
Elle contains citronellolan organic compound with a strong lemony odor. Its main advantage is that this plant grows very easily, all year round. Moreover, if you are not careful, you could end up with clumps of up to two meters. Moreover, it is also not very capricious: it generally likes all types of soil and tolerates both open ground and a pot. As for the brightness, it is not very particular either: full sun or a more shaded corner will suit it just as well.
2) Lavender plants like in Provence
Its beautiful purple flowers elegantly adorn the garden and are also very effective against mosquitoes. Indeed, its beautiful relaxing smell is the misfortune of these flying insects ! It is also very easy to grow in a window box. This therefore makes it possible to block mosquitoes that would like to enter. You can of course also slide it into your flowerbeds. Just note that lavender prefers poor, stony soils. This soil must also be well drained and very sunny.
3) Basil
It is not one of the first plants that come to mind for fighting mosquitoes. And yet, it is part of the large Lamiaceae family. These are plants very naturally rich in essential oil (lavender, peppermint, thyme, etc.) and their smell therefore annoys these undesirables. There are different varieties, all very effective but with a preference for lemon basil and cinnamon basil which are the most aromatic. For your basil to grow well, provide it with rich, cool soil, in partial shade. You can also invite a pot onto the terrace or against the kitchen window.
4) Geranium, another of these plants that are enemies of mosquitoes
Another very pretty plant with a pleasant smell for us, but which scares away mosquitoes very quickly and very far! We advise you to grow it in planters on your windowsills. If you do it in your rooms, you will have mosquito-free nights!
5) Garlic among the best mosquito repellent plants
When you think about it, vampires and mosquitoes have a lot in common. They are creatures that give us nightmares and suck blood from humans. And another common point (not the least), mosquitoes also fear garlic! In the vegetable garden, it also has the capacity to scare away many pests and these fungicidal properties are an asset against harmful diseases. So don’t hesitate to make a place for it in the garden!