Mosquitoes are a common household pest that can be a great nuisance to people, especially in hot and humid environments. However, mosquitoes are more than just a nuisance – they can be dangerous for people and pets. Some mosquitoes carry diseases that can be fatal to humans – so keeping them away from our homes is more than making us more comfortable, it is also about keeping our families safe. There are thousands of products on the market that can help to repel mosquitoes – such as mosquito misters systems using candles or coils, and topical sprays and creams. For people who love spending time outdoors and enjoy gardening – there is an aesthetically pleasing, natural strategy you can use to add to your current approach to repelling mosquitoes. In this article, we will explore companion planting and how this can help to keep mosquitoes away from your outdoor spaces.
What is companion planting?
Companion planting refers to the practice of growing certain plants in close proximity to each other because of a naturally occurring beneficial effect of one or both plants. Growing certain plants together can have advantages for the plants’ growth and can increase crop yield in some cases. Plants can be grown strategically to improve soil health or quality for neighboring plants, while some plants have root systems that help with the overall aeration and structure of soil. Companion planting can also improve pollination or reduce the presence of weeds. One of the greatest advantages companion planting can have for people who love to spend time outdoors is its ability to repel mosquitoes and other pests. By harnessing and combining certain natural properties of plants, you can complement and enhance your current at-home mosquito repellent strategy, whether it is a mosquito misting system or other natural products while bringing aesthetic value to your outdoor space.
Mosquito-repelling plants for your garden:
Certain plants produce oils and fragrances that mosquitos are repelled by, while others can mask the scents on humans that mosquitos are attracted to. Combining these plants in your garden can act as an efficient shield for your family while you enjoy your time outdoors. These are some plants that have mosquito-repelling properties that you can add to your garden:
Citronella grass: Citronella is one of the most widely used natural substances in mosquito repellent products and can be equally as effective when planted in your garden. It has a strong lemony scent, which mosquitos will actively avoid. Because it is grass, it can add aesthetic appeal to pathways or along walls or fences in your garden.
Lavender: This plant is well-loved by humans for its distinctive scent and calming effects, but mosquitos are known to be repelled by. Lavender can also add beautiful color to your garden, making it a great choice for those who love spending time in their gardens.
Marigolds: Marigolds are another beautiful option to add to your garden. They contain pyrethrum, a substance used in many natural insect repellents. Marigolds can also help deter other garden pests, so they might be best planted near your vegetable garden.
Basil: Basil is another plant that can serve multiple purposes in your garden or home. A favorite kitchen staple with a characteristic fragrance – one that mosquitos cannot tolerate. Basil can be added to your outdoor vegetable/ herb garden or grown inside to keep mosquitos out of your indoor spaces.
Peppermint: This is another plant with a strong scent that repels mosquitos. It can even be used as a topical repellent by crushing the leaves and rubbing them onto skin or clothing. Peppermint can be grown inside or outside to help keep mosquitos out of your space.
Designing your mosquito-resistant garden:
Adding plants to your garden (or indoor space) to supplement your current mosquito misting system or other repellent strategy is as much about the aesthetic enhancement as it is about repelling mosquitos:
Strategic placement: Plant your favorite mosquito-repelling plants around areas where you and your loved ones like to gather in your garden to help keep them out of these areas. Place plants on windowsills indoors to help keep mosquitos out of your home.
Combine with other repellent strategies: While these plants will be a great help, companion planting will work best if used with other strategies, such as mosquito misters, systems that work by being plugged into outlets, candles, and topical sprays and creams.
