Mosquito & Insect Repelling Plants - Do They Exist

Are There Really Flowers, Herbs and Plants That Can Repel Mosquitoes and Other Insects?

The simple answer is YES. Certain flowers, herbs and plants not only diversify and add to the beauty of your landscaping, but they can actually repel mosquitoes and other insects as well. While having these plants are not a stand-alone treatment, they are another “tool” in your toolbox that can be used to further keep these pesky/biting insects from getting to you.

What Flowers and Plants Repel Mosquitoes?

Florida’s tropical climate is ideal to grow lush vegetation, flowers, plant and trees but its climate is also ideal for mosquito breeding and harboring which is why these and other insects call Florida home.

There are several varieties of flowers, herbs and plants that can assist in repelling mosquitoes. They can be planted in outdoor gardens, landscaping beds or in decorative planters that can be placed in areas that are ‘entry points' for pesky insects. A few of the more ‘common’ ones to try are listed below.

Catnip

If you own a cat or have friends/family that do, you know how catnip drives them “crazy”. Catnip has another purpose which is assisting in deterring mosquitoes. One plant to try is “Walker’s Low Catmint” which is a hearty plant that is easy to grow and thrives in sandy, well-drained soil. One word of caution is that although you will repel mosquitoes, you may attract more furry cat friends.

Lemongrass

With is citrus elements and delicate fragrance, Lemongrass is often used in cooking and even used in making perfumes, but did you know that it is also effective in repelling mosquitoes? Lemongrass is a great container plant and grows best in full sun, which we have plenty of in the great ‘Sunshine State’ of Florida. Containers of these decorative plants can be placed on your porch, patio, door way, deck, dock and lanai to name a few. For maximum mosquito repelling, try chopping the leaves and placing them around gathering areas at your next party or while dining outdoors. This will help in keeping mosquitoes away while emitting a fresh citrus scent.

Marigolds

Marigolds are hearty, easy to grow from seeds and make a nice colorful addition to gardens and other landscaping. Marigold’s substance contains pyrethrum, the same substance used in many organic insecticides. Given such, Marigolds will assist in repelling not only mosquitoes, but Aphids too which are often problematic to our crape-myrtles, gardenias and hibiscus plants which are abundant in Florida.

Mint

There are many varieties of mint with spearmint and peppermint that most commonly come to mind. Mint not only provides pleasant fragrance and taste to food and drinks, it is effective in assisting in repelling mosquitoes, spiders, ants, flies, fleas, moths and ticks too. Mint is easy to grow and spread so best to plant in a container that you can place outdoors and remember to harvest frequently.

Lavender

Lavender’s fragrance permeates the flowers and foliage and mosquitoes are not a fan of the smell – so they stay away. You can easily plant lavender around your home and even make your own mist or lotion my mixing crushed lavender plants with almond oil that you can apply to your skin.

The Herbs – Rosemary, Basil & Thyme

Rosemary – This herb is dual-purpose as it is a spice/herd added to enhance flavors of food and while keeping insects away given its piney scent. Rosemary prefers full-sun but do not over-water as it prefers to dry before its next watering.

Basil – Basil is fast growing and adds great flavor to salads, pesto and sauces. Not only is it tasty, it repels mosquitoes too. One of the more effective Basil plants is the Thai Basil. These also require full-sun and warm climates, ideal for Florida.

Thyme – Crushed thyme leaves release its oils which are effective in repelling mosquitoes. Crush some leaves and place them in landscaping beds.

What To Do Next

Start adding these plants, flowers and herbs to your garden/landscaping and contact Mosquito Squad of Tampa Bay at 813-502-0505 or tampabay@mosquitosquad.com to learn more about how to use these and others can assist in repelling mosquitoes and other insects. Mosquito Squad of Tampa Bay can also discuss how their Naturaland Traditional barrier treatments, automatic misting systems and perimeter pest control solutions can further assist you in eradicating and repelling these annoying and biting insects, guaranteed.

Mosquito Squad of Tampa Bay is locally owned and operated, the owners are actively involved in day-to-day operations, is a woman-owned small business that gives back to the communities served, and more importantly they ‘Kill the Competition’.