Perennial plants that repel mosquitoes not only keep you safe from mosquito diseases but also help you increase the beauty of your garden.
There are many such plants but it is not easy for everyone to find them all at once. However, in this post, we have discussed all the mosquito repellent plants in detail.
Check out the descriptions below to learn more about these plants.
List of Perennial Plants That Repel Mosquitoes
1. Lavender
Lavender is a fragrant perennial herb with insect-repellent effects. These plants repel mosquitoes, flies, and moths using their strong aroma. In addition to its ability to repel mosquitoes, lavender has a number of other benefits.
– Benefits
When applied topically, they would also show to alleviate inflammation, soothe skin issues, improve sleep quality, increase relaxation, combat sadness, and anxiety, repel mites linked with scabies, and function as an antiseptic.
– Highlighted Characteristics
Its oil is highly efficient in suppressing mosquito populations whether sprayed directly at the site of the infestation or from neighboring plants. As natural repellent odors would be simulated in the atmosphere, that would drive these pests off.
2. Lemon Balm
Lemon balm aka Melissa Officinalis is a fragrant, perennial plant native to Europe that belongs to the mint family and has a distinctive lemon fragrance.
– Benefits
It is becoming increasingly popular in the garden for its possible function as a mosquito repellent. Its adaptability makes it an excellent addition to any outdoor living space, giving mosquito protection while also enhancing the landscape or garden with its aromatic foliage.
– Highlighted Characteristics
The essential oil derived from its leaves includes chemicals including geranial and neral, which have the ability to repel mosquitos. In addition, they are also keen into feeling the odor from far away, because these plants have a dense smell to them.
3. Lemon Thyme
Lemon thyme is a fragrant, low-growing, evergreen perennial plant that has been used to repel mosquitos as natural pest management. If you have enough space, lemon thyme may be readily replicated by splitting existing plants or growing from seeds.
– Highlighted Characteristics
Because of its high quantities of thymol and carvacrol, two chemicals recognized for their insecticidal effects, its lemony aroma serves as a moderate but effective repellent. In addition to this, also consider that this adaptable plant yields edible leaves that may be used fresh or dried.
4. Lemongrass
Lemon Grass is a perennial plant native to Asia that is well-known for repelling mosquitoes. It may be planted in the ground or cultivated in pots, and it releases a perfume that serves as an efficient mosquito repellent. Citronella, a natural insect repellant known to repel biting insects, is the active element in lemon grass, hence even if they are not planted, but their oil is extracted, it is still very effective.
– Benefits
The powerful lemon aroma is said to have relaxing characteristics and may help relieve stress and anxiety, in addition to acting as an efficient mosquito repellent. This is due to the infused oil content that is specifically found in the leaves, which would be beneficial in numerous ways.
5. Catnip
Catnip is a mint-family perennial plant. It is well-known for its relaxing and soothing effects on cats, but it also possesses strong insect-repelling abilities. The use of this plant can minimize the possibility of getting bitten by mosquitos and hence itching, as well as the risk of contracting any infectious diseases transmitted by these insects. Aside from its repellent qualities, catnip also boasts a variety of other benefits.
– Highlighted Characteristics
When you plant these, remember that its leaves, whether fresh or dried, release a chemical molecule called nepetalactone, which functions as a natural mosquito repellant. In addition, they are prone to elevate the mood of a cat, and draw away any of the flying pests.
6. Horsemint
Horsemint is a perennial herbaceous plant with aromatic leaves and beautiful, tubular blooms that attract native pollinators. It also has the potential to be used as a natural mosquito repellent.
– Benefits
Active chemicals isolated from horsemint inhibit the behavior of mosquitos, particularly Aedes species. The primary active ingredient contributing to Horsemint’s repelling properties is thymol, a compound found in many other plants as well. It thrives in full sun or partial shade, as well as in moist but well-drained soils.
Not only that but also if you wish to think of it, Horsemint is thickly rooted and minimal care in the garden because of its deep root structure, earning it the nickname “Beggar’s Tick.”
7. Citronella Grass
Citronella Grass is a tropical Asian and African perennial grass. It has been used as an excellent mosquito repellent for millennia because of its high concentration of citronella and geraniol oils, both of which can be good when it comes to repel insects for kids as well as for adults, which would mean as you apply it on your skin.
– Highlighted Characteristics
Because of its hardiness, it has gained popularity as a decorative garden plant in many areas of the world, particularly in warm climes. With suitable growth circumstances, it may thrive in cooler temperatures. Citronella grass should be planted out of the wind.
8. Scented Geraniums
Scented Geraniums or Pelargonium Citrosum are perennial plants with scented leaves that have long been recognized to help repel mosquitoes in locations where they are planted.
– Highlighted Characteristics
On the other hand, Geranium essential oils are efficient at mosquito repelling by rendering them unable to sense human odor. As a bonus, several species have vibrant colors that may be used to beautify gardens.
In addition to this, it grows up to two feet tall, should be replanted or trimmed every other season, and grows well in damp but well-drained soil with moderate sunshine exposure.
9. Ageratum
Ageratum sometimes known as floss flower, is a low-growing, bright-flowered perennial. This plant not only adds gorgeous colors and textures to any garden, but it has also been shown to naturally repel mosquitos.
– Highlighted Characteristics
The oil collected from the leaves of floss flowers is believed to possess natural, volatile insect repellents, making it perfect for places with heavy mosquito populations. Although it grows best in warm areas, it may also be cultivated successfully in pots in cooler locations with winter protection.
10. Lantana Camara
Lantana Camara, often known as Shrub Verbena, is a perennial evergreen shrub with multi-colored blooms in yellow, orange, and pink. It’s a decorative plant that attracts a variety of pollinators, including bees and hummingbirds, which is what you can think of as a proof that the smell of this plant is dense.
– Highlighted Characteristics
Lantana Camara, in addition to its aesthetic value, protects humans from mosquito-borne illnesses due to its natural insect-repellent characteristics. The leaves may be mashed into a paste and applied directly to the skin, or they can be burnt to generate smoke, which repels mosquitos.
11. American Beautyberry
The American Beautyberry is a lovely shrub endemic to the southeastern United States and Central America. It not only looks beautiful with its brilliant lavender-colored berries, but it also serves as a natural insect repellant. Its leaves produce oil that may be put topically on exposed skin to help reduce mosquito bites.
– Features
Its small stature, which would typically be a little more than six feet tall, hence this makes it an excellent choice for residential gardening and landscaping. However, if you wish for it to stay as vibrant and strong in its smell, then you must make sure that you water it deeply only during dry spells, wait for the soil to dry, and then water it. The plant doesn’t do well when over watered.
12. Allium
Allium is a genus of bulbous plants that have long been used to repel mosquitos. The substances generated by these plants when crushed, such as sulfur-containing thiosulfinates and hydrogen sulfide, are beneficial in reducing mosquito populations in and near residential areas.
– Highlighted Characteristics
It is easy to grow in the correct conditions, and its attractive leaves, fragrant blossoms, and brilliant seedpods may add visual appeal to landscapes. Furthermore, allicin, an organosulfur component present in garlic, is extremely poisonous to mosquito larvae and pupae. These will cancel them out in every way possible, because the bulbs are rich in their aroma.
13. Fennel
Fennel is a hardy, fragrant perennial herb with delicate yellow blossoms that can grow up to eight feet tall. It repels mosquitoes, aphids, fleas, and other insect pests because of its pungent anise-like aroma. Fennel has long been used medicinally to treat digestive issues and to help with relaxation.
– Benefits
Its leaves may be used as a tasty garnish in salads or cooked dishes and it is possible to grow it in containers both inside and outdoors.
However, the smell of this is very pungent, and insects would be able to detect it from a long distance and as a result, they will keep away from your garden, or even from your house.
14. Marigold
Marigolds are a fantastically useful perennial plant that provides both aesthetic and functional advantages to its surroundings. Marigolds are an eye-catching addition to any garden or yard, producing brilliant flowers that attract pollinators such as bees and butterflies.
These are beautiful flowers that would thrive with their multi colored petals under almost eight hours of full sun. In addition, make sure that you do not overwater them, or else their scent will be weaker than normal, and it will start lacking its properties.
– Highlighted Characteristics
This plant grows well in virtually any soil type, require little care once established, and thrives in full sun but can also withstand moderate shadow. Furthermore, their strong aroma repels pests such as mosquitoes, making them an excellent choice for pest management.
15. Eucalyptus
Eucalyptus is a flowering tree and shrub genus in the Myrtaceae family. It is native to Australia, New Zealand, and Tasmania, and has grown popular in warm temperate countries because of its quick growth, gorgeous leaves, and deep roots that allow it to withstand drought.
– Highlighted Characteristics
Essential oils generated from its leaves can naturally repel mosquitos when burnt or crushed and breathed.
It has recently been revealed that eucalyptus possesses strong insect-repellent properties, making it a good alternative for mosquito control.
16. Basil
Basil is one of the most common mosquito-repelling plants and perennial herbs that has several uses. Basil includes the chemicals linalool and eugenol, which are known to repel several mosquito species.
– Highlighted Characteristics
Long-term use of this wonderful herb demonstrates that it is quite effective in many areas other than only repelling insects. Furthermore, basil’s powerful perfume has been used as an efficient herbal remedy for nausea and digestive difficulties all over the world, as well as a fragrant addition to cooking dishes all over the world.
17. Rosemary
Rosemary is a perennial plant valued for both its culinary and decorative properties. This adaptable plant has another advantage: it repels insects so well, in addition to having different properties such as culinary uses.
– Highlighted Characteristics
Rosemary essential oils also have components that function as natural repellents. Home gardeners can apply them directly on plants or incorporate them into oil-based solutions.
This plant needs low maintenance which makes it an appealing addition to any outdoor location; just remember not to overwater this drought-resistant evergreen.
18. Bee Balm
Bee Balm is a lovely perennial wildflower that makes an excellent addition to the garden. It not only bears stunning blooms in pink, purple, red, and white, but it also has numerous useful purposes. Its essential oils are known to repel mosquitoes in addition to different types of pests as well, hence it is used in medicine as well.
– Highlighted Characteristics
It is a simple plant to cultivate and care for, preferring slightly damp, rich soil in moderately shade plant settings.
Its deer resistance makes it an appealing option for gardeners who wish to create a welcoming ambiance without attracting unwanted species. Because insect repellent plants need regular trimming to maintain their oil content, it is important to prune the plant regularly.
19. Peppermint
Peppermints, a Mentha family perennial plant, are well recognized because they smell great and due to their culinary use. It has, however, been discovered to be an efficient insect repellent of a number of pests such as mice, spiders, and especially mosquitos.
– Highlighted Characteristics
By repelling specific kinds of moths, peppermint oil can considerably minimize wax moth damage to beeswax and other bee hive products. When peppermint oil is mixed with liquid paraffin and applied to human skin, it had a considerable negative influence on mosquito-biting behavior.
The pungent odor will eliminate them, you can simply add some water to the essential oil of this herb, and you will see it thrive.
20. Pennyroyal
Pennyroyal is a perennial plant recognized for its strong minty aroma, which repels insects. This extensively grown and long-used medicinal herb contains a high concentration of essential oils, which are produced when plant particles are disturbed by brushing, crushing, or physical manipulation. These volatile molecules aid in the repellence of pests.
– Highlighted Characteristics
It should be used with caution as an alternative insect repellent because of the possible toxicity if swallowed by humans. The strong scent is in the leaves of this herb, however, remember that it would thrive most when the flowers start to bloom during spring and as a result it will be even more active.
Conclusion
This list of perennial plants that repel mosquitoes have shown you the details about various types of beautiful plants. Now to summarize all the main points,
- There are many plants that you can grow which will provide essential oil to repel mosquitos including Sage, Bee Balm, etc.
- If you are willing to grow edible plants that add flavor, we suggest you choose Lemongrass or Alliums because you can use these plants in foods.
- For ornamenting your garden more pleasingly, you can cultivate different flowering plants such as Lavender, Rosemary, etc.
Whichever plant you choose from this list, will surely help you not only get rid of mosquitos but also beautify your garden.
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