Plants that repel mosquitoes in Florida are a must in summer gardens, especially when it gets really hot. The summer season is the “feasting period” for these pesky bugs.
So, if you don’t want to find yourself swatting and batting at the air all day without fruitful results, you should consider growing a natural mosquito deterrent.
If you’re already thinking about it, we’ve compiled a list of some plants that can help deter mosquitoes below.
Contents
A List of Plants That Repel Mosquitoes in Florida
Imagine not being able to sit outdoors during the summer because of Mosquitos; what a nightmare, especially in the state of Florida. After all the hard work you’ve put into creating the perfect relaxation spot for family and friends, not being able to enjoy it because of some annoying insects can suck. There’s an easy fix though; one that doesn’t require bug sprays or other chemicals. Several plants can double as beautifying agents and mosquito control plants.
1. Citronella Grass
If you’re looking for plants that keep mosquitoes away, this plant is one you should consider seriously. These plants not only repel insects like mosquitoes however, remember that they are also stunning plants to have in gardens.
To elaborate further, they are a type of scented geranium plant. Unsurprisingly, these plants produce oils that are one of the components typically found in most insecticides. They are indigenous to Sri Lanka and are purposely grown for this purpose because this aspect is a strong one.
– Characteristics
The Citronella plant has a characteristic lemon scent. Its fragrance attracts beneficial insects and repels unwanted, problematic ones. The plants are generally low-maintenance plants, so you shouldn’t have a problem cultivating them.
They can be grown as potted plants or directly in the soil because of their height ranges which would be, when the mature plants grow and reach five to six feet tall. Citronella is a great choice of zone 9 mosquito repellent plants, furthermore, you must also keep in mind that this isn’t their only zone, as they can also be grown in zone 10 regions.
– Growth Requirements
Make sure to grow your Citronellas in full view of the sun as they are sun-loving plants. However, they also require some reprieve from the hot afternoon sun, so be sure to provide some afternoon shade for them, or you can place them in a location where the sun will not be so harsh, and result crisping leaves.
The secret to cultivating healthy citronella is a soil that is well-draining. Since they require lots of water, having soil that drains effectively will help avoid issues like root rot, and this would lead to a weak growth and establishment. Also, although Citronellas grow optimally in loam soils, they are extremely adaptable to other types of soil and can thrive in a range of environments.
2. Monarda
The Monarda genus has several species of plants commonly known as Bee balm or horsemint. They are stunning plants that repel mosquitoes in Texas. These plants produce stunning bright flowers that are fragrant.
Their fragrance repels so many insects, including some unwanted problematic ones like mosquitoes, whether the climate is warm or even cold, which is suitable for Florida. Horsemint plants are generally classified as wildflowers and can be grown as potted plants that repel bugs in gardens all over North America.
– Characteristics
As previously stated, Horsemints grow stunning clusters of hairy flowers ranging from pink, purple, red, and white to lavender. They are gorgeous to look at. These plants produce regular green leaves, but their flowers are the star of the show.
Several pollinators visit to feed on the delicious nectar they produce, and birds enjoy the tiny seed. Horsemints plants are compact, and mature plants grow only about 48 inches tall and 36 inches wide.
– Growth Requirements
Growing horsemint plants is super easy. With relatively little effort, these plants offer gardens several seasons of lovely aesthetics, sweet scents, and pest control. Although they will thrive in a variety of environments, they will grow to their best potential when they are in rich, moist soils, under full sunlight, and sometimes in partial shade. In addition to this, these plants are typically known as full sun mosquito repellent plants.
3. Blue Mink
To many gardeners, Blue mink is known as Floss flower or Ageratum, specifically Ageratum houstonianum. There are several other species of plants in that genus, all of which are indigenous to Mexico and Central America. However, they are typically grown as annuals but have a prolonged flowering period, and they are useful for pest control in gardens.
– Characteristics
These plants produce blue, pink, or white flowers that look like colorful brushes, and bloom all spring, through fall. Blue minks grow about 30 inches tall and 18 inches wide.
When you plant them in the locations that are within the hardiness zones 2 to 11, that is when they will b grow and prosper, so if you’re in any of these regions and want plants for your mosquito problems, as a result, blue minks are a great option.
– Growth Requirements
You can grow mosquito repellent plants indoors, and blue minks are a great option for this. Their care requirements are simple, and they are easy enough to maintain. Ageratum plants grow well in sunny areas when they’re grown in soils that are moist, and well-drained.
However, in order to improve the plants’ growth, you may amend the soil with some peat moss being added. Spacing is essential for these plants which is about six inches and 12 inches apart for the shorter and taller varieties respectively.
4. American Beautyberry
This plant is commonly known as the French mulberry, and it populates several parts of the Southeastern United States. It is popularly known for its use as a home cure. Many insects, including mosquitoes, are repelled by them, and they will never approach the region, basically.
The French mulberry plants have been used in the past to deter mosquitoes by crushing the leaves and applying their juices directly on the skin, so planting them around and using them, in the same way, will have the desired mosquito-repelling effect.
– Characteristics
Mature Mulberry plants grow very tall, and they would be able to provide some nice shade, these trees can reach heights of over six feet. These plants have big leaves, but the clusters of purple drupes, which resemble berries, and are produced in the fall, are the most striking aspect of the plants.
The berries grow from the tiny blooms the plants produce, and they continue to decorate the plants long after the leaves have fallen throughout the winter, and are particularly noticeable to birds in search of food. Also, the fruits are safe for people to consume, and many people process jams and jelly from them.
– Growth Requirements
French mulberry plants are low-maintenance plants, and as long as you’re within USDA hardiness zones six all the way to 10, you can successfully grow these plants. These plants typically flourish under full sunlight exposure or moderate shade.
Moreover, they are able to develop naturally on the periphery of forested areas where the intensity and quantity of sunlight vary. You can expect berry output to increase when there is more sun exposure, but increased exposure to the sun will make the plant’s requirement for water greater.
French mulberry plants love moist, well-draining soils. The soil must contain ample organic matter and have an acidic or neutral pH. While they specifically love crumbly soil textures, they can adapt to several types of soils, as long as they’re nutrient-packed.
Conclusion
Other plants that deter mosquitoes in the heat of Florida include lemon balm and lantana camara, popularly called West Indian Lantana. Some important “take-aways” from the list above include:
- You can grow mosquito Deterrent plants indoors, and you need to keep it with the right requirements so that it doesn’t wilt, and stay active to repel the underwater mosquitos.
- The oils from Citronella plants are common components of insect-repellent products, hence keeping the plant in your garden will keep all of them away.
- Insect-repellent plants also serve other purposes; including improving aesthetics and providing food for wildlife.
So, if you have a mosquito infestation problem, or just want to get ahead of the breeding season, you can grow any of the plants listed in the article above as a control measure.
References
https://www.google.com/url?sa=t&source=web&rct=j&url=https://www.webmd.com/vitamins/ai/ingredientmono-627/citronella-oil&ved=2ahUKEwimyNHCyYr8AhW7SKQEHWMSDCAQFnoECDYQAQ&usg=AOvVaw0gVFScJrEIhlCeL5fb1YMz
https://www.google.com/url?sa=t&source=web&rct=j&url=https://plants.ces.ncsu.edu/plants/callicarpa-americana/&ved=2ahUKEwjXz5-cyor8AhURUaQEHZi2Ax8QtwJ6BAgzEAE&usg=AOvVaw005ugpUgh7Cb_GCEhOj-z9
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