Mosquito Repellent Plants For Your Garden

Thursday, May 30, 2013, 16:53 [IST]

Mosquitoes are dangerous insects. A single mosquito bite can cause many fatal diseases like dengue and malaria. In the present day cities where sanitation is getting worse each day, dengue fever (caused by mosquito bite) is becoming an epidemic. That is why, having mosquito repellent plants in your garden is a good idea.

There are many mosquito repellent plants that act as a natural barrier for mosquitoes to enter your house. Most of these natural mosquito repellents are aromatic plants. The strong smell of these aromatic plants repels mosquitoes. Mosquito repellent plants have many other purpose. A majority of these plants are flowering ones. Apart from getting natural protection against mosquitoes, you can also decorate your home with the fresh blooms.

Apart from that, these aromatic plants are often used as herbs and spices. Basil and rosemary are excellent examples of mosquito repellent plants that can be a part of your spice garden also. To give your home and family natural protection from diseases, grow the following mosquito repellent plants in your garden.

Marigolds

Marigolds are a very common flowering plant seen in most of the gardens. But very few know that the slightly pungent smell of marigolds can repel mosquitoes effectively. Marigolds need lots of sunlight but you can keep them indoors in the evenings.

Citronella

Citronella is kind of grass that gives a distinctive citrus smell of lemon. This aromatic plant have lots of foliage and looks very attractive on fences.

Basil

Basil is a plant that almost every Hindu household has due to its religious significance. But basil is basically a herb and has very strong aroma that can drive away mosquitoes. Basil is usually kept in the inner courtyard.

Horsemint

Horsemint is a kind of mint plant as stated from the name. This plant gives off an incense like odour can can keep mosquitoes at bay.

Catnip

Catnip is a plant that contains more DEET, a chemical present in mosquito repellents than most products like coils and sprays. Which means, catnip is actually a herb that almost as fast a as weeds. It is perennial and a totally fuss-free plant.

Lemon Balm

Lemon balm is also a type of mint plant with a distinct lemony smell. This plant is even used to make citrus perfumes. Keeping this aromatic plant in your home will act as a protection against mosquito and also freshen up the air.

Ageratum

Ageratum is basically a flowering plant that has lovely purple blossoms. However, its offensive odour due to coumarin (a chemical present in mosquito repellents) keeps mosquitoes away.

Lavender

Lavender is more of a scent than a mosquito repellent. However, the strong aroma of this herbs helps to protect your home against mosquitoes.

Rosemary

Rosemary is a herb that has many health benefits one of which is anti-bacterial. Growing rosemary in your spice garden keeps mosquitoes and other pests away.