Mosquitoes in summer: discover the best mosquito repellent plants for your home

The hot months are approaching, for many the most awaited of the year, but with them also come the insufferable mosquitoes that wake us up at night with their flight and bother us with their bites.

There are many existing remedies to avoid the discomfort caused by them, but did you know that there are mosquito repellent plants? These are plants that repel mosquitoes, so they are perfect to place both inside and outside the house and achieve the desired repellent effect against them. 

Below, we are going to know what are some of these mosquito repellent plants.

Aromatic plants: perfect to scare away mosquitoes

As we will see below, aromatic plants top the list of plants that repel mosquitoes because of their scent. In addition, having this type of planting at home is most beneficial, not only for its repellent effect on these insects, but also for the number of uses that can be given to them both gastronomically and medicinally.

Why do aromatic plants repel mosquitoes?

Those considered within the classification of aromatic plants are powerful mosquito repellent plants because they release a series of volatile compounds with a very intense odor that are annoying to mosquitoes, driving them away.

The best outdoor mosquito repellent plants

Among the outdoor plants that keep mosquitoes away we find a wide variety of options. The best thing about them is that they are able not only to repel these annoying insects, but also to achieve a perfect garden decorated with multiple plants.

Citronella

The anti-mosquito citronella is one of the main plants used for this purpose, and not only natural, but extracts of it are often used to create products used as repellents such as candles or strips.

It is a lemon-scented plant, a scent that naturally repels mosquitoes. Citronella also repels flies.

Also, among the beneficial properties of this plant in relation to mosquitoes also include that it is a potent antiseptic, so it is also used to relieve the discomfort of their bites.

Calendula

Calendula has showy yellow flowers with orange tones. These are not only very colorful, perfect for gardens, but also give off a very annoying scent for mosquitoes and other insects. Marigold contains pyrethrin, a natural insecticide.

Peppermint

Once again, the reason why mint is a powerful plant for mosquitoes is the smell it gives off, which, being sweet and fresh, keeps these insects away.

In addition, as with some of the previous examples, mint also offers antiseptic properties, so it is able to reduce the discomfort of bites. 

It is necessary to place it in a semi-shaded area for its correct conservation.

Basil

It is another of the main plants to repel mosquitoes, especially the lemon variety, for the reasons previously mentioned.

It is a plant that can be placed both outdoors and indoors, but always requires direct sun exposure so it is usually recommended for gardens or terraces.

In addition to the benefit related to mosquitoes, it is also an ideal plant for cooking.

Geranium

On the other hand, in terms of outdoor plants, we should also mention the properties of geranium against mosquitoes. The reason? The aforementioned lemon scent, able to scare away both these insects and wasps.

In addition, it is a perfect decorative plant given the bright colors of its flowers.

The best indoor mosquito repellent plants

Now let’s get to know the indoor plants that repel mosquitoes.

Chrysanthemum

The leaves of this plant contain pyrethrin which, as mentioned above, is a natural insecticide.

It is a plant that was already used in the Chinese Empire three millennia ago, where its crushed leaves were used as an insecticide to protect crops and livestock.

Rosemary

It is a very powerful aromatic plant, either naturally, that is, using the plant as its own mosquito repellent, or burning its leaves as if it were a candle.

Once again, as a good aromatic plant, its culinary uses are very interesting.

Lavender

It can be placed both indoors and outdoors, although given its beautiful color and delicate aroma it is very common to use it to decorate rooms inside the house. Once again, as a good aromatic plant, its culinary uses are very interesting.

Because of its smell, it is a powerful mosquito repellent, besides repelling other insects such as flies.

Laurel

Laurel oil is perfect for repelling mosquitoes, flies and wasps. It is also often used burnt, so that the smoke keeps mosquitoes away.

Now you know, whether it is a new holiday house or your usual residence, you should decorate it with these plants if you want to keep mosquitoes away during the summer.