Menu
What Are the Best Plants to Keep Mosquitoes Away?
Mosquitoes use their sense of smell as a main method of finding hosts to feed on. This means that strong fragrances can work as natural mosquito deterrents by masking the scents that we give off. Some plants have been proven to help keep mosquitoes away, but only when their leaves or stems are crushed to retrieve their oils.
Plants alone will not solve your mosquito problems, so it’s important to work with a professional mosquito exterminator to control your infestation.
Plants that work to repel mosquitoes
Some plant oils work as mosquito repellents. Adding these plants to your garden can help you make accessible mosquito repellents:
- Citronella. Citronella is the most popular natural mosquito repellent. Some geranium plants are marketed as “mosquito plants” and sold in big-box stores. You can extract citronella oil most efficiently from citronella grass, though.
- Lavender. Lavender is one of the most famously fragrant plants. Its oil can be used to mask our scent and keep mosquitoes away.
- Marigolds. Marigolds emit a scent that prevents not only mosquitoes, but also aphids, whiteflies, and other garden nuisances.
- Rosemary, basil & thyme. These particularly fragrant herbs have been found to help with mosquito control.
Do You Have a Mosquito Problem? We Can Help.
Click the button below to leave your information & we'll be in touch in an hour or less.
Do Mosquitoes Eat Plant Nectar?
Mosquitoes don’t just feed on blood; this is a common misconception. In fact, mosquitoes primarily feed on plant nectar, with male mosquitoes solely feeding on nectar, plant sap, and honeydew. Female mosquitoes only require a blood meal to reproduce properly. This means that mosquitoes are getting their sustenance the same way as many other insects living in your yard.
What Scents can Keep Mosquitoes Away From me?
Mosquitoes heavily rely on scent to find hosts to feed on. Female mosquitoes have special receptors that pick up on carbon dioxide in the air because humans emit carbon dioxide when they exhale. Picking up on increased levels of CO2 can lead them to potential hosts. This means that strong scents like perfumes, citronella candles, and more can throw mosquitoes off your trail.