Four Kinds of Plants to Keep Mosquitoes Away

As summer approaches and the humidity rises, so too does the onset of one of Oklahoma’s most pernicious pests: mosquitoes. These unwanted and unwelcome visitors can be the bane of an afternoon or evening gathering. Homeowners might think that the best way to eliminate these nipping biters is by chemical treatments – sprays and the like – which we thought can provide. But sometimes the best antidote is the simplest and most natural one. When approaching eliminating pests, the best way to do so is often by using nature’s defenses. Let’s talk about four ways to eradicate mosquitoes in an all-natural way.

LEMONGRASS

Did you know that grass contains a natural defense against insects like mosquitoes? Lemongrass in particular is uniquely prepared to protect your property from infestations like these. The long grass spreads a particular scent that triggers the olfactory responses of mosquitoes, driving them away from your lawn and property. As a result, spreading lemongrass around the border of your property creates effective insulation that can ward off these pests before they ever arrive.

Additionally, this easy-to-care-for grass grows well in pots. As a result, planting lemongrass in pots around your patio or pool will create “defense areas” all-around your property to keep mosquitoes away.

LAVENDER

A common purple flowering herb that carries a soft, floral scent, lavender is another effective deterrent against mosquitoes. While pleasing and calming to human senses (it’s also a common, calming oil), the lavender scent also signals to sensitive mosquitoes that your home and property are off-limits. Additionally, because it doesn’t require much water, lavender is easy to tend for landscapers and homeowners Even though can grow to a large size, adding volume and color to your landscape while also warding off unwelcome insects.

MARIGOLD

It’s easy to overlook common flowers and plants, but don’t underestimate the power of the marigold – it’s another tool for defeating mosquitoes that should be in any homeowner or landscaper’s arsenal. Although the orange marigold is the most common, this flowering plant comes in a variety of colors, so you can incorporate it into different color themes. Low-lying, it deters mosquitoes and other insects that nip at guests’ ankles by releasing pheromones that can keep the insects at bay. She can also flourish in pots, which means that you can move her around your property and fit her into a variety of design aesthetics.

BASIL

You might think of it as simply an herb, but the leaves of the basil herb have been known to give off a pungent scent that keeps mosquitoes and other insects away. As long as you keep it damp and make sure it has lots of suns, it will serve as yet another effective secret weapon in the war against pestering pests. Be sure to plant basil in containers or your garden; you can plant basil with other flowers, as long as you make sure that they have the same requirements in terms of care.

These are just a few examples of plants that, if properly planted and cared for, can ensure your property is kept mosquito-free. As always, when considering your landscape design and layout and the best places for these plants to grow, it’s always best to consult the experts. We at GreenPro would be happy to work with you to make sure that your lawn and property are optimized for maximum enjoyment and minimum pests; feel free to give us a call!