15 Common Plants That Will Repel Mosquitos While Smelling Amazing

May 28, 2018 by apost team

Ditch bug spray and pesticide this summer by using nature’s own solution to your mosquito problem. Each one of these 15 types of common plants can be easily planted at your home and will deter bugs. Oils from the plants can be rubbed into your skin in order to keep bugs at bay! 

We all know the scent of lavender has soothing properties, but it has the opposite effect on mosquitos. By rubbing this sweet, wonderful plant on your skin in the summer, you’ll release the oils and repel insects. 

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You might want to replant your basil this season, because not only can it be used in the kitchen, but can also save your summer from pesky bugs. This everyday herb can actually function as a substance the deters mosquitos. By having this herb around your doors, windows or outdoor patio, it will repel bugs instantly. 

While you’re replanting your basil, you might want to try planting mint as well! Mint is extremely simple to sprout and harvest. You may love the smell of mint, but insects hate it. Besides its many uses in the kitchen, it works as an excellent repellent for mosquitos just by having it around and wafting the scent by brushing against the leaves. 

Why buy bug sprays that contain lemongrass as an ingredient when you can use the real thing? Many botanical gardens actually use this plant to deter bugs themselves. This plant is extremely easy to take care of and will effectively serve as a mosquito repellent. 

The same organic compounds that attract your cat, known as nepetalactone, is the same compound that will repel mosquitos. Studies have even proven that catnip can be even more efficient at repelling bugs than DEET, a chemical you can find in most bug sprays. Be wary where you plant your catnip, as cats may come to investigate! 

These beautiful flowers can be a wonderful incorporation to your garden or even decoration for inside your home. Pyrethrum, a compound found in chemical bug repellents and known to be extremely effective at repelling bugs, can be found in these plants. 

Much like mint and basil, garlic can be used for more than just cooking. A benefit of garlic is that the scent is so strong, it will remain in the air and repel bugs easily. It is said that ingesting garlic can also repel bugs, by making your blood smell less appetizing to them. 

Although rosemary needs a lot of sunlight to grow, it can be a very pleasing scent when used in a campfire. Throw some rosemary into your summer fire and watch the mosquitos disappear. When used indoors, it will detoxify the air and prevent other insects who can carry diseases from entering. 

Who doesn’t need some beautiful purple blooms in their garden? Allowing this plant to grow at your home will efficiently repel mosquitos and other insects. You can even carry some leaves in your clothing pockets to prevent bugs from bothering you. 

Mosquitos are insanely repulsed by the odor that floss flowers give off into the air. They contain oil, known as coumarin that is found in commercial bug sprays you find at the store. A huge benefit to using floss flowers is that they attract beautiful butterflies, but keep away other types of bugs that may annoy you. 

Although geraniums can come in a variety of scents, the lemon scent is most powerful at eliminating mosquitos. Be careful, however, as these beautiful plants can make great additions to your garden but are toxic to many of your four-legged pets. 

Insects like ticks and mosquitos are effectively deterred by the oils that a eucalyptus tree radiates throughout your yard. Humans find this scent pleasing, so you can even use a few drops of eucalyptus essential oil on your skin before you go outside. 

Also known as bee balm, horsemint creates a strong scent that can stop mosquitos from bothering you. Although the smell is pleasing to humans, it can actually confuse and stop mosquitos from being able to find you. Similarly to floss flowers, this plant attracts butterflies, but also bees: be wary if you have an allergy. 

Although not an extremely common plant, the pitcher plant is one of the most effective at preventing mosquitos from infiltrating your yard. They grow best in climates that are tropical, but these amazing plants are actually carnivores. Most of their nutrition comes from insects, like your pesky mosquitos. 

Also called citrosum, this plant is similar in effectiveness to lemongrass. Carrying crushed leaves from these plants in your pockets or rubbing the oils onto your skin can be a great way to avoid mosquito bites.

Pass on these natural remedies to your friends and loved ones - they will thank you!