As the heatwave continues across the UK, we have looked to our colleagues in Rentokil Pest Control for some valuable advice on how plants could help to repel biting insects like mosquitoes.
Summertime is traditionally when the mosquito season starts to peak and their interactions with humans become more frequent and many of us will experience their aggravatingly itchy bites.
Below is some guidance on which plants could provide home remedies for deterring mosquitoes – but with the caveat that although some species of plants can repel mosquitoes, they are sadly not a foolproof solution for preventing these biting insects.
How Do Plants Repel Mosquitoes?
It’s simple really, mosquitoes are not fond of those lovely fragrances provided by some plants. In fact, the aromatic oils found in the leaves of some plants actually help to repel mosquitoes as well as masking the scent that humans produce, which makes us so attractive to them.
What Plants Repel Mosquitoes?
Citronella
If you’ve ever googled “how to get rid of mosquitoes” you’ve probably come across numerous articles around using citronella plants or products containing it to keep away mosquitoes. Some research has shown that the scent from citronella plants can repel mosquitoes but sadly for it to be a 100% effective solution you’d need to immerse yourself in a jungle of citronella plants.
Catnip
Catnip is related to the mint plant. It is used as a natural mosquito repellent due to it containing the chemical nepetalactone, however, this chemical is also the reason why cats love this plant so much. So just be careful; although this plant might help to repel mosquitoes you might also end up hosting a party for a bunch of cats and have a little more cleaning up to do in your garden.
Basil
Basil goes great with spaghetti bolognese and makes great pesto, but did you know it can also help repel mosquitoes? Certain chemicals found in basil plants are known to do a fine job in keeping mosquitoes at bay. Although it may seem like a heavenly smell to us, is something quite unpleasant to these biting insects. Some research suggests that basil contains four mosquito repelling substances.
Lavender
Who doesn’t love the smell of lavender? Well, it turns out mosquitoes don’t as these plants are believed to repel mosquitoes too. It’s hard to believe that a scent that is used in a range of products from hand lotion to washing powder is detested by mosquitoes, it is also believed to even hinder their ability to smell!
Marigolds
Marigolds, these easy-to-grow flowers, are also believed to be effective in repelling mosquitoes. It is argued that their delectable scent, and it’s essential oils, help to not only keep your home and garden safe from mosquitoes but aphids too!
In conclusion
As previously stated in this blog, although plants do have the ability to repel mosquitoes to varying degrees, they are not a full-blown solution. In fact, you would have to pretty much turn your home and garden into a jungle of mosquito repelling plants in order to fully protect yourself fully from mosquito bites.
