Is there anything worse than the soul-destroying sound of that annoying high-pitched "bzzzzz" flying past your face while you're trying your hardest to just have a good night's sleep? It's subtle enough to take a while for you to notice, but loud enough for you to have to switch on the light and go on the hunt for the little blood-sucker. Or what about getting up from relaxing on the porch only to find that your body not only resembles a connect-the-dots image but is also itching like crazy from the bites?
Sure, there are lots of home remedies to stop the itching after the fact, but to me, prevention is much better than cure. I don't, however, like using too many chemicals. So if you feel like I do, I foresee some great celebrations in your near future as you learn that you can actually use plants to repel these evil insects. Not only will you finally stop scratching, but your home and garden will look lovely! If you need any further help, our master list of gardening tips is sure have some answers.
If it seems as if these plants still aren't giving you the sweet relief you need so badly, then you can crush up the leaves and either scatter them around the bad spots in or around your home, or you can rub them on your skin. When crushed, the mosquito-repellent oils and scents are better released, thus giving you much more effective ammunition.
Citronella Grass
This one should sound familiar because citronella oil is actually one of the main components in mosquito repellant products; its strong scent masks the other scents that would normally attract mosquitoes. You can plant this low-maintenance life-saver directly in your garden, or in pots to keep around the porch.
Marigold
Not only will mosquitoes be repulsed by marigolds, but the pretty flowers will certainly brighten up your yard! These should be placed around your house like a border; they'll create something of a force field that will stop mosquitoes from entering.
Catnip
Most of us crazy cat ladies know catnip as the kitty version of drugs, but it's actually also a fantastic mosquito repellant. Some studies have actually found that it's actually much more effective than the main chemical used in most insect repellants (DEET). Just keep in mind that this plant will most likely attract cats (to me, that's a pro, not a con!).
Lavender
The smell of lavender is known for its calming effects on people, and you'll definitely be feeling a lot calmer once you're rid of the damn mosquitoes! We love the smell, but they hate it. You can actually keep these indoors as long as the plant is set by a window that gets sun. It'll brighten up your home in more ways than one thanks to its antidepressant properties, drinking lavender-infused tea or adding it to your bath can ease away tension.
Rosemary
I absolutely love cooking with rosemary, so why not grow it myself and score on multiple benefits? This aromatic herb can also be kept indoors, so you can pick off a few sprigs when cooking right from your kitchen; it's also easy to maintain as it doesn't need all that much water.
Peppermint
Peppermint is another multi-purpose herb that you can use both in your food (mojitos, anyone?) and to keep the itchiness away. That lovely fresh smell is an added bonus! And if you do still manage to get bitten at someone else's house, you can rub the leaves on the affected area for some itch relief. And make some tea while you're at it!
Pennyroyal
Pennyroyal blooms pretty little flowers and while it deters mosquitoes and other pests like fleas, it will attract butterflies. Despite its lovely appearance, it is best that you not ingest that plant; its primary function should be to save you from the buzzing pests.
Garlic
As much as I would love to tell you that eating garlic keeps the vampiric bugs away, I'm afraid this is not an excuse to eat more of the stuff. Having it around your house will help though. You don't even have to grow it, just cut it up and sprinkle outside.
Basil
Ah basil! I've been growing this for some time now because I use it practically every meal, not to mention all the pesto I get to make! A bit of basil in and around your home will help deter those mosquitoes.
Geranium
Geranium is one of my favorite plants because of the way it grows: put it in a hanging pot and it'll extend downwards over the container – what a stunning sight! Of course, now that I've learnt it keeps mosquitoes away from me, I love it even more.
Ageratum
This plant is easily recognizable by its vibrant flowers. It secretes coumarin which the pesky pests hate so much that it's actually widely used in regular mosquito repellents. Take note though, that these leaves should not be rubbed on the skin.
Lemon Balm
Lemon balm is actually part of the mint family but it has a nice lemony smell and taste. While bees and butterflies like this plant, mosquitoes hate it! Lemon balm grows like a weed, so if you plant it in your garden it'll spread and take out, so it's best to keep it contained in a pot, set around your patio or wherever you see fit.
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