How Plants Affect Mosquitos
There are a wide variety of plants that both repel and attract mosquitoes. What are these plants, and how can they help you to keep mosquitoes away from your home and yard?
Plants That Repel Mosquitoes
Some of the plants that repel mosquitoes include:
- citronella grass
- lavender
- basil
- catmint
- rosemary
- garlic
- bee balm
- cedars
- clove
- floss flower
- lemon scented geraniums
- lemon balm
- lemongrass
- lemon verbena
- lemon eucalyptus
- lemon thyme
- Mexican marigold
- pineapple weed
- wormwood
- pitcher plant
- mint
- snowbrush
- sweet fern
- tea tree
- wild bergamot
- vanilla leaf
You will probably recognize citronella as an ingredient in mosquito repelling candles and torches. Also lemon scented plants are hated by mosquitoes. However, will simply having these plants around your home keep mosquitoes away?
Unfortunately, no. Although mosquitoes will avoid these plants themselves, the area around the plant will be unaffected. In order to be effective, the oils of these plants must be extracted first.
Plants That Attract Mosquitoes
Plants that have flowers and nectar will attract mosquitoes. Mosquitoes are known to feed on nectar.
They are also attracted to water, standing water, as well as plants like water lilies, water hyacinths or papyrus. Mosquitoes breed in still, stagnant water.
How to Solve Your Mosquito Problems
Although plants and products based on these plants can drive away mosquitoes, they won’t do anything about eradicating mosquitoes. Pest control services involving routine treatments will kill them where they hide and breed.
