What Are The Best Plants to Keep Mosquitoes Away?

Mosquitoes have an incredible sense of smell that is used to locate hosts for feeding. As a result, a strong fragrance can also work as a natural deterrent for mosquitoes. Keep in mind that the oils from the leaves and stems need to be crushed to release the scent capable of repelling the mosquito. Relying on plants alone will not deter mosquitoes in their entirety. Should the mosquito infestation go beyond DIY methods, a professional mosquito exterminator can help you.

Mosquito-Repelling Plants

The oils from plants and herbs can serve as a natural repellent for mosquitoes. Gardening with these plants in mind can help you in the long run by having natural repellent readily available. These plants are: 

1. Citronella. Considered by many as “mosquito plants,” this plant is a variety of geranium. Citronella grass is useful for the extraction of citronella oil.
2. Lavender. A powerfully fragrant plant that can help deter mosquitoes by blocking its ability to smell. 
3. Marigolds. A stunning plant that is easy to grow, marigolds produce a smell that deters mosquitoes, as well as whiteflies, aphids, and other garden pests. 
4. Rosemary, basil & thyme. All of these herbs are fragrant and keep pests and mosquitoes at bay. 

Do Mosquitoes Feed on Plants?

While it’s easy to assume that mosquitoes exclusively feed on blood, this is not the case. In fact, the primary diet for mosquitoes is nectar, especially for the male mosquito since they do not feed on blood at all. Nectar, honeydew, and plant sap are some of the main food sources for all mosquitoes. Female mosquitoes are required to feed on blood to reproduce, but beyond that, the females will also feed on plants. 

What Scents Keep Mosquitoes Away?

Scents and fragrances have the power to attract or deter mosquitoes. Female mosquitoes can use their sense of smell to locate carbon dioxide, which is how females can find their way to human hosts. Finding ways to disorient the female mosquito is a useful strategy for deterring them. Perfumes, citronella candles, and other scents are ways to keep mosquitoes away from your property in Suffolk County & Nassau County.