As the weather warms and outdoor gatherings become more frequent, one unwanted guest often makes an appearance: mosquitoes. These tiny, buzzing insects can quickly turn a pleasant evening into an itchy affair. While bug sprays and citronella candles offer some relief, why not incorporate natural solutions into your home?

Enter mosquito-repelling plants. These green allies not only add beauty and fragrance to your garden but also serve as nature’s bug repellent, thanks to their essential oils. Let’s explore some of the most effective plants to keep those pesky mosquitoes at bay.

➡️ Related Read: Top Child-Safe Mosquito Repellents

1. Citronella

First on our list is perhaps the most famous mosquito-repelling plant: citronella. Its distinct lemony scent is well-known for its ability to ward off mosquitoes. Citronella grass (Cymbopogon nardus) contains citronella oil, which is commonly used in candles and sprays. Planting citronella in your garden or pots around your patio can help create a natural barrier against mosquitoes.

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2. Lavender

Not only beloved for its calming aroma and beautiful purple blooms, but lavender (Lavandula angustifolia) also happens to be an effective mosquito deterrent. The sweet fragrance of lavender is delightful to humans but unpleasant to mosquitoes. Plant lavender in sunny areas of your garden to enjoy its beauty while keeping mosquitoes at bay.

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3. Lemon Balm

Image: Shopee

As its name suggests, lemon balm (Melissa officinalis) emits a delightful lemony scent that mosquitoes find repulsive. This member of the mint family not only adds a refreshing aroma to your garden but also serves as a natural insect repellent. Crush the leaves to release their oils and enhance their mosquito-repelling properties.

You can get it on Shopee.

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4. Lemongrass

Lemongrass (Cymbopogon citratus) is another plant with a citrusy aroma that mosquitoes dislike. Native to tropical regions, lemongrass contains citronella, making it an effective deterrent against mosquitoes. Plant lemongrass in pots or in the ground, and place them around your outdoor living spaces to keep mosquitoes away.

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5. Pelargonium

Image: Shopee

Also known as scented geraniums, pelargoniums are prized for their fragrant foliage. Certain varieties, such as citronella-scented pelargoniums, contain compounds that mosquitoes find unpleasant. These plants not only repel mosquitoes but also add color and texture to your garden with their vibrant blooms.

You can get it on Shopee.

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6. Peppermint

While humans find the refreshing scent of peppermint (Mentha x piperita) invigorating, mosquitoes steer clear of it. Planting peppermint in your garden or in pots around your patio can help deter mosquitoes while providing you with fresh mint leaves for culinary or medicinal purposes.

You can get it on Shopee.

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7. Rosemary

Image: Shopee

Rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis) is a versatile herb known for its culinary uses and aromatic foliage. Its woody scent not only adds flavor to dishes but also acts as a natural mosquito repellent. Plant rosemary in containers or in the ground near outdoor seating areas to help keep mosquitoes at bay.

You can get it on Shopee.

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Incorporating mosquito-repelling plants into your home is a natural and effective way to ward off these pesky insects. Not only do these plants add beauty and fragrance to your home, but they also provide a chemical-free alternative to traditional bug repellents.

Whether you prefer the citrusy aroma of citronella or the soothing scent of lavender, there’s a mosquito-repelling plant to suit every garden. So, why not embrace nature’s bug repellent and create a more enjoyable outdoor environment for yourself and your loved ones?

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