Nothing can ruin an outdoor party the same way a swarm of mosquitoes does. Not only are these insects extremely annoying, but they also carry diseases that could be detrimental to anyone’s health. And given the threat of global warming and climate change, using pesticides and aerosols are no longer an option. But there are ways to fight off these insects that can help the environment at the same time.
Having plants and gravel rocks in your home garden in Utah can make it look more appealing, yes. But you can get more benefits out of it if you have plants that can deter mosquitoes, too. Expert gardeners say there are certain types of plants that can help you get rid of mosquitoes in your outdoor space.
To help you get rid of these insects for good, here is a list of the best plants that can repel mosquitoes immediately.
Basil
Not only is basil great for your pasta dishes, but it is also excellent in controlling the mosquito population. Studies show that the extract from basil leaves is highly toxic to mosquito larvae. That is why it is a great idea to plant basil near the wet parts of your home. Although they will not directly kill off the mosquito larvae, they would at least deter the adults from laying their eggs near your property.
Citronella
Another plant that you can consider having in your garden is citronella. The aroma that comes from crushing the leaves of this plant is a natural repellant against mosquitoes. You can rub it onto your skin, too, to keep the insects at bay. Although they are not as effective as the ones that come in bottles, it is always a great idea to grow a few plants in your garden so that you will always have something on hand.
Lemon Balm
Another plant that you can consider having in your home is a lemon balm. It has the scent of lemon with a mild fragrance of mint. Aside from being a natural repellant against mosquitoes, it offers several healing properties, too.
To use it as a mosquito repellant, all you need to do is to crush a handful of its leaves and rub onto your skin. Although this will not automatically ward off mosquitoes at the mere sight, you will have something handy in case you need one.
However, you must remember that while this plant’s leaf extracts are effective in keeping mosquitoes at bay, it is a highly invasive species. It means that leaving it unattended will make it outgrow the other plants in your garden. That is why most gardeners suggest placing it in a container garden for safekeeping.
Getting rid of mosquitoes is a fierce battle. But you can effectively win the war if you only know how to do it. Using natural methods to deter these insects is an excellent alternative to using pesticides. Not only are you saving the environment, but you are also protecting yourself from exposure to toxic chemicals.
