Use plants to keep mosquitoes away from your balcony and garden: discover the plants these blood-suckers will steer clear of
Every year mosquitoes return to plague us and our pets. Well, did you know that in addition to the standard precautions you take to keep mosquitoes at bay, you can invest the help of certain plants? If not, keep reading:
1. Lemongrass (Cymbopogon)
Obsidian Soul/Wikimedia Commons
If your local area is humid, try planting some citronella - considered by many to be highly effective at repelling mosquitoes. Citronella should be watered regularly in spring and summer, but you can cut back from October onwards. Citronella looks like with long, thin leaves. This plant can be planted in a flowerbed or to serve as a bordering plant.
2. Lavender (Lavandula)
Pixabay
The scent of lavender is pleasant for most of us but is detested by mosquitoes. Many pollinating insects also love lavendar, so planting it in your garden will bring multiple benefits. Plant lavender in the flowerbeds around your house, and also consider growing it in pots on your balcony, terrace and windowsills (and with good exposure to the sun)!
Eucalyptus
Eucalyptus best suited to those who have garden, as this plant grows into a very large tree. That said, you can also try growing it indoors or on your balcony (although this will require more maintenance). Eucalyptus does not like temperature extremes, prefering a range of between 5 and 15 degrees C. Additionally, eucalyptus is very popular these days for interior design purposes, serving as a "trendy" decorating element.
Mint (Mentha spicata)
Lazaregagnidze/Wikimedia Commons
Do you want a plant that grows quickly, is low-management, fragrant and beloved by bees and butterflies? Mint (aka peppermint/spearmint) is the answer: with just a few plants you will have a "blanket" of mint within a year of growth. Just passing your hand over mint is sufficient for it to release its unmistakable scent!
Marigold (Tagetes)
Needpix
If, however, you want a plant with colorful flowers, try marigolds. With their double corollas in yellow/red, nothing is more beautiful than a cluster of marigolds. And given that marigolds will repel mosquitoes with their scent, how could you not have some of these beautiful plants in your garden?
Which of these plants would you like to have at home?
