For those who love tending to their garden but hate dealing with biting bugs like mosquitoes and other insects, there are certain plants that you can grow that act as a natural deterrent. But which species are the most effective? The professionals at SWAT Mosquito Systems Fort Myers and Naples are here with a list of some trees and plants that repel mosquitoes.
1. Citronella
Some plants, like citronella, thrive in warmer climates which makes it an excellent choice for including them in your Florida garden. Citronella is known as a natural bug repellant first and foremost which is why it’s commonly extracted and repurposed for use in mosquito candles and wearable repellants. Lemon balm also contains a lot of citronella, so it works as a great alternative for those who have a preference.
Read more > Are Mosquito Repellant Plants Effective In South Florida?
2. Eucalyptus Trees
On a much larger scale, a fully-grown eucalyptus tree can act as a strong mosquito repellant in so many ways. The bark alone gives off a strong enough scent that many bugs don’t like, but the leaves also contain oils that can be collected and distributed around the home. Eucalyptus trees are also considered pet-friendly since they can fend off fleas and ticks as well as mosquitoes.
3. Lavender
Lavender plants are universally loved for their beauty and other valuable uses. Consuming it or just taking in the aroma, can help calm people in an anxious state or assist with trouble sleeping. A lesser-known quality that lavender has is its ability to deter mosquitoes, flies, and moths. If you leave them in your garden bed, they can also ward off slugs and snails.
4. Catnip
Did you know that catnip is technically a type of mint? Most mint plants are effective in repelling mosquitoes, and catnip is no exception. They are easy to grow and maintain, and your cats are sure to love them!
5. Marigolds
Marigolds are often grown solely for their colorful appearance. Many people who choose to plant them for that reason aren’t even aware of their bug-repelling properties. Other than mosquitoes, marigolds can also fend off certain species of beetles, worms, and flies. You can even pair them with lavender for double the bug repellant while adding an exciting color combination to your yard!
6. Rosemary
Rosemary, along with other strong-smelling herbs like basil, sage, and peppermint, may smell wonderful to us but come off as overly pungent to mosquitoes. Whether you grow them in your yard or have a mini herb garden growing in your kitchen, they’re sure to give mosquitoes a hard time.
7. Chrysanthemums
Another plant that is primarily known for its mosquito-repelling qualities, chrysanthemums are arguably the #1 plant that is effective as a means of bug control. While mosquitoes are the main victim when it comes to the pyrethrins found in chrysanthemum plants, they can also deter spiders, roaches, fleas, ants, beetles, ticks, and more. While it’s nice to have these plants around your yard, you can get the most use out of pyrethrum when it is extracted and distributed through a misting system where it can directly target mosquitoes.
Learn more > What Is Pyrethrum and How Effective Is It vs Other Mosquito Repellants?
Get A Natural Misting Solution In Fort Myers and Naples!
It’s always a good idea to get your hands a bit dirty and plant something that you enjoy, but if you’re looking to effectively rid your home of mosquitoes, you’ll have better luck with a mosquito misting solution that evenly distributes natural essences during the most optimal times of the day. For more information on mosquito misting products and to receive a free quote on a custom system, call SWAT Mosquito Systems Fort Myers and Naples today at (954) 437-1815!