Mosquitoes are a health hazard. They can be a serious problem. Prevention is the key to controlling mosquitoes. Reduce areas of standing water where mosquitoes like to leave their eggs. Mosquitoes fly around searching for animals or people to take a bite and suck out their blood. They may be great food for birds and bats, but you do not want them hanging around your backyard with their diseases and viruses. Mosquito-borne diseases like west Nile virus, malaria and zika do not sound like health issues we want to explore. By including certain plants in your garden, you can reduce your dependence on sprays and high chemical candles. Mosquito-repellent products can get expensive over time and doesn’t necessarily control the mosquito problem. There are some plants that mosquitoes despise. If you plant these in your yard, mosquitoes will steer clear. For a more green approach, try installing some of these insect-repelling plants around your yard…
Flowers That Repel Mosquitoes
- Marigolds – Not only do they make your landscape more attractive, but marigolds also have a distinct smell that repels mosquitoes.
- Citronella Grass – You may recognize the name from the citronella candles. If you have ever smelled citronella candles, you know the scent. Planting some of the citronella grass in your yard will be noticed by mosquitoes.
- Catnip – It is an especially effective mosquito-repellent. It does more than drive pets wild, it has been shown to be more effective on mosquitoes than DEET.
- Lavender – The flower’s perfume is well-known, and while it will scent the air, it’s most effective way to control mosquitoes is by actually rubbing the plant on your skin to release the oils. Lavender does need full sun and good aeration to survive.
Herbs That Repel Mosquitoes
- Rosemary – Not only does rosemary repel mosquitoes, it can repel other insects in your garden. It is especially effective if you’re planning to gather around a fire, try burning rosemary. The incense this plant give off when it burns not only smells good but is unpleasant enough to most species of insects that it’ll repel them—as long as you’re near the smoke.
- Basil – A 2009 study showed that the essential oil from this delicious staple is toxic to mosquito larvae. Grow this amazing plant around any natural water sources, such as a pond, to help control the rate of eggs being laid. Basil has a strong scent, and while we find it lovely, mosquitoes despise it.
- Peppermint – In its concentrated form, peppermint is sometimes used as an insect repellent, and its oil has been shown to repel the adults and kill the larvae and eggs of mosquitoes.
There are many more flowers and herbs that repel mosquitoes and this is just a small sampling of those that work well and are fairly easy to grow. Just remember the herbs are also good to cook with. And the flowers are beautiful in your garden.
Use These Flowers and Herbs Along With Our Mosquito Control Service For Great Results
Our Mosquito Control service is a 3-step application to build a safe barrier to keep mosquitos out; applied in summer months. We start with a barrier spray treatment that will kill adult mosquitoes and larvicides to kill mosquito larvae. Mosquito control treatments are applied several times a year and before big events. The barrier spray contains pyrethrin, which is a pesticide derived from dried chrysanthemum or pyrethroids which is a synthetically produced insecticide. Pyrethrin breaks down quickly when exposed to sunlight and moisture. The barrier spray chemicals are approved by the EPA because in their words they “do not pose risk concerns for children or adults.” Larvicides are used in retention ponds, ditches, lakes and backyard ponds and the most common larvicide is BTI. Bacillus thuringiensis israelensis (BTI) is a naturally occurring bacterium and is nontoxic to mammals, fish and birds, according to the EPA.
Now the question is are you ready to get started with Mosquito Control? A& A Lawn Care & Landscaping helps residential and commercial clients with their lawns and landscaping all year ’round!
Contact Us (859-384-0266) for a Free Consultation!
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About A & A Lawn Care & Landscaping
A & A Lawn Care & Landscaping can beautify your lawn and landscaping using our vast experience in turf grass management. Our complete lawn service is designed for both residential and commercial lawns and we keep your lawn healthy without harming your family, staff, or pets.
