I love sitting outside and enjoying the hot summer days turn into cool summer nights. What I don’t love is getting noshed to pieces by mosquitos. Short of covering myself from head to toe (which decidedly makes enjoying summer weather a little less enjoyable), it feels like I have no choice but to suffer.
Fortunately, there’s a simpler solution: Plant a few of these flowers and plants in my yard and watch the bloodsuckers disappear. As an added bonus, these plants look pretty. Pretty landscaping and a mosquito deterrent? Yes, please! Check out these eight plants that will help keep your backyard oasis a mosquito-free zone.
1. Lavender
This pretty purple flower offers a fun way to add a splash to your backyard. It smells nice (to human noses) but deters mosquitos, fleas and flies, according to The Old Farmer’s Almanac. Keep mosquitos away by putting satchels of dry lavender in your clothes drawers.
2. Garlic
This twofer protects you against more than one type of bloodsucker. Keep vampires and mosquitos away by planting garlic in your garden or in herb pots set around your favorite outdoor area.
3. Lemon Balm
Lemon balm is a pretty green plant that smells a bit like lemon and mint. This green foliage not only deters mosquitos, but attracts good insects like butterflies and bees. For an effective repellent, crush a few of the leaves in your hand and rub the oil on your skin. Natural Living Ideas notes that this plant is drought resistant (yay for easy maintenance), but it can be invasive, so keep an eye on this plant to keep it from taking over your garden.
4. Peppermint
Peppermint smells, well, minty. This scent is unpopular among the creepy-crawly families, and ants and mosquitos steer clear. Even better: Mice don’t like the minty smell either.
5. Marigolds
This stunning flower is a beautiful addition to any outdoor space. One study found that the oils in this flower can offer several hours of protection from mosquitos, according to Natural Living Ideas. Other bugs that stay away from this plant include Mexican bean beetles, squash bugs and tomato hornworms.
6. Rosemary
Perfect for growing in hotter climates, rosemary is recommended by the New York Botanical Garden for its mosquito-deterring properties, according to Garden Design. The scent of rosemary also keeps moths and flies away. Use this herb as a decorative border — and trim off a bit to season your dinner, too!
7. Basil
Basil is a popular herb used in many Italian dishes, but this strong-smelling herb pulls double duty as a mosquito repellant, too. You’ll need to plant this one with plenty of water, drainage and sunlight. Plant this in containers near your sitting area or as a border for your garden.
8. Geranium
Geraniums are a pretty flower that can add lots of color to your backyard landscaping. This plant has a light lemon scent, similar to citronella. It thrives in warm weather, and can be planted in a pot.
If you’re planning to redo your garden this summer, add a few of these plants to make your homegrown oasis a haven from the pesky bugs. Don’t forget to share these tips with your friends on Facebook.
