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What Are the Best Plants to Keep Mosquitoes Away?
Mosquitoes rely heavily on their sense of smell to find hosts, making strong fragrances an effective natural deterrent. Incorporating certain aromatic plants and herbs into your garden can help keep mosquitoes at bay. However, the essential oils within these plants need to be released—typically by crushing the leaves or stems—to be effective. It’s also crucial to complement these natural methods with professional mosquito control measures.
Mosquito-Repelling Plants
To create a natural barrier against mosquitoes, consider planting these varieties:
- Citronella: Commonly referred to as the “mosquito plant,” this variety of geranium is less effective than true citronella grass, which is used for extracting citronella oil—a well-known mosquito repellent.
- Lavender: Known for its strong fragrance, lavender oil can mask other attractants and confuse mosquitoes, reducing their ability to locate hosts.
- Marigolds: These vibrant flowers not only beautify your garden but also release a scent that repels mosquitoes. They are also beneficial for keeping away other pests such as aphids and whiteflies.
- Rosemary, Basil, & Thyme: These aromatic herbs are effective in repelling mosquitoes and other pests due to their strong scents.
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Do Mosquitoes Feed on Plants?
While it’s widely known that female mosquitoes require blood to reproduce, both male and female mosquitoes primarily consume nectar, plantsap, and honeydew. Thus, mosquitoes are frequent visitors to flowering plants for their main source of nutrition.
What Scents Keep Mosquitoes Away?
The scents that most effectively repel mosquitoes are those that overpower or mask the carbon dioxide and other attractants humans emit. Using perfumes, scented candles, especially those with citronella, and other strong fragrances can create a scent barrier that confuses and keeps mosquitoes away. Deploying these scents strategically around your home or garden in Florida can significantly reduce your exposure to mosquitoes and enhance your enjoyment of outdoor spaces.