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What Are the Best Plants to Keep
Mosquitoes Away?
Because mosquitoes rely on their sense of smell to locate mosquitoes, certain fragrant plants may work to naturally repel mosquitoes. Some of these naturally fragrant plants include lavender, citronella, and more.
While these types of plants may provide a bit of relief from mosquitoes, they are not strong enough to keep mosquitoes from making your backyard into their personal breeding grounds.
Best Mosquito-Repelling Plants & Herbs
Oils derived from plants work as natural repellents against mosquitoes. For that reason, it’s wise to plant a garden with a number of varieties that can aid in creating mosquito repellents. Popular mosquito-repelling plants include the following:
- Citronella. Often marketed as “mosquito plants” in big-box stores, this leafy plant is simply a geranium variety. Citronella grass, on the other hand, is most useful for extracting citronella oil.
- Lavender. As one of the most fragrant plants, lavender oil can help deter a mosquito by blocking its sense of smell.
- Marigolds. Both easy to grow and beautiful, marigolds emit a scent that also helps to deter mosquitoes. They also prevent aphids, whiteflies, and other garden pests.
- Rosemary, basil & thyme. These fragrant herbs are just that: fragrant! Similar to other plants, the scents of these keep pests and mosquitoes at bay.
Even though plants can be a great addition to your home, professional mosquito control treatments are the best way to reduce mosquito populations on your property.
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Do Mosquitoes Eat Plants?
Mosquitoes aren’t only feeding on your blood! In fact, nectar is the primary source of a mosquito’s diet. Male mosquitoes in particular feed only on nectar, plant sap, and honeydew. Female mosquitoes only feed on blood in order to be able to reproduce. So, just like other insects in your garden, mosquitoes are mostly getting their nutrients from flowering plants.
What Scents Repel Mosquitoes?
Scents can attract (or repel) mosquitoes! Female mosquitoes use their keen sense of smell to locate carbon dioxide, which is breathed out by people nearby. Therefore, scents and fragrances in any form can work to repel mosquitoes by disorienting them. Perfumes, citronella candles, and other scents can help to keep mosquitoes away from your home or garden in Eastern and Central Virginia.
What Are The Best Plants to Keep Mosquitoes Away? in Virginia
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