Flowers that Repel Mosquitoes can be a good addition to the garden to save you from these scratching insects!
Flowers that Repel Mosquitoes
1. Bee Balm
Botanical Name: Monarda didyma L
The plant emits a strong incense-like fragrance, particularly when its leaves are crushed. This scent is due to the presence of thymol, an essential oil that is known for its natural insect-repellent properties.
2. Marigold
Botanical Name: Tagetes
The key factor in their repellent nature is the compound pyrethrum, which affects the nervous system of mosquitoes. Additionally, the strong scent of marigolds, which some people find slightly unpleasant, is particularly offensive to mosquitoes.
3. Lavender
Botanical Name: Lavandula angustifolia
Lavender emits a strong fragrance that is pleasant to humans but disliked by mosquitoes. The essential oils, particularly linalool and camphor, effectively repel these insects.
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4. Tansy
Botanical Name: Tanacetum vulgare L. (Asteraceae)
Tansy contains thujone, which is known to repel mosquitoes. Its strong scent confuses them, disrupting their ability to smell potential hosts.
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5. Chrysanthemum
Botanical Name: Chrysanthemum
Chrysanthemums contain pyrethrum, a compound used in many commercial insect repellents. It affects the nervous system of mosquitoes, making it a potent repellent.
6. Lantana
Botanical Name: Lantana camara
Lantana produces a pungent odor, which mosquitoes find unattractive. Its essential oils are often cited for repellent properties.
7. Rosemary
Botanical Name: Salvia rosmarinus
Rosemary’s strong scent, primarily due to the presence of cineole and camphor, is effective in repelling mosquitoes. Burning rosemary branches can amplify its repellent effect.
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8. Floss
Botanical Name: Ageratum
Floss flower releases a chemical called coumarin, and its scent is a deterrent for mosquitoes. Keep crushing its leaves and flowers to make it more potent.
9. Society Garlic
Botanical Name: Tulbaghia violacea
While resembling traditional garlic in odor, this one contains compounds that mosquitoes find repulsive, primarily due to its strong, sulfur-like scent.
10. Catnip
Botanical Name: Nepeta cataria
Catnip is remarkably effective against mosquitoes, thanks to the compound nepetalactone. It can be more effective than DEET, a common ingredient in insect repellents.
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11. Basil Flowers
Botanical Name: Ocimum basilicum
The essential oils in basil, particularly estragole and linalool, are effective at repelling mosquitoes. The strong scent of basil leaves and flowers is a natural deterrent.
12. Peppermint Flowers
Botanical Name: Mentha × Piperita
Peppermint contains menthol, which has a strong scent that repels mosquitoes. You can also apply peppermint oil to the skin for more protection.
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13. Geranium
Botanical Name: Geranium
Geraniums, especially the lemon-scented variety, have mosquito-repellent properties. The fragrance, which includes citronellol, is unappealing to these insects.
14. Allium
Botanical Name: Allium
Plants in the Allium family, such as chives, garlic, and leeks, produce a strong scent offensive to mosquitoes. Their sulfur compounds are responsible for this effect.
15. Petunia
Botanical Name: Petunia x hybrida
While not as potent as some other plants on this list, petunias can help repel mosquitoes. The mild scent of the plant is quite effective in keeping mosquitoes at bay.
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Maximizing the Effectiveness of These Flowers
- Strategic Placement: Place these flowers near seating areas, entrances, and windows to create a natural barrier against mosquitoes.
- Crush Flowers and Leaves: Doing this occasionally will help disperse the essential oils in the air more effectively, making these plants more potent against mosquitoes.