Scented Gardens Repel Mosquitoes by Marti Ives
Scientifically, we know that mosquitoes are attracted to the carbon dioxide we breathe out. So, unless we stop exhaling, mosquitoes will keep on coming. We also know that, in an effort to create a more “natural” mosquito repellent, many manufacturers have turned to nature’s bounty for scents that have been suggested to ward of these little buggers.
Taking a cue from Mother Nature herself, the team decided to go right to the plant source that provides repellent properties to all those off-the-shelf products. Our volunteers built raised beds and installed plants that are believed to have anti-mosquito properties. You too can incorporate this plant list into your home gardens to ward off mosquito-heavy areas.
Scented Plants That Repel Mosquitoes
- Lemon Balm
- Eucalyptus
- Marigold
- Garlic
- Lemon Verbena
- Basil
- Sage
- Scented Geranium
- Nasturtium
- Catmint nepeta
- Sweet Annie
- Lemongrass
- Rosemary
- Fennel
Scented Garden Impacts
Shortly after planting we noticed a decrease in the number of mosquitoes inside Felix Neck’s nature center. By incorporating these plants instead of opting for chemical pesticides, we were able to deter mosquitoes without introducing harmful chemicals into our habitats.
If you’re looking to deter mosquitoes without using chemicals, try incorporating these scented plants into your garden.
Bob’s raised bed gardens
Connie’s Carrot Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting
Katie and Hunter’s raised bed garden
