Utilize Repelling Plants to Keep Mosquitoes Away

Florida is an ideal breeding ground for mosquitoes, offering many bodies of water combined with a hot, humid climate.  Even if you can eliminate standing water and other mosquito breeding spots on your property, they can travel from other nearby sources and quickly become a nuisance.  If you are looking for a natural way to protect your outdoor spaces, then mosquito repelling plants are a wonderful option to help combat this problematic pest.  These plants will emit scents that interfere with the mosquito’s ability to track their victims by odors and gases by blocking their scent receptors.  A variety of plant options are available in our area that can help keep the mosquitoes from frequenting your outdoor spaces.

Citronella Grass
This fast-growing grass clump can reach heights of 4-6 feet and releases a lemony scent when crushed, which helps keep the mosquitos away.  This plant will appreciate a location in bright but filtered sunlight with a moist, loamy soil that is watered frequently.  Crush the leaves often and rub on clothes for the full effect of the mosquito repelling properties.

Lavender
Fill your garden with gorgeous plumes of purple flowers and green foliage with sweet aromas that will keep the mosquitoes at bay.  Not all lavender can tolerate Florida’s hot and humid climate, double check the variety you choose to make sure it will thrive in your exact zone.  Planting in an area with at least 6 hours of direct sun and well-drained, sandy soil will help the lavender thrive.  Make sure there is plenty of space between each plant to prevent fungal disease from high humidity.   

Marigolds
The smell of this low-maintenance, fragrant flower will help protect against mosquitoes and other pests.  Plant around the home near entryways and windows, the repellant aromas will keep unwanted pests from entering your home.  The gold, yellow and orange blooms throughout summer will add beautiful color and excellent pest protection.  This plant is drought-tolerant once established and prefers well-drained, moist soil.  This plant does well in full sun and can become leggy if the location is too shady.  This plant is also considered to be rabbit and deer repellent.

Rosemary
This Florida-Friendly plant is not only a wonderful addition to your herb garden and dinner plate but is a great way to keep the mosquitoes out of your outdoor area.  This drought-tolerant plant will do well in the ground or containers, reaching heights of 6 ft tall with a 4-5 ft spread.   Enjoy tiny pink, blue or lavender blooms in the winter and spring depending on the variety.  Plant in an area that receives about 6 hours of sunlight in well-drained soil.  This plant does not like to be overwatered and should be protected when temperatures drop below freezing.  Pinch the leaves and flowers often to encourage growth and release the fragrance by crushing leaves and sprinkling them in your outdoor area.

Basil
Basil is another edible delight that is not only a must-have in your herb garden but can also be an effective mosquito repellant.  Crush the leaves along your entryways, on your patio or window seals to help discourage mosquitoes and fill your space with a lovely herbal aroma.   Plant in a rich, moist, well-drained soil in a location that receives at least 6 hours of filtered sunlight and is protected from direct late afternoon sun.  Once the plant is 6-8 inches high, pinch leaves and flowers to encourage more growth.

There are several other options for Florida-Friendly plants that have insect repellent properties.  Research the different options and choose plants that will thrive in your location for the best results.  Plant as companion plants in your existing landscape spaces or in containers along your outdoor seating areas.  Using plants for protection against mosquitoes and other insects is a natural, chemical-free way to help defend your space from these pests.  If you would like more suggestions for Florida-Friendly, insect repellant options, give us a call and we can provide a free on-site consultation for the best recommendations at your location.