After months of chilly winds and biting cold rain, it is always a joy to welcome the warmer seasons. However, with the warm weather comes pesky flying insects that love nothing more to bite any bare flesh they can get! Mosquitos are just one of the many creatures that want to feast on our blood, making us reach for the cardigans and jumpers once more. However, there are natural ways to deter mosquitos and other pests and it is much easier than you think. Take a look at our top ten list of plants, herbs and flower arrangements that will repel mosquitos and allow you to enjoy the sunshine once more. What’s more, you will find these plants quite easily at your nearest florist and even at online flower shops.
Citronella
We are certain this name will ring a bell with many, as this is one of the key ingredients in mosquito repellent candles and sprays. Grow this grassy plant in your garden or place it in a pot in your home and you can say goodbye to nuisance mosquitos and other creatures. The grass emits a strong scent that mosquitos detest.
Lemon balm
You may know this plant as beebalm or horsemint, but whatever you call it, you will love its repellent effect. As a very fast growing plant, it would be better grown in large pots that you place around the garden as you could soon find it taking over entire areas very quickly otherwise.
Basil
Not only is this herb delicious but it can also keep you from being bitten by mosquitoes. Apparently lemon basil and cinnamon basil are the best types to use as a repellent.
Lavender
Not only does lavender create beautiful flower bouquets but by growing it in your garden, you can relax knowing you won’t be bitten by any flying insects. The gorgeous fragrance of this flower is attractive to us, but not so much to mosquitoes.
Rosemary
Who knew this tasty herb was so versatile? The rosemary plant can be used in cooking and also even blooms beautiful little flowers. As well as deterring insects, rosemary attracts butterflies which are always welcome in any garden.
Geraniums
Have your garden looking fabulous with a border of geraniums and keep pests away too. You could even plant them in hanging baskets to place near your doors to stop mosquitoes entering your home.
Marigolds
Pyrethrum, found in geraniums is abhorrent to insects and is also a common ingredient in insect repellents. Although flying pests may find the aroma of marigolds awful, you will not, and you will have the bonus of gorgeous blooms in your garden.
Catnip
If you hate mosquitoes and love cats, you are going to be overjoyed with this plant! Catnip is said to be an extremely strong bug repellent, although this could well be down to the fact that cats will be busy rubbing themselves in it, scaring bugs away.
Floss flower
These flowers contain coumarin and are used in commercially sold mosquito repellants. Floss flowers are available in a range of colours such as blue, white, pink, and purple making it easy to find some that will complement your flower beds.
Alliums
Alliums are sensational balls of colour propped on a long stem. Not only do these beautiful flowers deter mosquitoes but they also prevent the devastation caused by slugs, aphids and cabbage worms. Many species of allium bloom in springtime, when mosquitoes begin to become a nuisance. You can purchase these flowers as seed or as bulbs.
