9 Best Herbs to Keep Mosquitoes Away Natural Solution for Your Lanzarote Patio or Balcony

Are you tired of battling mosquitoes every time you step outside?

Instead of resorting to chemical repellents, why not turn to nature’s own defenses? Certain herbs are not only useful in the kitchen but also serve as effective mosquito repellents. By incorporating these plants into your garden or patio, you can create a beautiful and functional space that keeps those pesky insects away.

Here are the top 9 herbs that can help you enjoy a mosquito-free outdoor environment.

1. Basil (Ocimum basilicum)

Description

Basil is a popular culinary herb with a strong scent that mosquitoes find unpleasant.

How to Use

• Planting: Grow basil in pots or garden beds around your patio.
• DIY Repellent: Crush the leaves and rub them on your skin to act as a natural mosquito repellent.

2. Lemon Balm (Melissa officinalis)

Description

Lemon balm contains high levels of citronellal, which gives it a lemony scent that is effective in repelling mosquitoes.

How to Use

• Planting: Place lemon balm in containers or garden areas where mosquitoes are a problem.
• DIY Repellent: Crush the leaves and apply them to your skin for added protection.

3. Lavender (Lavandula angustifolia)

Description

Lavender’s sweet fragrance is pleasant to humans but repels mosquitoes effectively.

How to Use

• Planting: Plant lavender in sunny areas around your outdoor space.
• Indoor Use: Use dried lavender in sachets or oil to keep mosquitoes away from indoor areas.

4. Peppermint (Mentha piperita)

Description

The strong menthol scent of peppermint makes it an effective mosquito repellent.

How to Use

• Planting: Grow peppermint in pots to control its invasive nature and place them around your patio.
• DIY Repellent: Use peppermint oil on your skin or in a diffuser.

5. Rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis)

Description

Rosemary’s woody scent is not favored by mosquitoes.

How to Use

• Planting: Incorporate rosemary in containers or garden beds.
• Smoke Repellent: Burn a few sprigs in your fire pit or barbecue to create mosquito-repelling smoke.

6. Citronella (Cymbopogon nardus)

Description

Citronella is well-known for its mosquito-repelling properties and is a common ingredient in many commercial repellents.

How to Use

• Planting: Grow citronella grass in your garden or in pots.
• DIY Products: Use the leaves to make homemade citronella oil or infusions.

7. Catnip (Nepeta cataria)

Description

Catnip contains nepetalactone, a powerful mosquito repellent.

How to Use

• Planting: Grow catnip in your garden, though it may attract cats.
• DIY Repellent: Use the leaves to create a homemade repellent spray.

8. Sage (Salvia officinalis)

Description

The earthy scent of sage is effective in keeping mosquitoes at bay.

How to Use

• Planting: Grow sage in your garden or in pots.
• Smoke Repellent: Burn sage leaves in a fire pit to create mosquito-repelling smoke.

9. Thyme (Thymus vulgaris)

Description

Thyme’s strong scent is effective against mosquitoes.

How to Use

• Planting: Grow thyme in your garden or containers.
• DIY Repellent: Crush the leaves to release their oils and rub them on your skin.

Conclusion

By incorporating these mosquito-repelling herbs into your garden or patio, you can create a naturally beautiful and functional outdoor space.

Not only will these plants enhance the aesthetic of your garden, but they will also provide a chemical-free way to keep mosquitoes at bay.

Start planting these herbs today and enjoy a more comfortable, mosquito-free environment all summer long.

If you found this useful take a look at this article about transforming your outdoor patio or balcony to really make it a truly inviting, and potentially value adding, space!

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