Fighting Mosquitoes: Use Your Garden to Fend Off Pests
What Are Mosquitoes?
Mosquitoes are one of the most common pests. They are found all over the world and suck blood through piercing the skin of their victims. Many animals are affected, as well as people. The saliva from the mosquitoes can cause a rash and become itchy. We’ve probably all experienced a mosquito bite or two, and fighting mosquitoes is a necessary chore during those warm months.
Fighting Mosquitoes
These buzzing creatures haunt our worst nightmares. These pests always seem to follow us on our favorite warm-weather activities. They bother us during garden parties, bonfires, and camping trips. (There’s truly nothing worse than accidentally locking a mosquito in your tent overnight)! The itchy red spots they leave behind are almost as annoying as their constant humming in your ear. This means fighting mosquitoes is probably at the top of your mind when planning an outdoor shindig.
Breeding Mosquitoes
Did you know that you might be unwittingly breeding mosquitoes in your very own garden? Without even realizing it, those gutters you’ve been neglecting may have become a prime location for mosquitoes to lay eggs. Any amount of standing water can house several hundred mosquito eggs. It is highly recommended that, when fighting mosquitoes, you change your birdbath water frequently. It is also a good idea to overturn or remove any other objects that can be collecting rainwater. Take a look at this article at PopularMechanics.com to find other places you may be unintentionally breeding mosquitoes.
Mosquito-Fighting Plants:
Many people swear by chemical-filled sprays and DEET products to help when fighting mosquitoes. However, there are other natural remedies that many gardeners have begun to use.
Herbs
Herbs like sage, mint, basil, and peppermint have strong scents that discourage mosquitoes from visiting your garden. They are also excellent for a little extra protection if you crush them and rub them on any exposed skin. This releases their oils and the scent will deter mosquitoes from snacking on your blood.
Rosemary is another herb that can be helpful when fighting mosquitoes. Though the living plant has an aroma that fends off mosquitoes, it also works well during a bonfire. Simply add a few bits of rosemary to your fire pit and the scent will scare off those buzzing insects.
Citronella
Though most people have heard of citronella candles and oils, some people don’t realize they come from a plant. Citronella is a perennial clumping grass that has a strong, lemon scent. This scent masks others that might attract mosquitoes to your garden. Citronella prefers full sun and soil that drains well. It would grow wonderfully in BigYellowBag’s Black Garden Soil due to the loam-based nature of the product.
Other Plants
Lemon Balm and Marigolds are other plants that specialize in fighting mosquitoes. Lemon Balm is an aggressive, hardy plant. It will gladly take over large sections of your garden if you’ll let it. It might be wise to keep it contained in a pot. Lemon Balm attracts pollinators while giving off a strong aroma that deters mosquitoes.
Marigolds are an annual plant that has brightly colored flowers. Its unique scent drives mosquitoes (among other insects) away. Many gardeners create a border around patios or other entertaining areas in their yard with Marigolds.
Help Prevent Mosquito-Borne Diseases
Removing any stagnant water and planting a few of these plants will help control the mosquito population. Mosquitoes can carry diseases like Yellow Fever, Malaria, Zika Virus, and the West Nile Virus. In order to continue fighting mosquitoes naturally, make sure you plant some of these mosquito-repelling plants. This will also help fight these diseases. Plus, you’ll be able to enjoy your garden so much more!