Mosquitoes are pesky and can be hard to keep away. There are some houseplants that can help keep mosquitoes away and give you a better chance at enjoying your outdoor space without being swarmed by them. In this article, we’ll look at which plants are most effective and provide tips on how to take proper care of them.
Why do you need to keep mosquitoes away?
Mosquitoes can be a nuisance, bringing with them the risk of illnesses such as Zika and West Nile virus. You can protect yourself and your family by keeping them away with houseplants that act as natural repellents. Not only are these plants effective, but they also look great and add a fresh, natural feel to your home.
Using houseplants to keep mosquitoes away is a great solution. Catnip, and lemon balm are all effective mosquito repellents and are easy to care for.
Make sure to provide enough water and sunlight, and keep the temperature in mind if you’re planning on putting them outdoors. And don’t forget to enjoy the fresh scent and beauty that these plants bring to your home!
Houseplants that can Help Keep Mosquitoes Away
Houseplants can be a great way to keep the pesky mosquitoes away. Catnip, and lemon balm are some popular choices that can make a real difference in reducing the number of mosquitoes in your home.
To ensure that your houseplants are able to thrive and do their job as natural mosquito repellents, be sure to water them regularly, make sure they get plenty of sunlight, and maintain a comfortable temperature. Not only can houseplants be an effective way to keep mosquitoes away, but they also can add a beautiful touch to your home. So why not give a few of these natural mosquito repellents a try and watch your home become a more pleasant and enjoyable place to be.
Citronella
Citronella is a great plant to have around your home if you want to deter pesky mosquitoes. The best thing about it is that it’s easy to care for and tough to kill!
It needs a bit of sun, a bit of water, and it will do the rest. All you need to do is place it around your home and it will help to keep those pesky mosquitoes away.
It smells pretty good too! If you’re looking for a plant that’s easy to care for and serves the purpose of keeping mosquitoes away, then citronella is a great choice. When caring for citronella, you want to make sure it gets enough water and sun.
When it comes to watering, you should water it enough to keep the soil moist, but not soaked. As for sunlight, it needs at least four to five hours of direct sunlight each day.
If you don’t have a spot in your home where it can get enough sun, you can also move it outside for a few hours each day.
Just make sure it’s not in an area where the temperatures will get too extreme, as this will negatively affect the plant. You want to make sure the citronella isn’t in an area where it will get hit by strong winds, as this can also damage the plant. If you’re able to provide it with enough water, sun, and protection from strong winds, then you should have no problem keeping your citronella healthy and mosquito-free!
Catnip
Catnip is a great natural mosquito repellent. It works especially well if planted right outside your door or window, or in your patio or garden. All you need to do is crush several leaves of catnip and rub them on any exposed skin.
The smell of the oils released from the crushed leaves will ward off mosquitoes. You can make a catnip tea by boiling 1 cup of crushed catnip in 2 cups of water and adding it to your bath water.
You can also grow catnip in your outdoor garden and harvest the leaves for a more concentrated effect. In order for your catnip to really do its job, you need to make sure that you take good care of it.
Catnip prefers full sun and moist soil, so make sure to water it regularly and place it in a sunny spot. If your catnip is outdoors, you may need to periodically trim it back to keep it from getting too leggy and unruly.
Don’t let mosquitoes ruin your outdoor fun.
Add a bit of catnip to your garden for natural protection. It’s easy to grow, requires minimal care, and will help keep mosquitoes away. It’s a great option for those who are sensitive to chemical-based mosquito repellents.
Lemon Balm
Lemon balm is a great indoor plant to have around if you’re trying to keep mosquitoes away. It not only smells great but it also helps to repel these pesky insects. To get the most use out of it, water your lemon balm regularly and make sure it gets plenty of sunlight.
It should be kept in a spot that gets bright, indirect light, and temperatures between 65 and 75°F.
The plant will grow and thrive if it’s in the right environment. Lemon balm is an easy-to-care-for plant, but it does need regular watering and fertilizing. Be sure to water your lemon balm when the top inch of soil is dry.
You can also add a balanced fertilizer once a month and use a slow-release fertilizer in the spring and summer to encourage growth.
As with all house plants, make sure to keep it away from drafty windows in the wintertime to prevent it from becoming too dry. Having lemon balm in your home can be a great way to keep mosquitoes away, while also adding a pleasant scent to the room. With a little TLC, it will thrive and help you keep these bothersome insects at bay.
Care Guidelines
When caring for houseplants that can help keep mosquitoes away, you’ll need to water them regularly and make sure they get enough light. Catnip, and lemon balm are all plants that require plenty of water and sunlight, so be sure to keep an eye on them. Make sure not to overwater or underwater them, as this can lead to root rot.
Try to keep these plants in temperatures between 60-90°F, as temperatures any higher or lower can cause them to die off. When watering, try to use rainwater or distilled water instead of tap water, as this can be better for them in the long run.
You’ll want to make sure they get plenty of sun, but not too much. Try to place them near a south or west window, as this will give them the best light.
If you have a sunroom or porch, consider putting them there since they will get the best light that way.
You can even add a bit of fertilizer to the soil to help keep your plants healthy and vibrant. Just be sure to use a fertilizer that is specifically made for houseplants and follow the instructions on the label. With the right care and attention, you can enjoy your houseplants that can help keep mosquitoes away for years to come.
Water
Water your houseplants regularly but not too much, as this could cause root rot. The frequency of watering depends on the plant species, but you should generally water when the top 1 inch of soil feels dry to the touch. Make sure that you don’t overwater your houseplants, as too much water can kill them.
If you’re not sure when to water, put your finger in the soil and check if it is dry before adding water. You can also check the bottom of the pot to make sure there is no excess water or mold, which could also be a sign of overwatering.
Light
Mosquitoes are a nuisance, but you can help keep them away with houseplants! When choosing a houseplant that can help repel mosquitoes, it is important to consider the amount of light the plant needs.
Citronella and lemon balm plants prefer partial shade to direct sunlight, while catnip thrives in areas with direct sunlight. If you are going to keep your houseplants indoors, make sure to place them near a window where they will receive plenty of light during the day. During the winter, artificial light can help the plants survive and thrive. Keep in mind that too much light can also cause plants to become stressed, so ensure they receive the correct amount of light.
Temperature
It’s important to keep temperature in mind when looking after house plants that help keep mosquitoes away, as each species has its own preferences. For example, is known for its ability to thrive in both warm and cool climates, whereas catnip and lemon balm are best suited to cooler temperatures. As a general rule, try to keep the temperature of your houseplant’s environment between 65 and 75 degrees Fahrenheit.
When it comes to humidity, most of these plants prefer the air to be a bit more moist, but not too humid. When it comes to keeping your houseplants happy and mosquito-free, a little bit of extra temperature attention can go a long way.
If you’re able, keep an eye on your houseplant’s environment and adjust it as needed. You can also use a humidity monitor to make sure the air is at the right level of moisture.
With the right temperature and humidity adjustments, your houseplants can repel mosquitos and keep your home pest-free.
Take the time to check the temperature in your home and make sure it’s ideal for the type of houseplant you’re caring for. If you need to, invest in a humidity monitor to ensure the air is just right. With a little extra attention to temperature, your houseplants can thrive and keep those pesky bugs away!
Conclusion
Mosquitoes are pesky little bugs that can really ruin your outdoor relaxation. There are some easy-to-maintain houseplants that can help keep them away. Catnip and lemon balm have natural oils that act as natural insect repellents.
To get the most out of them, make sure to give them enough water, plenty of sunlight, and keep them in an environment around 55-80°F.
By taking the right steps, these plants can help protect your outdoor living space from mosquitoes. Another great way to repel mosquitoes is to create a pleasant scent around your outdoor area. Plant flowers like marigolds, lavender, and chrysanthemums, which can act as natural mosquito repellents.
You can also burn citronella candles, or use lemon balm and basil essential oils in your diffuser.
Doing so can help you enjoy your outdoor living space without worrying about mosquitoes. If you’re looking for a more permanent solution, you may want to invest in a mosquito net for your outdoor furniture, or an outdoor fan. These two items will help create a comfortable, mosquito-free atmosphere in your backyard that you can enjoy for years to come. With the right plants and a few simple precautions, you can keep mosquitoes away from your outdoor living space.