When it comes to annoying pests, mosquitoes top the list. Mosquitoes are not only a nuisance but they are also “vectors,” meaning they can spread pathogens. That means these pests can pose a risk to the health of you and your family, including your furry family members.
For that reason, you might be considering adding plants that repel mosquitoes around your property. Mosquito repellent plants are often a popular seller at local nurseries and search engine data shows that people frequently search for these options.
Unfortunately, when it comes to a pest as persistent as the hungry mosquito, outdoor mosquito repellent plants are not an effective solution. In this article, we’ll explain why that’s the case and what else you should know about getting rid of these pests.
We’ll cover:
1. What are mosquito repellent plants?
2. Do mosquito repellent plants work?
3. How to effectively get rid of mosquitoes
After reading this article, you’ll be equipped to make the best decisions to keep your family safe.
1. What are Mosquito Repellent Plants?
If you’ve ever shopped around at a local nursery or big box store, you’ve likely seen mosquito repellent plants advertised or promoted. Plants that repel mosquitoes (or are “said” to repel mosquitoes) include Citrosa, Lavender, Lemongrass, Basil, Peppermint, Catnip, and Mint.
People love the idea of a natural solution that will keep mosquitoes away. The hope is that installing some of these plants around your patio will keep the mosquitoes from bothering you.
But the current science says this isn’t the case. We’ll cover that point next.
If you like the look or the smell of plants that are said to repel mosquitoes, then you should plant them in your yard. But if you’re doing it only to try and deter these pests, we think you’ll be sorely disappointed.
2. Do Mosquito Repellent Plants Work?
Unfortunately, the current scientific evidence does not support the idea that any type of plant can effectively repel mosquitoes.
You might be surprised to know that one study showed that mosquitoes landed more frequently on people surrounded by supposed mosquito repellent plants than those who were not surrounded.
To date, most of the research that has been done on mosquito repellent plants has looked at their extracts and oils. While the extracts and oils show some repelling possibilities, it does not mean that installing these plants will have any effect.
In other words, you’d have to (in theory) obtain the extracts from the plants to have any sort of results. And even then, with a pest as “thirsty” as the mosquito, there’s no certainty it would be enough.
When you’re talking about a pest that can carry and transmit potentially deadly diseases like West Nile and Zika Virus, it’s simply not enough to protect your family with plants. You’ll want to implement truly effective solutions that will keep them safe.
3. How to Effectively Get Rid of Mosquitoes
While we all wish a solution as simple as outdoor mosquito repellent plants would keep these pests away, you’ll need a better solution. When mosquitoes are in search of their next blood meal they can be highly aggressive.
Fortunately, there are a few things that you can do to reduce the mosquito population on your property.
One of the first steps is to get rid of standing water.
Since water is necessary for mosquito larvae to transform into adults, eliminating standing water is important when it comes to how to get rid of mosquitoes in the yard. Mosquito larvae feed on organic matter in stagnant water so any water that is not moving (such as a fountain) could become a prime location for mosquitoes.
Common areas of standing water on a property include:
- Buckets and containers
- Gutters
- Children’s toys and wagons
- Tarps
- Pool covers
- Watering cans left in the yard
- Wheelbarrows
When water becomes stagnant because it is sitting for a long period of time, it can become a mosquito breeding ground. Water that is flowing (like a water feature or a pool) won’t pose a problem.
The next thing you should do is cut back excessive growth.
Mosquitoes love to hide and they’ll often seek shelter in tall grasses, shrubbery, or even around wood piles. To try and reduce your mosquito population, you must think about reducing their hang-out spots.
Keep your lawn regularly mowed and keep shrubs neatly trimmed. Clear any debris that might be in your yard or landscape. Also, if you cover your wood pile with a tarp, be sure to keep it pulled tight to prevent water from pooling.
Finally, make sure you invest in professional mosquito control.
Professional mosquito control is going to be one of the most effective steps that you take to reduce your mosquito population. This is because mosquito control targets the areas where mosquitoes are going to rest during flight.
Most people don’t realize that mosquitoes are actually very weak flyers and do not stay in flight for long distances. They have to land and rest often. In fact, it’s a big misconception that mosquitoes will just fly into your property from another lawn and head directly to you and your family. The truth is, they’ll land multiple times before they reach you.
In addition to spraying mosquito control around common resting areas, a technician will also spray around areas where you spend a lot of your time—your patio, your fire pit, or your deck—so that you’re definitely covered in those areas, as well.
Mosquito Control Services in Cincinnati, Dayton, OH and Northern Kentucky
We know that mosquitoes are a major source of frustration. But you have the power to take back control of your property.
By making a smart choice in mosquito control services, you’ll no longer have to feel like you have to drag the kids or pets inside…or stop the party short…because the mosquitoes are biting.
With mosquitoes effectively taken care of, you’ll be able to let go of your worries and get back to enjoying time outside.
If you’d like to learn more about mosquito control for your Cincinnati, Dayton, OH, or Northern Kentucky home, get your quote, let us help you choose a stand-alone mosquito program or add it to your other services, then sit back and relax knowing we’ve got it under control.
Image Source: Lawn mower, Lavender