Every spring, garden centers set out pots of lavender, lemongrass, marigolds and so-called mosquito plants with tags promising a bite-free summer. It's an appealing idea for anyone in Fair Lawn who wants a natural way to enjoy the yard. The reality is more modest. Several of these plants do contain oils that mosquitoes dislike, but growing them is very different from using a repellent. Below are honest answers to the questions homeowners ask most about mosquito repellent plants, plus steps that make a bigger difference. If the bites have become a real problem, our mosquito control services focus on where mosquitoes breed and rest.
Which Plants Are Said To Repel Mosquitoes?
The list usually includes:
- Citronella grass and lemongrass. The source of citronella oil, used in candles and sprays.
- Citronella-scented geranium. Often sold as the mosquito plant. It smells lemony but is a different plant from citronella grass.
- Lavender. Its oil is used in some natural repellent products.
- Catnip. Its oil has shown repellent effects in laboratory testing.
- Marigolds, basil, rosemary and mint. Strong-smelling plants that are often included on these lists.
Do These Plants Actually Work?
Not in the way the plant tags suggest. The repellent effect, where there is one, comes from oils inside the leaves and flowers. A living plant sitting in a pot releases only a small amount of those oils into the air, mostly when the leaves are brushed or crushed. That isn't enough to create a mosquito-free zone around your patio.
Researchers who have tested scented plants, including the citronella-scented geranium, have generally found little or no protection from the plants as they grow. Mosquitoes follow your breath, body heat and skin scent, and those signals easily overpower a few pots of herbs.
What About Rubbing The Leaves On Your Skin?
Crushing leaves and rubbing them on your skin releases more oil, and some people do this with lemongrass or mint. Any protection tends to be brief and uneven, since the amount of oil varies from leaf to leaf and wears off quickly. Plant oils can also irritate skin or trigger allergic reactions, especially in children. If you want protection on your skin, an EPA-registered repellent used according to the label is more consistent. If anyone has a skin reaction, wash the area and see a doctor if it doesn't clear up.
Can Plants Make Mosquitoes Worse?
They can, in a couple of ways. Pot saucers, decorative containers and clogged drainage holes collect water after rain or watering, and a small amount of standing water is all mosquitoes need to breed. Dense, leafy plantings around a patio also create shade and humidity, which mosquitoes use as resting spots during the day. Planting a thick border of herbs around your seating area can end up giving mosquitoes more places to hide.
If you keep potted plants outside, a few habits help. Empty saucers after it rains, or skip them on pots that don't need them. Make sure drainage holes stay open. Check decorative containers, watering cans and self-watering planters, which can hold water out of sight. Leave some open space between plants and your seating so air can move through.
Is There Any Reason To Plant Them?
Absolutely, just for the right reasons. Lavender, herbs and marigolds are attractive, easy to grow and useful in the kitchen. Many of them draw pollinators. Enjoy them as part of the garden. Just don't count on them to stop bites. If you grow catnip, expect neighborhood cats to visit, and keep in mind that some garden plants can be harmful to pets if eaten, so check before planting where dogs or cats spend time.
What Works Better?
- Dump standing water weekly. Empty saucers, buckets, toys, birdbaths and tarps, and keep gutters draining.
- Trim resting spots. Thin dense shrubs and keep grass short near where people sit.
- Use a fan. Mosquitoes are weak fliers, and a steady breeze makes it hard for them to land.
- Wear repellent. Choose an EPA-registered product and follow the label, especially for children.
- Repair screens. Keep window and door screens tight.
Our guide on how to keep mosquitoes away from your backyard without fogging goes through these steps in more detail.
When To Call A Professional
If you've cleared the standing water and you're still getting bitten, mosquitoes may be breeding in spots you can't easily reach or coming from nearby properties. EcoFusion's mosquito program includes barrier sprays applied to vegetation and resting surfaces, breeding site identification and elimination, and treatments for standing water areas. Our NJ DEP-licensed technicians use EPA-registered, eco-safe products, and our work is backed by the EcoGuard Guarantee.
Scented plants are a lovely addition to any garden, but they aren't a mosquito shield. Grow them for their beauty and flavor, handle the water and shade, and summer in your Fair Lawn yard will be far more pleasant.