What Bushes Make Mosquitoes Go Away?

Lavender is an example of an aromatic bush that repels mosquitoes.

There are several types of bushes and plants that can help make mosquitoes go away. For homeowners who prefer to not use insecticides, mosquito-repelling bushes can assist in reducing populations of these unwanted pests. Mosquitoes are not only nuisances, they can also carry diseases. Bushes and plants that have strong aromas contain essential oils that repel mosquitoes, particularly when leaves are crushed.

Rosemary

Rosemary is a mosquito-repelling bush related to mint. Some varieties can grow as tall as 6 feet. It's an attractive bush that thrives in hot, dry weather. The most-common varieties of this hardy bush have light-blue flowers, but rosemary is also available with white or pink flowers. Rosemary bushes also keep the air smelling fresh, and their leaves can be dried and used in cooking.

Wormwood

The wormwood bush has a woody fragrance and silver-gray foliage. There are several varieties of wormwood, all of which prefer sunny, well-drained locations. Once established, wormwood bushes require little or no care, and their sweet fragrance repels mosquitoes and other insects.

Lavender

Lavender is a beautiful and aromatic bush, and like other aromatic plants, its strong fragrance can help keep mosquitoes away. The lavender bush prefers full sun but can be grown in some shade. It's drought-resistant once established, but thrives with regular watering. Lavender flowers keep their fragrance when dried and can be used in sachets. There are several varieties of lavender bushes, and different cultivars do well in different areas. Essential oils can be extracted from fresh lavender flowers.

Catnip

Catnip is a member of the mint family that grows to a height of 3 to 5 feet. The essential oil in catnip that gives it a strong aroma is about 10 times more effective at repelling mosquitoes than DEET, according to ScienceDaily.

Considerations

Citronella grass looks attractive planted near bushes. It's a clump-forming grass that can grow to 6 feet tall. Essential oils from citronella are used in insect repellents and candles. The essential oils from citronella or other strong-scented plants can be effective in repelling mosquitoes and other insects. Homeowners can crush leaves and spread essential oils on the skin in order to repel mosquitoes without using chemical insect repellent. Combining more than one type of essential oil for this purpose is particularly effective, such as citronella oil and lemon eucalyptus oil.

References

• Alderleaf Wilderness College; Plants That Repel Mosquitoes; Jason Knight
• ScienceDaily; Catnip Repels Mosquitoes More Effectively Than DEET; August 2001
• Iowa State University Extension; Mosquito Repellent Plants; Donald Lewis; May 1993
• Arizona Cooperative Extension; Growing Rosemary; Jeff Schalau; June 2003

Resources

• Borghese Gardens: Natural Insect Repellent Plants and Pesticides