Repel Mosquitoes With Plants
With heavy rains covering most of Texas this past month, you can bet that swarms of mosquitoes aren’t far behind. Not only are these little suckers an annoyance, they can transmit diseases like the West Nile Virus. One way to fight back is to stock your garden and outdoor landscape with plants that repel mosquitoes and keep the bugs at bay.
Texas Ready Heat Resistance
It’s a given that at some point, summer temperatures in Texas will reach scorching triple-digits. While it’s hard to find plants that can stand up to that kind of swelter, these five heat-resistant plants handle it better than most and have the added benefit of repelling mosquitoes.
Rosemary
For novice gardeners, rosemary is a great way to develop your green thumb. These plants require very little water and prefer sandy soil and lots of sun. They work best when planted in the ground and can grow from a small 4-inch pot into full-blown shrubs over the course of a few seasons. Plus, you can incorporate this fresh herb into your recipes to impress your friends and family with your culinary genius.
Lavender
Like rosemary, lavender prefers sandy soil. Great for aromatic borders and low hedges, this purple blossom needs good drainage. Mosquitoes don’t like the scent of lavender, but you’ll love its soothing smell. Don’t worry if there aren’t any blossoms at first. Lavender leaves are just as fragrant, so your plants will help repel mosquitoes even if there are no blooms in sight.
Horsemint
The tall lilac stalks of horsemint prefer a little moisture in the soil, but these wild flowers can often survive on rainwater in old fields and in ditches. It tends to grow in clumps of flowering shoots that last a long time and is a favorite treat for honey bees, butterflies and humming birds.
Catmint
Like catnip, catmint is known to attract feline attention, so don’t be surprised if kitty chooses this spot as her favorite garden hangout. It takes well to most soil types, and its silvery foliage gives your garden a cool aesthetic. Plus, it has the added benefit of being deer repellent as well.
Citronella
This classic anti-mosquito plant gives off a tangy citrus scent. It prefers regular watering but can stand up against high temperatures. With lacy leaves, this plant is an excellent way to add visual interest and texture to container gardens.
