6 Types of Plants That Will Keep Your Home Mosquito-Free and Provide You with Year-Round Herbs
Here are six types of herbs you can grow indoors that will not only provide you with fresh herbs for cooking all year long but also help to repel mosquitoes:
1. Peppermint
Peppermint not only adds a refreshing flavor to your food and drinks, but it also has the added benefit of repelling mosquitoes due to its strong scent.
Growing Peppermint to Repel Mosquitoes
This plant is very easy to grow and can tolerate dry conditions, making it a great choice for a kitchen herb garden. Plus, the scent of peppermint has been shown to help relax people and reduce stress.
2. Lemon Balm
Lemon balm, also known as horsemint, is a very easy herb to grow. Its leaves have a strong scent that repels insects such as mosquitoes, roaches, and ants.
Lemon Balm Repels Mosquitoes
Lemon balm has a strong, pungent smell that helps keep mosquitoes away. In the Southern United States, lemon balm is often used to flavor soups, so it’s a versatile herb to have on hand.
3. Vietnamese Mint
Vietnamese mint, also known as perilla, is an easy-to-grow herb with a pleasant aroma. It’s a popular ingredient in Vietnamese cuisine and has been shown to have several health benefits, including reducing colds and boosting immunity. Additionally, it has mosquito-repellent properties.
Growing Vietnamese Mint to Repel Mosquitoes
Growing Vietnamese mint indoors is quite easy. It’s a fast-growing plant that doesn’t need a lot of water and can even tolerate shady conditions. So, grow a pot of Vietnamese mint in your home to keep those pesky mosquitoes away!
4. Lemongrass
Lemongrass is another excellent choice for repelling mosquitoes. Its distinctive aroma helps to keep mosquitoes and other insects at bay.
Growing Lemongrass to Repel Mosquitoes
The distinct aroma of lemongrass helps keep mosquitoes out of your home. Simply grow a clump of lemongrass in a pot and place it in a room or plant it in a corner of your yard for an effective natural mosquito repellent.
5. Garlic
Garlic has a very strong scent that mosquitoes find offensive. Planting garlic around your home is an effective and safe way to repel mosquitoes, especially if you have small children.
Garlic’s Strong Smell Repels Mosquitoes
The easiest way to use garlic to repel mosquitoes is to chop it up and sprinkle it around your home. Mosquitoes will stay far away from your property.
6. Mugwort
Mugwort is a herb that is both edible and an effective natural mosquito repellent. It’s very easy to grow and can be planted in a small pot or in your garden.
Growing Mugwort to Repel Mosquitoes
In addition to repelling mosquitoes, mugwort is also a medicinal herb that can be used to treat a variety of ailments, including headaches, minor wounds, and skin irritations. It’s a versatile plant that can be used in both culinary and medicinal applications.
Q: What are the benefits of growing peppermint to repel mosquitoes?
A: Peppermint has a strong, refreshing scent that mosquitoes dislike. Its ease of growth and tolerance for dry conditions make it ideal for indoor herb gardens. Additionally, the aroma of peppermint has a relaxing effect, reducing stress levels.
Q: How does lemon balm help with mosquito control, and what are its other benefits?
A: Lemon balm, also known as horsemint, has a strong scent that effectively repels mosquitoes, roaches, and ants. It is very easy to grow, and its leaves can be used to add a pungent flavor to soups, making it a versatile herb with both culinary and mosquito-repelling properties.
Q: What are the advantages of growing Vietnamese mint indoors?
A: Vietnamese mint, or perilla, has a pleasant aroma and is widely used in Vietnamese cuisine. It is easy to grow, requiring minimal water and tolerating shade. Beyond its culinary uses, Vietnamese mint offers health benefits, reducing the frequency of colds and boosting immunity. It also acts as a natural mosquito repellent.
Q: Why is lemongrass a good choice for mosquito control?
A: Lemongrass has a distinctive aroma that mosquitoes and other insects find repulsive. Growing a clump of lemongrass in a pot and placing it indoors or planting it in your yard creates an effective natural barrier against mosquitoes.
Q: How does garlic help with mosquito control, and why is it a safe option?
A: Garlic has an extremely strong scent that mosquitoes find offensive. Chopping and sprinkling garlic around your home is an easy and effective way to keep mosquitoes away. This method is especially safe if you have small children, as it is a natural and non-toxic repellent.
Q: What are the advantages of growing mugwort to repel mosquitoes?
A: Mugwort is a versatile herb that can be used in cooking and also has medicinal properties. It is easy to grow and can be planted in small pots or gardens. In addition to repelling mosquitoes, mugwort can be used to treat headaches, minor wounds, and skin irritations, making it a valuable addition to your indoor herb collection.
