Summer is here, and that means mosquitoes — here are some plants that help repel them

Mike Malloy
Contributor
Fresh green basil on the wooden table, selective focus

Note: The story was first published on June 17, 2016. 

The snow birds have flown back up north, the temperatures are rising and the rains are on the way. A sure sign summer is here. This means the year round residents of south Florida begin to retake paradise. To enjoy the outdoors more plant containers on your patio or deck, or by the front or back door, or plant directly in your garden plants that help repel mosquitoes from outdoor living spaces.

Most insect—repelling plants do so with their natural fragrances that come from the oils in the leaves and flowers. And some not only repel mosquitoes but emit wonderful scents throughout your garden and patio areas.

More: Rains pass, leave mosquitoes, leaky roofs

  • Lemon grass is the number one plant to use in your landscape or in pots to keep mosquitoes at bay. Most mosquito repelling plants also serve a second purpose and can be used in cooking. Before hosting an outdoor event, brush lemon grass to release more of its fragrance, increasing its effectiveness.
  • Marigolds keep insects away from our vegetable gardens and yes, they do work for mosquitoes as well.
  • Rosemary is a great mosquito repelling plant with extra benefits. Its wonderful scent will please us all year. While keeping pests away we can enjoy their scent and use it to make great rosemary chicken on the grill.
  • Basil is another herb that doubles as a pest repellent. All of these herbs do equally well in pots or planted in the ground.
  • Peppermint is not only mosquito repellent, it is used in cold and hot teas. It is also a butterfly nectar plant.
  • Lavender scent comes from the essential oils that are on its leaves, which not only repels mosquitoes, but may impede their ability to smell. Loves full sun.
  • Geraniums that are scented work as a mosquito repellent but lemon and pineapple seem to work best. These fast growers do well in gardens and containers as well.
  • Tagettes, also called Mexican marigolds repel mosquitoes and butterflies will nectar on it.
  • Horsemint, which is also called Bee Balm is also a great butterfly and hummingbird nectar plant.

More: Collier Mosquito Control District looks to expand with human population

More: Salt marsh mosquitoes invade Collier County

Other tips to keep the mosquitoes include keeping your bird baths clean, turn pots upside down so water does not collect, and never use saucers under your planted pots in the rainy season since they hold too much water and also can cause death by overwatering.

In the garden I don't use pesticides so these plants that repel mosquitoes are right up my alley. They all can be used in cooking and provide a great number of different scents in your garden as well. Enjoy the outdoors!

Help save the monarch butterfly, plant milkweed and keep butterflying.

Mike Malloy known as the Naples "butterfly guy," sells host and nectar plants for butterflies as well as tropical plants at the Third Street South farmers market on Saturday mornings.