10 Herbs That Keep Mosquitoes Away Naturally

Do you love spending your evenings outdoors, but hate fighting off mosquitoes? If so, then you're not alone. Mosquitoes are a common problem for many people, and their bites can cause itching, swelling, and even disease. Fortunately, there are several natural remedies to keep mosquitoes away, one of which is using herbs. In this blog post, we'll explore 10 herbs that have been proven to repel mosquitoes.

Herbs That Keep Mosquitoes Away

Lavender

Lavender is a popular herb known for its sweet fragrance and beautiful purple flowers. However, its scent is unpleasant to mosquitoes, making it an effective insect repellent. You can plant lavender around your home or apply lavender oil on your skin to ward off mosquitoes.

Citronella

Citronella is another well-known mosquito repellent. It has a lemony scent that mosquitoes find unpleasant. Citronella candles and essential oils are widely available and can be used both indoors and outdoors.

Basil

Basil is not only a delicious herb used in cooking, but it also contains compounds that repel mosquitoes. You can grow basil plants in pots or sprinkle dried basil leaves around your patio to keep mosquitoes at bay.

Peppermint

Peppermint is a refreshing herb with a strong smell that mosquitoes don't like. You can use peppermint oil as a natural insecticide or burn peppermint leaves to repel mosquitoes.

Lemon Balm

Lemon balm is a member of the mint family and has a strong lemony scent that mosquitoes find unpleasant. You can grow lemon balm in your garden or apply lemon balm oil on your skin to keep mosquitoes away.

Catnip

Catnip is a herb that attracts cats, but repels mosquitoes. Its active ingredient, nepetalactone, is more effective than DEET, a popular synthetic mosquito repellent. You can grow catnip in your garden or make a catnip spray by boiling catnip leaves and water.

Rosemary

Rosemary is a fragrant herb used in cooking that also repels mosquitoes. You can plant rosemary around your home or burn rosemary leaves to keep mosquitoes away.

Thyme

Thyme is another herb with mosquito-repelling properties. It contains thymol, which is an effective insecticide. You can plant thyme in your garden or use thyme oil as a natural mosquito repellent.

Sage

Sage is a herb known for its medicinal properties and savory taste. It also contains compounds that repel mosquitoes. You can plant sage in your garden or burn sage leaves to keep mosquitoes away.

Feverfew

Feverfew is a herb commonly used for headaches and migraines. It also has insect-repelling properties. You can grow feverfew in your garden or apply feverfew oil on your skin to repel mosquitoes.

How to Use Herbs to Repel Mosquitoes

Planting Herbs

One way to use herbs to repel mosquitoes is to plant them in your garden or around your patio. Not only will you be able to enjoy their beautiful fragrance and taste, but they will also keep mosquitoes away.

Making Herb Sprays

You can make your own herb sprays by boiling herbs in water and straining the liquid. Once the liquid has cooled, you can put it in a spray bottle and use it as a natural insect repellent.

Burning Herbs

Burning herbs is another effective way to repel mosquitoes. Simply light the herb of your choice and let it burn. The smoke will keep mosquitoes away from your outdoor space.

Precautions When Using Herbs to Repel Mosquitoes

Allergies

Some people may be allergic to certain herbs. Before using any herb, do a patch test on your skin to see if you have an allergic reaction.

Pregnancy

If you're pregnant or breastfeeding, talk to your doctor before using any herb as a mosquito repellent.

FAQs

1. Are herbs safer than synthetic mosquito repellents?

Yes, herbs are generally considered safer than synthetic mosquito repellents. They are natural and don't contain harmful chemicals.

2. Which herb is the most effective at repelling mosquitoes?

Catnip is the most effective herb at repelling mosquitoes. Its active ingredient, nepetalactone, is more effective than DEET, a popular synthetic mosquito repellent.

3. Can I apply herb oils directly on my skin?

Yes, you can apply herb oils directly on your skin. However, do a patch test first to make sure you're not allergic to the herb.

4. Can I use herbs to repel other insects besides mosquitoes?

Yes, many herbs have insect-repelling properties and can be used to repel other insects like flies and ants.

5. How long do herb sprays last?

Herb sprays will last for a few hours, so you'll need to reapply them frequently. Mosquitoes are a nuisance that can ruin your outdoor activities. Fortunately, there are several natural remedies that can keep them away. Herbs like lavender, citronella, basil, peppermint, lemon balm, catnip, rosemary, thyme, sage, and feverfew have been proven to repel mosquitoes. You can use these herbs by planting them in your garden, making herb sprays, or burning them. Just remember to take precautions if you have allergies or if you're pregnant or breastfeeding. With these herbs, you can enjoy your evenings outdoors without worrying about mosquitoes.