Summer brings the heat and mosquitoes to New Orleans. If mosquito bites aren’t bad enough, we’ve been warned about how toxic the sprays can be to repel mosquitoes. So why not add some plants and herbs that naturally repel mosquitoes to your New Orleans garden? They will make your Louisiana summer and next outdoor party so much better!
We recommend planting the following plants in containers. That way you can move them to the areas that you need them to be at. Herbs can be fast growing (especially lemongrass) and may need to be up-potted into larger containers from time to time. In order to release the effectiveness of the following plants, you will need to rub or shake the foliage of the plants. Doing this will release the natural oils that repel mosquitoes and other pests into the air for approximately 30 minutes. For some plants, rubbing the plant itself onto your skin will make it more effective as a natural mosquito repellent. However, be careful of rubbing plants directly onto your skin as some people have sensitive skin – know yourself or consult a medical authority.
1. Basil
Basil is a delicious herb used in many different cuisines. Keep it around for delicious summer recipes but also as a natural repellent of mosquitoes and flies in New Orleans.
2. Lemongrass
If you only want to get one plant to ward off mosquitoes, lemongrass is the plant to get. It’s lemony aroma is great at repelling mosquitoes and is usually the highest contributor to any citronella scented product that you find at the store.
3. Lavender
Lavender’s calming scent is often used for aromatherapy. It is also a natural repellent for fleas and mosquitoes. Lavender is difficult to grow in New Orleans as it is more humid, but a terracotta container with well draining potting mix will give you the best chance for success.
4. Mint
There are a million different types of mint to grow but they will all naturally repel mosquitoes. Mint can be used to flavor culinary dishes, teas, and many other things. It is known for its high fragrance.
5. Marigold
Marigolds naturally repel mosquitoes and other pests, as well as provide colorful flowers for your garden. They are annuals for the warm season and come in the colors yellow, red, and orange.
6. Citronella Plant
Citronella’s scent is often found in mosquito repellent products. It is also a warm season annual and is best enjoyed in a pot that you can take indoors in case of a frost.
7. Rosemary
Rosemary is hardy and easy to care for. It also tastes delicious in a variety of dishes. Rosemary has a very fragrant oil which can help in naturally repelling mosquitoes.
Other Ways to Naturally Repel Mosquitoes
Other ways to naturally repel mosquitoes are to use candles with citronella oils and lemongrass oils in them. Our favorite citronella candle is gorgeous and looks great on a table or center place outside. Additionally, using a non-toxic, natural mosquito repellent such as our favorite one from No Mosquitoz is a great way to protect yourself from mosquitoes.
Thank you for reading. We hope this post encourages you to plant some natural plants to repel mosquitoes in your New Orleans garden. Protect yourself and others from those pesky bugs at your next summer soiree or time spent outside. All of these plants and products are available at our garden center in New Orleans.
