If mosquitoes are an ongoing problem around your home thanks to debris-filled gutters, get Gutter Helmet gutter covers. They keep gutters clear so rainwater can be drained properly away from your home. Standing water, whether in clogged gutters or pooling around your house due to overflowing gutters, creates potential breeding places for mosquitoes.
Mosquitoes are more than a nuisance. There are many viruses they can carry including West Nile, Eastern Equine Encephalitis, Dengue and now Zika. If you have rain gutter guards and you have done everything you can to eliminate breeding grounds for mosquitoes, repel them naturally with plants.
What kinds of plants repels mosquitoes and other insects in your backyard and garden?
Mosquitoes and many other insects can be attracted from as far as 100 feet away by the odors and gases we give off, such as carbon dioxide. Certain plants contain essential oils that give off fragrances and chemicals that may block the insect’s receptors. There are many plants that give off these fragrances, so by planting them around your yard or in pots on your deck or patio, they can help keep them at bay. This doesn’t mean that your yard will be a completely mosquito-free area, but it can reduce the amount of pests considerably.
Here are some plants that are commonly known to have mosquito repelling qualities.
Basil – One of the many herbs that are a natural insect repellent that can be grown easily and inexpensively. Not only can you will it help keep the mosquitoes and other bugs away, you can use it for culinary purposes! Rosemary is another culinary herb that does double duty by repelling mosquitoes.
Lemon Grass – Plant lemon grass, which is the plant used to make citronella oil that is used in citronella candles, to repel mosquitos. Any plant with a strong citrus fragrance will repel mosquitoes. These include lemon-scented geraniums, lemon thyme and lemon balm.
Lavender – A beautiful plant for humans to look at and smell, but mosquitoes particularly dislike the scent of lavender. It also repels moths, flies and fleas. Dry the flowers and hang them around your house for extra protection.
Marigold – Another beautiful addition to your plant-based line of mosquito defense. Marigolds are famous with gardeners for repelling many kinds of insects, mosquitos included. Plant plenty and enjoy the beauty and freedom from bugs.
Mint – Many plants that have repellant qualities are in the mint family. Plant peppermint, sweet mint, spearmint or catnip.
Gutter Helmet® Gutter Covers Help Eliminate Standing Water
There are many other plants that have mosquito- and bug-repelling reputations. However, you shouldn’t depend on plants to make a yard insect-free. As mentioned in the beginning of this article, the key is to eliminate standing water where they breed. Gutter Helmet® rain gutter guards are one weapon in your arsenal to keep water from accumulating and becoming a breeding ground for mosquitoes.Call (800) 824-3772 to schedule a free, in-home quote with your nearest Gutter Helmet dealer.
