Page 22 - Dainfern Precinct Living Issue 4 2025

NATURE

PLANTS THAT REPEL MOSQUITOES

SAVE THE

MARIGOLDS
Not only do they make your
landscape more attractive,
BEES
but marigolds also have a
distinct smell that repels
mosquitoes. Plant from seed
or get a starter plant from a
nursery or floral department.
Place potted marigolds near
mosquito entry-points, such
as doors and windows, or on
a deck or balcony where you
spend a lot of time outdoors.
They also deter insects that
prey on tomato plants — an
added bonus for gardeners.

CITRONELLA
Citronella is one of the most
common ingredients in insect
repellents, due to its strong smell,
which masks mosquito attractants.
The perennial clumping grass grows
5 to 6 feet, and can be planted in
the ground or kept in large pots.
Citronella plants thrive best in full
sun and areas with good drainage.

CATNIP LAVENDER
Warning: Your catnip might bring all the cats to the yard. The perennial herb, related to mint, is In addition to smelling lovely,
easy to grow. While it repels mosquitoes in close proximity, some people apply crushed leaves for aiding in relaxation and promoting
more protection. restful sleep, lavender dissuades
mosquitoes and gnats from
BASIL invading your outdoor dinner party
Enjoy delicious pesto when planted in the garden or in
dishes, and keep pots placed by windows, doors
mosquitoes at bay, with and entertainment areas. The
this insect-repelling dried flowers can also be placed in
herb. Basil is one of wardrobes to repel moths.
the few herbs in which
you don’t have to crush
the leaves to reap its
benefits. Lemon basil
and cinnamon basil
are the best varieties
to prevent unwanted
pests.

LEMON BALM
Also known as
horsemint, lemon
balm’s aroma wards
off mosquitoes, but
attracts pollinators like
bees and butterflies. It’s
fast growing, drought
resistant and reseeds
itself, so consider
planting in a pot rather
than in your yard to
avoid a lemon balm
takeover.

20 DPL issue 4 2025