Speaking of which, they didn’t leave us alone in the winter either, but now, in the heart of an “otherwise” spring when the unbearable heat alternates with the humidity of the drizzle, they seem hungrier than ever. The reason for mosquitoes, which apart from annoying itching, can cause other, perhaps more serious diseases.
But you have ways to prevent them from approaching you. You will put the tablets in the socket, turn on the coils, spray yourself with the anti-mosquito spray or even better, indulge in “gardening”…
10+1 anti-mosquito plants
Make your balcony an impregnable fortress with “scented” pots that, in addition to their beautifying contribution, will also keep away mosquitoes:
Catnip
Catnip © Jadnash/Wikimedia
If you have cat at home, she will especially appreciate it since the chemical it releases will relax her, creating a feeling of joy and euphoria. If you also have mosquitoes, this same essence (nepetalactone) he will drive them away. Catnip, also known as Nepeta the mayo herbis an aromatic, creeper with fast growth that will give you beautiful grey-green leaves and small white flowers with a touch of purple in their center. It loves the sun, so you will plant it in a spot with plenty of daylight.
Citronella
Citronella © FastGrowingTrees
An integral part of the summer decoration of the garden or balcony: one (or more) citronella wax which you enjoy in various ways its “flame” on warm summer nights. It is famous for its insect-repellent-anti-mosquito properties, since its strong, “citrus” aroma, pleasant to your own nostrils, is not liked at all by flying invaders. And if you want more from your citronella, pot it. Its lacy leaves and small flowers that they resemble geranium – but with a stronger aroma – they will grow just as comfortably in the garden as on the balcony. It is very resistant to both low and high temperatures and loves sunny corners, but this does not mean that it cannot stand in a shady place.
Lavender
Lavender © Larisa Birta/Unsplash
She doesn’t ask for much lavender to give you its wonderful flowers with the characteristic purple color and the special aroma. It is an easy plant to grow and will thrive even in the heat of summer as it likes the sun. But lavender is a flower of “moderation”. It does not want excessive watering, but neither does drought. Both the oil and its aroma straight from the pot will effectively repel them annoying insects.
Mint
Peppermint © Eleanor Chen/Unsplash
You know how it helps digestion, soothes headaches and migraines, relieves cold and flu symptoms. But did you know that, in addition to its medicinal properties, the mint is it also a strong insect repellent? The refreshing, fresh scent it releases will keep mosquitoes away. It grows very quickly and without special requirements, apart from the hot summer months when you will need to water it more often. Place it in a semi-shaded spot and make sure the soil drains well between waterings.
Royal
Royal © Karolina Kolodziejczak/Unsplash
You don’t get better than the flares basil in pots of the balcony, to run your hand over their leaves and let their aroma follow you for a while. This scent, of the “backyard” of your childhood, is also an insect repellent. Place basil where it doesn’t get direct sunlight, it doesn’t do well with high temperatures, and strong midday light can burn its leaves.
Downfalls
Graves © Nadya Shuran/Unspalsh
It blooms in the spring and keeps its lovely yellow, orange and dark red flowers until the beginning of winter. You wouldn’t call its aroma pleasant, but it has “character” and as such, mosquitoes don’t like it at all. The marigolds they prefer constant contact with sunlight, but will also thrive in semi-shaded locations. Their water requirements are moderate, except during the period of high temperatures and summer drought.
Lemongrass
Lemongrass © Ugaoo
The lemongrassotherwise verbena, with its tropical origin and sweet, subtle lemon scent – hence its name – in addition to adding extra flavor to your “Asian” recipes, it also repels unwanted mosquitoes. Sun-loving, heat-loving, but will unfold its impressive bushy mass of oblong leaves in semi-shaded positions. It needs frequent watering, especially in the hot summer months.
Sage
Sage © Wander Fleur/Unsplash
Grey-green leaves and blue flowers. Undoubtedly a beautiful plant for the balcony pot, which also releases an equally unique and ‘insect repellent’ scent. It will grow without difficulty in sunny or semi-shady positions and does not need excessive watering. To survive the winter, you move it to a place sheltered from the strong, cold wind. Watering in moderation…
Rosemary
© Getty/Unsplash
Intertwined with the Mediterranean, its fragrance is hidden in its dense, needle-like leaves, while in spring and summer it is filled with lovely blue musky flowers (not for mosquitoes) too. The rosemary it has no particular requirements, it adapts, takes root and grows comfortably in the hot and dry summer. His Mediterranean temperament loves the sun, which is why you should not deprive him of direct contact with it. Otherwise, its growth slows down and its flowering diminishes. Watering once a week is enough, even in the hot summer months. But, check regularly so that the soil on its surface does not dry out completely. You add a little water to cool it down.
Tree root
Tree rhizome © Zel Ribeiro/Unsplash
With its beautiful flowers in shades of pink and purple, the rhizome resembles geranium. After all, it belongs to the same cosmetic “family”, with the difference that its leaves release a strong aroma when you rub them. You will easily keep the arborvitae in the pot if you place it away from the north and water it twice a week during the hot summer season. In spring and autumn its need for water is covered by watering once a week.
Honeysuckle
Honeysuckle © Getty/Unsplash
The honeysuckle the bee herb, with its vivid green foliage, will give you its tiny white flowers in summer, under the sun it loves. It is particularly resistant to high temperatures, as long as you water it more often in the hot summer months. The subtle lemon essence that emanates from the pot will keep mosquitoes away. But it will attract the bees who claim the nectar of its flowers, but they won’t bother you…
