The weather is warming up in the Triangle. That means flowers are blooming, you’re spending more time outdoors with friends and family, and… mosquitoes are about to make their annual entrance. 

There are a lot of strategies people use to rid their properties of these little blood suckers, but one you may not have considered is investing in some new plants for your yard. In the list below, we’ll list some plants that really do help keep mosquitoes at bay. 

We will place these plants into two basic categories: first, plants that soak up extra water (which is the main source of mosquito breeding), and second, plants that repel already-existing mosquitoes with a strong odor. 

Plants that eliminate standing water

If you know anything about controlling mosquitoes, you’ll know that the first rule is to eliminate any standing water nearby that they use for laying their eggs. Sometimes you won’t have control of this, like with a lake or pond that is part of the area’s environment. But other times, like with an area that frequently gets flooded, you can plant certain plants there to suck up all that moisture so mosquitoes don’t make it their favorite local breeding ground. Here are a few that can help with this task:

1. Lilies — There are a variety of lilies that are great in swampy areas. Some that may work are day lilies and lilies of the valley.
2. Ferns — These are also great for a boggy environment. They love water and can suck it up fast. 
3. Cattails — You’ve likely seen these if you’ve ever found yourself in a swamp. They are long thin plants with a hot dog-looking clump at the top. The reason they are always found in swamps is they thrive in wet environments and can help keep moisture down. 
4. Carolina Jessamine — In this region, a local favorite certainly includes the Carolina Jessamine. This beautiful, yellow flowering plant loves wet ground, so it can definitely help prevent swampy areas for mosquitoes to thrive. 

Plants with an odor that drives away mosquitoes

Mosquitoes actually are fairly sensitive to smells and will avoid areas with ones they do not like. Some of these plants may have scents that you don’t like, though, so make sure it’s something you can tolerate. 

1. Mint — You can use mint to drive away mosquitoes while also using the leaves to make desserts and drinks. While the scent is strong, most people find it pleasant, not offensive. 
2. Citronella — This is usually at the top of the list for plants that keep mosquitoes at bay. The reason is likely that it has a strong, effective smell, but it is also a scent that people enjoy. They enjoy it so much, in fact, that you often find citronella candles and other scented products. There are actually two “citronella” plants: one is citronella plant and the other is a completely different plant called citronella grass (often called lemon grass). 
3. Basil — Another plant that will be good for the garden and for keeping out mosquitoes is basil. It is a fairly simple plant in appearance and is a common herb that can be used for all kinds of recipes. 
4. Garlic — This scent is one that people either love or hate. Thankfully, mosquitoes hate it. If you don’t mind the odor, and you think you’d use it in your kitchen, garlic can be a great addition to a mosquito-fighting plan. 

Need any more help? Call Critter Control of the Triangle at 919-382-0651. We can help put together comprehensive mosquito-control plans for when nothing else works.