7 Plants Louisiana Needs to Keep Mosquitoes Away This Summer

Lafayette, Louisiana (KMDL) - Here we go...temperatures are about to start creeping into the 90s as Summer approaches in Louisiana.

When it comes to mosquitoes in Louisiana, we all know about the preventive measures of removing standing water, screens, citronella candles, bug spray, and outside fans, but there is actually something else you can do around your house to help keep those blood suckers away.

The simple answer is, plants.

Let's take a look at 7 plants you can put around your house to help keep mosquitoes away.

Louisiana Mosquitoes

With Louisiana's tropical climate, numerous lakes and bayous, and high annual rainfall totals, we're the perfect breeding ground for mosquitoes, and lots of them.

Mosquitoes aren't just annoying and itchy, they can be dangerous as well.

Malaria, West Nile Virus, Dengue Fever, and encephalitis are common diseases mosquitoes are known to transmit to humans.

In some cases, these diseases are deadly.

READ MORE: How Do You Know if You Have West Nile Virus?

This being said, the more we can do to keep mosquitoes away from our home and property the better.

Aside from the common methods of trying to keep mosquitoes away, there are several plants you can have around your yard that can act as a first line defense.

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Plants That Repel Mosquitoes

There are quite a few common plants you can have around your house that can help keep mosquitoes away.

The folks over at lajaunies.com have put together a great list of mosquito repelling plants, so let's take a look at a few of them.

1. Catnip

Catnip, you know, the stuff that makes your cat go crazy? It can also help keep mosquitoes away.

Catnip contains a compound called nepetalactone which researchers say is a more effective mosquito repellent than DEET.

Sometimes called catmint, this plant is pretty low maintenance.

READ MORE: This $1.50 Hack will Keep Your Patio Mosquito Free

2. Lemon Grass

The name citronella is obviously a familiar one when it comes to keeping mosquitoes away, and lemon grass contains citronella that you can plant in your yard for extra protection.

Lemon grass goes by many different names such as barbed wire grass, silky heads, oily heads, Cochin grass, Malabar grass, and fever grass.

Call it what you want, but obviously it works well when it comes to keeping mosquitoes away because this plant is used to make numerous candles, sprays, and oils that keep mosquitoes away.

3. Rosemary

From lajaunies.com -

"Rosemary’s scent makes it an excellent mosquito deterrent, and its herbs are perfect for culinary use.

In Louisiana, rosemary can be used in outdoor sitting areas to keep mosquitoes away."

Not only can it help keep mosquitoes away, but you can cook with it too!

READ MORE: Louisiana, Is It Illegal to Blow Grass Clippings Into the Street?

4. Eucalyptus

Eucalyptus oil is very well known for it's ability to repel mosquitoes.

In Louisiana's climate, eucalyptus often grows into a large plant or tree providing an even stronger defense against mosquitoes.

It also gives off a scent that humans love, and thankfully mosquitoes hate.

5. Lavender

Lavender is another plant that smells so good in the backyard, but mosquitoes do not like it.

From lajaunies.com -

"Aside from its calming scent, the lavender plant is a natural mosquito repellent, which doubles as an ornament.

To successfully grow lavender, follow these key steps to ensure it thrives in your garden:

Select a spot with full sun exposure.
Opt for sandy or gravelly soil for better drainage.
Water plants deeply but infrequently."

READ MORE: Louisiana, Should You Wait Until After Storms to Cut the Grass?

6. Peppermint

Having peppermint plants in your yard can also help to keep mosquitoes away.

The plant's strong scent repels them, but you have to be careful growing peppermint in your yard because it's a very invasive plant.

Growing it in a pot or container is your best bet.

7. Allium

You might already have allium plants in your backyard garden.

Common allium are onions, garlic, and chives.

We love to cook with them, and mosquitoes don't like them so it's a win win.

You can find out about more mosquito repelling plants over at lajaunies.com.