In Texas, mosquitoes can be irritating, whether you’re spending time outdoors or trying to enjoy your peaceful garden. However, Texas is home to many species of plants that can help repel mosquitoes.
Some plants release oils into the air that mosquitoes find unpleasant, which may help keep them away from your home.
Additionally, certain types of flora also provide an environment unsuitable for mosquitoes to bother you. These plants may soak up excess water, and since mosquitoes prefer still water sources to lay their eggs, they will make their homes elsewhere.
While professional pest control strategies are the best way to control mosquitoes, a few plants in Texas can help you avoid unwanted pests.
Citronella
Citronella is one of Texas’s most well-known plants used to ward off mosquitoes. It works by masking the smells of your skin and emitting an unpleasant aroma for mosquitoes.
Citronella plants are heat and drought-tolerant. They grow well in most parts of Texas and require minimal maintenance. Planting citronella near windows and doors may help keep these pests away.
However, the essential oil from citronella plants can only temporarily repel mosquitoes. Plus, you must have a field of citronella in your garden to notice any effects. That’s why it’s better to contact a pest control service to control mosquitoes on your property.
Lavender
Lavender plants contain camphor, which can help discourage mosquitoes from getting close to your home. Camphor’s odor is like citronella, which helps mask your scent.
In addition, dried lavender flowers can be placed in wardrobes to repel other pests like moths in your home. But for more help on indoor insects, it’s best to contact an exterminator pest control service.
During the summer, you can harvest the flowers and oil from lavender as a mosquito repellent spray. This fragrant plant also helps with relaxation and restful sleep when used in aromatherapy practices, making it an excellent choice for gardens surrounding your home.
Basil
Basil is a fragrant herb often used in cooking but may help keep insects away. In Texas, lemon and cinnamon basil are commonly used to deter mosquitoes. Many homeowners will plant these kinds of basil near windows and other outdoor areas to ward off mosquitoes.
To maximize their effectiveness as mosquito repellents, you should crush the leaves of your basil plants every few weeks to release the strong scent. It also helps in preventing a breeding ground for mosquito larvae. You can also dry the leaves and infuse them with oil or water to make a mosquito repellent spray.
However, if you’ve just purchased a new home and want to know how to get rid of mosquitoes, requesting help from a professional mosquito control service is the best way to get relief from these pests.
Marigolds
Marigolds are the perfect addition to any Texas garden. These plants produce bright and cheerful flowers in vibrant shades of orange and yellow.
In addition to their colors, some say they can repel insects because of a compound they contain, pyrethrin. The pyrethrin compound irritates mosquitoes and other insects, which may lead mosquitoes to stay away from areas with large concentrations of marigolds.
Like other plant repellents, the marigold flower fragrance covers different scents in the air that mosquitoes can detect. Marigolds don’t require a lot of upkeep, making them an uncomplicated plant to care for. They thrive in full sun, so ensure you give them plenty of direct light during the hot Texas summer.
Planting marigolds can help homeowners supplement their professional pest control services while adding natural beauty to their homes.
Catnip
Catnip contains the compound nepetalactone, which can act as an insect repellent. This plant provides a beautiful and fragrant backdrop. Catnip can be planted directly in the ground, and it spreads quickly. You can also pot it to control the growth and for easy maintenance.
For Faster Results
Although you can utilize these mosquito-repellent plants, Texas homeowners should consider that they’ll need to plant a lot around their homes to notice any effects.
For help controlling mosquitoes, it’s best to contact a mosquito exterminator. They will have the knowledge and experience necessary to give you relief from mosquitoes.
Mosquito Bites and the Benefits of Baking Soda
Baking soda is the most common remedy for mosquito bites. It helps to reduce the itching and swelling associated with them. When mixed with water, it will produce a paste that you can apply straight onto the bite.
Baking soda is alkaline, so it can neutralize the skin’s acidity from the bite and relieve itching.
A baking soda paste also cools and soothes the area due to its anti-inflammatory effects, reducing redness and irritation.
How To Make a Baking Soda Mixture
To make a baking soda mixture for mosquito bites, you’ll need to:
- Mix a tablespoon of baking soda with a small amount of water.
- In a small bowl or container, stir until it forms a paste that isn’t too runny or thick. It should be a similar consistency to toothpaste.
- Apply the paste directly to the bite area and leave it on for around 10 minutes. You can leave it for longer if the irritation is more severe.
- Gently remove the paste with warm water.
- Reapply the paste until there is less inflammation.
What Do Mosquito Bites Look Like?
People react differently to mosquito bites, but most commonly appear as raised red bumps on the skin. They can be surrounded by a larger area of redness that can be inflamed and itchy.
It’s important to remember that people react differently to mosquito bites, and their appearance can range from small bumps to big welts and everything in between.
However, if you notice a cluster of bites, this could be from other pests in the home, like bed bugs or chiggers. A professional can help you identify a chigger bite versus a mosquito bite.
Additionally, clustered mosquito bites can form if you’ve been scratching the original bite, so try not to scratch the bite.
Make the Most of Mosquito Repellants Plants in Texas
Mosquito-repellent plants can help homeowners ward off these annoying pests. Many people in Texas have found that these plants complement pest control specialists’ strategies to control mosquitoes.
When choosing plants for your home, ensure you take steps to avoid overwatering or overfeeding them. But top choices like the plants we mentioned in this article don’t require high maintenance and will be perfect for the warm weather in Texas.
If you still have trouble getting rid of mosquitoes, contact a mosquito exterminator.
ABC Can Reduce Mosquito Populations on Your Property
Don’t let pesky mosquitoes ruin your time outdoors. For a multi-tiered approach to mosquito control, contact ABC Home & Commercial Services. We will create a pest treatment plan that best suits your yard and needs.