You probably plan to spend more time outdoors as the temperatures start rising. Of course, that can be delightful. And even more so when you worked hard the previous months to grow gorgeous plants and make your garden more attractive.
However, with spring and summer, mosquitoes and other insects arrive too. Unfortunately, they usually make spending time outside less appealing.
But did you know there are natural measures you can take to keep bugs away? For instance, several plants work as natural repellents. But can you use lemon balm to repel mosquitoes?
Keep reading this essential guide we put together for you if you want to explore more on the subject!
Lemon Balm and Mosquitos: All You Need to Know
Lemon balm, also known as Melissa officinalis, is a perennial part of the mint family. It releases a fragrance that is pleasant to humans but not so much to mosquitoes.
While lemon balm alone might not be the best solution to remove all the mosquitoes in your garden, you can use it combined with other natural remedies. Together, they might contribute to eliminating these annoying pests.
But be careful when planting a lemon balm in your garden: under the ideal growing conditions, this plant might become invasive. You can also use lemon balms or essential oils.
Indeed, studies show that the plant has a high citronellal content (which gives the citrus scent to the plant). The compound works as an excellent repellent, and it is even stronger in the form of an oil.
You can also use it on your skin. Crush some fresh leaves and rub the mix on your arms and legs. Of course, you can do the same for other exposed areas of your body.
Choose a location close to where you spend most of your time outdoors. Don’t forget that this plant thrives in full to partial sun and requires constant moisture to grow. Maintaining your lemon balm healthy will increase its effectiveness against mosquitoes!
Other Natural Alternatives to Lemon Balm
Besides lemon balm, other plants also have mosquito-repellent qualities. Aromatic plants such as basil, rosemary, citronella, and catnip can keep mosquitoes at bay.
However, combine plants with other solutions to get the most satisfaction. For instance, lemon eucalyptus oil is an excellent way to prevent mosquitoes from ruining your evening in your yard. You can mix it with witch hazer or sunflower oil and apply it to your skin.
Another ingredient that seems to work well is citronella. You can try purchasing citronella candles and let them burn as long as you stay outdoors.
While they might not be as effective as you hope alone, in combination with mosquito-repellent plants and essential oils, they will contribute to minimizing the presence of these annoying bugs.
How to Keep Mosquitoes Away
Besides following the tips we included in this essential guide, you may want to take further steps to keep mosquitoes away. For instance, you may want to add fans to your gazebo or porch.
Doing so will limit the possibility of mosquitoes landing on your body. Also, remove standing water as it may attract mosquitoes, who love to lay their eggs in moisture.
So, eliminate places where it may collect and check that your pool’s water (if you have one) circulates. Remove open buckets, unplanted flower pots, can lids, and everything that might collect water.
Related article: Do Dragonflies Eat Mosquitos?