Pet-Safe Mosquito Repellent Plants: Natural Solutions for Your Garden
Introduction:
If the malaise is an annoyance in itself, it also transmits various diseases that can infect both people and animals. Chemical repellents are specially used in repelling these nuisances; however, not all of them are safe for our pets. Luckily, there are many kinds of plants that will not harm your pets and will repel those evil mosquitoes. By growing these plants in your compound whether in the compound or at home you are able to have a nice environment without any of the mosquitoes or bad experiences with your pets.
This article will discuss several safe-for-pets houseplants that can effectively deter mosquitoes, how the process occurs, and how you can use them at home.
Understanding The Pet-safe Mosquito Repellent Plants:
But first, let’s understand why some plants could work in improving the flow of mosquito driven away.
- Essential Oils: Some plants emit volatile substances with odors which are disgusting for mosquitoes. Many of these oils are used as organic insect repellents for mosquitoes.
- Natural Chemicals: Some natural substances released by plants have the capability of repeling mosquitoes. Such compounds act as either screening the smells that attract mosquitoes or as repellents to the mosquitoes.
- Pet Safety: It important to note that not all plants that are friendly to humans can be taken to be friendly to our pets. That is why it is possible to choose plants, which are also effective against mosquitoes, as well as, safe for the pets.
Pet Friendly Flowers That Keepe Away Mosquitoes
Below are some of the safe plants that can be used to keep mosquitoes out of your home or garden and they are safe for your pets.
1. Lavender
Lavender gives a nice smell and mosquitoes don’t like the smell of lavender. First and foremost, it has linalool, a compound that repels mosquitoes naturally second, it is easy to apply on the skin. Lavender is gentle on pets, which makes it perfect for use both inside as well as outside.
Benefits:
- Repels mosquitoes
- It also has this calming scent on the pet to help ease them.
- They can also be easily grown in both the pots and gardens.
How to Use:
Acquire lavender plants and put them where there is light – near windows, doors or any place where people sit outside.
Air dry lavender flowers and use them in sachets for extra protection from mosquitoes.
2. Citronella Grass
However, citronella is widely used in many kinds of repellent products for mosquitoes and you will be able to grow it at your own backyard. A citrus flavoured plant is generally resistant to mosquitoes, thanks to the smell coming from the plant thus making the plant ideal for the next stage of production. Citronella grass is harmless for pets but if the grass is eaten in large quantities it has some inflammations.
Benefits:
- Powerful mosquito repellent
- They can help in formation of a natural wall around patios and gardens.
- It is safe for pets when put in places where they cannot get hold of it and chew it.
How to Use:
Plant citronella grass in bushes of large containers or in garden areas.
Squash the leaf a little to release the smell and keep the mosquitoes out of range.
3. Marigolds
Marigolds are bright and showy flowers which include a chemical known as pyrethrum. Many of the commercially available mosquito-repelling products contain this compound. Marigolds are effective in warding off mosquitoes thanks to their intensive smell and can be used for decoration of your garden.
Benefits:
- Natural mosquito deterrent
- Pet-safe and non-toxic
- It is easy to plant in garden beds or pots.
How to Use:
Grow marigolds in and around the garden, or near the window sill.
Place them in pots around areas that are near seating outside.
4. Basil
Mint is not the only herb that mosquitoes dislike; basil is also on the list. It has eugenol that is used for repelling mosquitoes besides relaying anti bacterial features. Basils are safe for pets and can be grown in both pots and gardens very easily.
Benefits:
- Natural mosquito repellent
- Largest culinary herb, suitable for pet-safe meals
- If planted then it can be easily grown in pots or on windowsill.
How to Use:
The best way of planting basil is in pots or containers near the outdoor dining section.
This means that it has to be crushed so that you can release the aroma, or you can use the leaves as you would any other green leafy vegetables.
5. Lemon Balm (Melissa)
Lemon balm, best known as bee balm, is a member of the mint group of plants. It has a good lemon scent, which mosquitoes cannot tolerate to be around. Lemon balm is considered safe to pets, still, if the consumption of the plant is excessive in some cases it can be dangerous and the pet owner should avoid exposing the animal to it.
Benefits:
- Protects against mosquitoes with a very citrus fragrance
- Safe for pets when used correctly
- Excellent for growing in containers
How to Use:
Grow lemon balm in hanging baskets or even in raised beds –address – When the leaves are young, rub the leaves to release the smell that keeps mosquitoes away.
6. Rosemary
It also turns out that rosemary that you use in your dishes is actually a very effective repellent for mosquitoes. Organic insect repellent – it is safe for pet use and can be used in several ways to repel the mosquitoes.
Benefits:
- Phenolic odor which this plant has is effective in repelling mosquitoes.
- Safe for pets and humans
- Also used fresh or dried in gin traps or sachets.
How to Use:
Organically cultivate rosemary plants near patios or any area of your garden.
There is also the ability of place sprigs of rosemary indoors to act as repellants to mosquitoes.
7. Catnip
Catnip is familiar to many people as the much-loved plant favored by cats, but it is also an effective mosquito repellent. It has a chemical called nepetalactone that keeps off mosquitoes and other insects away from the plant and human beings. Catnip is harmless and may only be enjoyed by pets especially cats.
Benefits:
- Repeated work on one of the most effective repellents against the irritations of these fiendish insects.
- Beside Safety and attractive for cats
- Can be grown in pots and gardens
How to Use:
Sprinkle some part of the catnip plants around the compound or near the windows.
However, you can let your cat enjoy of plant while helping to repel mosquitoes.
Measures to Achieve the Best Out of Pet-Safe Mosquito Repellent Plants
Using these plants in your home and around your yard is not a problem, but here are some tips on how to get the most out of mosquito-repellent plants.
1. Placement is Key:
It is also advisable with the use of materials to place plants that repel mosquitoes around the house especially at the windows and doors to ensure that mosquitoes do not get in.
Live plants that are grown within your garden can effectively be used to provide a buffer around your direct outdoor living areas.
2. Mix and Match:
For instance one should arrange potted plants such as lavender, citronella, and basil and also plant them in the yard.
3. Crush Leaves for Maximum Effect:
To increase the repellent effect for a few hours, use aerial parts of plants such as basil, lavender, or even rosemary and start rubbing then between your hands smashing their leaves to release essential oils.
4. Use in Containers:
To foster flexibility, these plants should be grown in containers so they can be relocated to areas where the plants are not wanted, but mosquitoes are most wanted.
Pet-safe Mosquito Repellent Plants FAQ
1. Can citronella plants harm pets?
Non-toxicity: Citronella plants as a rule do not affect the lives of pets However, the oil extracted from Citronella plants is harmful if consumed in large amounts. Take citronella plants away from the reach of pets.
2. Are these plants In doors plants?
Indeed most of these plant for instance basil, lavender and rosemary can be grown at homes in pots or other containers. Just ensure they get enough sun light.
3. Will these plants eradicate mosquitoes?
What most of these plants will do is to reduce the number of mosquitoes; however, they will not completely get rid of them. To enhance the effectiveness, you need to use it with other methods such as using screens or incorporating use of essential oil.
4. Are these plants suitable for the pet friendly garden?
Absolutely! All the plants mentioned here are safe for pets but one should watch on the pets to avoid cases where they may take large amounts in their mouth especially the lemon balm.
Conclusion:
A great way to avoid using poisonous sprays that are toxic to pets is by using pet-friendly plants to keep the mosquitoes at bay in your home and garden. Some examples of mosquito repellent plants are lavender, citronella grass and marigolds and the good news is, it does not contain any chemicals. Mosquito repellent plants should be placed appropriately and taken care of, that way giving you a beautiful and fragrant space free from mosquitoes.
Hence, it is about time you incorporate these pet-friendly mosquito repellent plants into your home to boost of a mosquito-free home environment, devoid of your lovely pet’s harm.