Georgia’s metro Atlanta area is home to many mosquitoes. Take a natural approach to ward off these pests by contacting our associates at Tuxedo Mosquito Control who use plant-based deterrents and follow Atlanta’s complete guide to mosquito-repelling plants.
Those who live in this part of the Southeast may see a few types of mosquitoes now commonplace. These small flying pests have six legs and two antennae-like a true insect, but there are some defining differences in their appearances.
- Aedes Mosquitoes: These biting insects (Aedes aegypti and Aedes albopictus) feature a darker base color with distinct white striping on the legs.
- Anopheles Mosquitoes: This kind of mosquito is not necessarily a uniform color. These insects may be predominantly different hues of gray or brown with tiny light-colored markings in cream, white, or yellow.
- Culex Mosquitoes: Also called house mosquitoes, these buzzing bugs are common in humid Atlanta summers. Colors vary widely, though, and can include white, gray, green, blue, or silver shades. An iridescent shimmer may be observed as well.
Having such an abundant number of these annoying intruders can leave homeowners frustrated while setting them on a path towards safeguarding household members. Natural ways that make a property inhospitable to mosquitoes can be an effective mode of combat.
Deter Mosquitoes With Garden Choices
According to Atlanta's complete guide to mosquito-repelling plants, the garden can be the first line of defense. Why kill helpful bugs like bees and ladybugs when specific herbs, trees, grasses, or annuals can improve the home garden while deterring mosquitoes? Some examples are:
- Citronella: This oil found in torches and other bug-away aids originates from the plant itself. Not to be confused with scented geraniums labeled as citronella plants, true citronella is grass. Use this as a houseplant or annual because the Atlanta climate is chilly for this grass to act as a perennial.
- Garlic: Similar to vampires, mosquitoes avoid this plant. The smell acts as a deterrent, but home gardeners can easily grow this helper by simply planting cloves from a bulb directly into the ground.
- Lavender: Growing this perennial herb, specifically the varietal, phenomenal lavender, can give gardens three perks. The beautiful purple flowers are quite a sight and can aid curb appeal, the scent of these plants is renowned for its relaxing properties, and mosquitoes steer clear of it.
- Lemon Eucalyptus: Many natural bug sprays use the oil from this attractive tree as the primary ingredient, so it’s not a great leap to think that adding this plant to the home can repel mosquitoes. A bonus is that the lemon eucalyptus also helps fend off other pests like ticks and fleas. As a native to Australia, these giants don’t like Atlanta winters but can be kept small and healthy in containers indoors.
- Lemongrass: This perennial grass is a well-known favorite in Asian cuisine, but it can help ward off mosquitoes in their natural state. Pleasing to look at with a refreshing scent, lemongrass is a welcome addition to many properties. Most effective when used in mass plantings, this plant works well in planters, especially in winters since this tropical native is generally not hardy enough to survive Atlanta winters outside.
Harnessing The Power Of Nature To Control Mosquitoes
Atlanta’s complete guide to mosquito-repelling plants enlists the help of Mother Nature. Calling our helpful pros at Tuxedo Mosquito Control can be the right step towards waving goodbye to these pests; they use plant-based sprays when misting clients’ properties to deter mosquitoes. Contact us today for our effective mosquito misting service or our mosquito spraying solutions.
