Here we go, same old story every summer – mosquitoes! They can be a real nightmare. Nothing feels worse than realizing that they’ve snuck onto your skin and bitten you.
The most annoying thing was being stuck in my house, and staying indoors during summer was never my thing. I was constantly trying to figure out what was attracting them to my yard.
Then I noticed something interesting. I was looking through my window and saw an empire of mosquitoes! They were flying around a few flowers in my garden. These plants were actually their favorite treat (and I thought my garden was haunted by them)! What a plot twist!
If you want to make your garden mosquito-free and enjoy the sunny season, avoid growing these blossoms!
#1 Avoid Growing Money Plants, It’s Mosquito’s Favorite Spot to Hang Out
Mosquitoes aren’t interested in the good-looking money plant itself, but in the water that collects in their pots. It’s an excellent breeding ground for them.
I keep my money plant by the window and constantly see mosquitoes banging against the glass! A few even managed to sneak in before I installed window screens.
That was a lifesaver because, during summer days, all I want to do is open the windows to air out the house once it cools down.
So, if you have a money plant at home, make sure to install window screens to prevent a mosquito family reunion. Regularly cleaning and changing the water in the pots can ensure that you have less mosquitoes in your home!
#2 Stay Away From Water Lilies In Your Garden
All forty-six types of water lilies attract mosquitoes! They love feeding on their nectar.
Another big plus is that mosquitoes have a large water source right below these plants. Imagine being a mosquito, what a perfect place to live, right?
My friendly tip is to grow other types of flowers instead of lilies to keep your garden mosquito-free all summer!
#3 Your Orchids Will Receive Three Michelin Stars From Mosquitoes
You really should avoid planting orchids in your garden, especially when it comes to Platanthera obtusata! They go crazy for their nectar. It’s great that they pollinate flowers, but do you know what’s next on the menu? You!
They’ll end up biting your skin all day long, so it’s not worth planting them.
#4 Ivy Will Provide Shelter For Mosquitoes
Lush ivy leaves attract mosquitoes. They are truly fascinating plants! If you enjoy these plants, you might want to reconsider planting them in your garden.
Their leaves provide a perfect hiding spot from predators in your garden!
It would be best to replace them with something like a Christmas fern. It will look even better and be perfect for the upcoming holidays this year!
#5 Wild Taro Will Become A Hotel For Mosquito Vacation
Mosquitoes will have plenty of space on taro’s big leaves! Taro can thrive in warm regions, making it an excellent place for mosquitoes.
Taro will also provide them with delicious meals all day long during the summer. They love to feed on the nectar of this plant. If you don’t want your garden to become a gathering place for mosquitoes, you should avoid this plant at all costs!
#6 Hyacinths In Your Garden Can Become A Large Kindergarten For Baby Mosquitoes
Water hyacinths are great for mosquito parents! Your flowers will become babysitters, and mosquitoes can leave their larvae under their care all day long!
Water hyacinths will serve as good protection from predators, as they manage to hide their larvae without them being eaten by pests. However, you shouldn’t take the risk, and it’s best to stay as far away from this plant as possible!
#7 Amur Honeysuckle And Mosquitoes Have A Love-Hate Type Of Relationship
Folks, it all depends on the type of honeysuckle in question. Mosquitoes will adore non-native Amur honeysuckle in your garden because it’s a good habitat for their little ones. They really get along well with this type.
On the other hand, Italian honeysuckle might help you repel them! This plant is capable of eliminating larvae. So, by planting more Italian honeysuckle, you can wave a big, happy goodbye to mosquitoes!
#8 Mosquitoes Love Water Lettuce
Mosquitoes love water lettuce. During hot summer days, you can see them happily swimming and flying around your flowers.
Water lettuce provides ideal conditions for mosquitoes to breed. Also, the plant’s roots are their favorite hiding place. Even if you have fish in the lake, they won’t be able to drive them away!
Avoid water lettuce and don’t make a mistake that will cost you annoying mosquito bites!
#9 Mosquitoes Can Sneak Into Grasses, Too
You can’t blame only flowers for mosquito visits. Grasses attract them too! It’s all about Cyperus papyrus. This grass with flower heads will have enough nectar for all of them!
It would be better to find other, more suitable ornamental grasses that will fit perfectly into your garden. You don’t want to risk bites just because of one grass, right?
Finally, you’ll be able to enjoy your garden this summer! You won’t have to worry about getting new itchy bites. You’ll achieve that peace if you avoid these flowers!
There’s nothing I hate more than annoying buzzing over my head. But after I replace these plants with others that repel them, their noise disappears. There were no signs of mosquitoes all season long!
Now it’s your turn to make your yard free from mosquito bites!
Until next time!