5 Mosquito-repelling Plants for a Pool Kelowna Families Will Enjoy
Lavender and other insect-repelling plants help make for an inviting pool Kelowna homeowners will enjoy.
If there’s one thing that can disrupt you while you lounge around the deck of a pool Kelowna homeowners can be proud of, it’s mosquitos. But before you reach for that can of toxic chemical repellant, you can use plants as a healthier, more natural way to address the problem of these pesky pests.
For years, people have known about the insect-repelling qualities of certain plants. By choosing the right ones, you’ll end up with a back yard pool area that:
- Is more attractive
- Is more eco-friendly
- Smells nice
- Enhances your enjoyment of your pool area
- Increases your property value
Sure, you could hire a professional exterminator to apply chemical-based control products, but who wants that in their back yard when their family and pets are running around? As an alternative, these mosquito-repelling plants will lead to the type of pool Kelowna families can enjoy.
1. Lemongrass (Cymbopgon citratus)
Pretty much everyone who’s been outdoors in Canada in summer knows what a citronella candle is. That pungent, citrusy scent is pretty unmistakable. However, not everyone knows that citronella oil is actually derived from different species of lemongrass plants.
The smell of citronella is strong enough to masks our body scent, which is what keeps mosquitos from attacking. Aside from candles, it’s also found in:
- Soap
- Incense
- Cosmetics
- Perfume
While lemongrass thrives in the Okanagan summer heat, care must be taken to control soil moisture levels in winter, and to protect it from frost.
2. Lavender (Lavandula augustifolia)
With its soothing, perfume-like smell and striking purple flowers, there’s a lot to like about lavender. When you add in the fact that they deter mosquitos and other flying insects, they’re ideal for planting around swimming pools Kelowna homeowners use frequently in summer.
Lavender is fairly easy to grow, and there are many winter-hardy varieties that will do well in our Okanagan climate.
3. Marigolds (Tagetes spp.)
It’s hard to deny the eye-catching appeal of a bold, yellow marigold. These popular annuals are commonly planted around garden borders, and for companion planting, because their distinct smell helps keep insects at bay.
4. Cedar (Thuja spp.)
Cedar essential oil has been used as an ingredient in some pesticides for years. Adding a cedar hedge will not only help keep insects away, it’ll add privacy to your back yard as the trees mature. You can even apply cedar mulch to your landscaping. This will help:
- Plants retain moisture so you can water less
- Inhibit weed growth
- Increase the aesthetic quality of your garden
5. Basil (Ocimum basilicum)
Basil is a handy plant to have around because it has so many uses as a culinary herb in the kitchen. However, not many people know it’s also effective as a mosquito repellant. There are many colours, flavours and scents to choose from, and it’s easy to grow.
If you haven’t decided on whether or not a pool is right for you, check out our post: Why Vacation Anywhere Else?
If you’re looking to install the type of swimming pool Kelowna families love, call the Kelowna contractors at Rafter 4K. Our custom vinyl lined pools are built to last, and they look great.
