Does Basil Repel Mosquitoes?

During the cold, stormy months of winter it's easy to feel nostalgic for summer. In the rosy light of memory and anticipation, we may remember summer as the trouble-free time of lounging in the back yard, enjoying long, warm evenings beside a barbecue. Of course, once summer rolls around again, it takes only one evening of mosquito-swatting to remember that nothing in life is ever perfect. Fortunately, for those who dislike chemical solutions, there are many plants that naturally repel mosquitoes; and basil is one of them.

Basil is a popular garden herb, flourishing in most climate zones. Its penetrating aroma is widely appreciated in the kitchen, where it brings life to a wide range of dishes from Italian to Thai. However, like many other strongly scented herbs, basil's virtues go beyond its culinary prowess. Basil has been used for centuries as an insect repellent, either as a potted plant or as a bouquet of stems held in a jar of water. Placed in an open window, basil will deter mosquitoes and most flies from entering.

Aside from its ability to deter houseflies from the kitchen and mosquitoes from the picnic table, basil can also be used in the garden for companion planting. Companion planting is the deliberate pairing of different plants, providing benefits to one or both. Fittingly, given their culinary compatibility, basil goes best with tomato plants. When planted around the tomatoes it repels tomato hornworm and aphids, and also improves the tomatoes' flavor. A large scented border of basil, or a scattering of basil throughout the garden, will help minimize mosquitoes and make summertime gardening more pleasant.

Tomatoes and basil also make an excellent pairing for patio or container gardening. Aside from their culinary use, and their compatibility as garden plants, tomatoes share basil's mosquito-repellent character. Before sitting out on your patio or back deck, pass through your planters and gently bruise a few tomato and basil leaves. Mosquitoes will be deterred, especially if you are sitting downwind of the planters.

In addition to basil, there are several more garden plants that help repel mosquitoes as well as other pests. Pennyroyal, a member of the mint family, is very effective either fresh or dried. Be careful of using pennyroyal around toddlers or pets, as it can be toxic. Lavender is another herb that repels mosquitoes and other pests in its fresh or dried forms, and it is non-toxic if consumed. Tansy, another old-fashioned herb now out of fashion, is a mosquito-repellent herb that produces attractive yellow flowers, making it suitable for borders and window boxes.