I didn’t know that!

The abundance of foliage on lantana plants creates a natural barrier, which can help reduce mosquito populations in gardens and outdoor areas. While mosquitoes prefer dark, damp areas to hide during the day, lantanas create a brighter, well-ventilated environment. The density of the foliage also disrupts the areas where mosquitoes like to rest and breed, making it harder for them to establish colonies in places where lantanas are planted.

Lantanas are drought-tolerant plants, meaning they don’t require much water to thrive. Since mosquitoes lay eggs in stagnant water, lantanas’ preference for drier conditions creates an inhospitable environment for mosquito breeding. This indirect effect contributes to reducing the overall mosquito population in areas where lantanas are planted.

Research has supported the effectiveness of lantanas as mosquito repellents. In one notable study published in the Journal of the American Mosquito Control Association, scientists found that lantana camara extracts reduced the biting activity of mosquitoes by nearly 94% for over two hours after application. Another study conducted in Tanzania showed that homes surrounded by lantana plants had fewer mosquitoes than those without lantana, demonstrating its real-world effectiveness as a natural repellent.

The repellent properties of lantanas were particularly noted against Aedes mosquitoes, the species responsible for spreading diseases like dengue fever, Zika virus, and chikungunya. This makes lantanas an especially valuable plant in regions where these diseases are a concern, providing a non-toxic, environmentally friendly alternative to chemical insecticides.

If you want to harness the mosquito-repelling power of lantanas, incorporating them into your garden or outdoor living space is easy. Here are a few tips to maximize their effectiveness:

Place lantanas in pots or garden beds near seating areas, patios, or outdoor dining spaces where people frequently gather. The proximity of the plants will help to keep mosquitoes away from these high-traffic zones.

Plant lantanas along the borders of your property or garden beds to form a natural mosquito-repelling barrier. Their dense growth habit will help limit mosquito access to your yard.

Lantanas work well alongside other mosquito-repelling plants like lavender, citronella, marigolds, and basil. Combining these plants will create a powerful mosquito deterrent zone and provide added benefits for your garden, such as attracting pollinators and enhancing the overall aesthetic.