5 Plants That Attract Mosquitoes

When you think of a relaxing summer evening on your porch or a backyard barbecue, the last thing you want to deal with is a cloud of buzzing mosquitoes. While some plants are known for helping to deter mosquitoes, others do quite the opposite -- they can actually attract them! If you're working on your landscaping in Whispering Pines, it’s helpful to know which plants might be sending mosquitoes an open invitation. Let’s take a closer look at five plants that can make your outdoor space more mosquito-friendly and may require more mosquito control in Whispering Pines.

1. Bamboo

Bamboo can add a tropical touch to your yard, but it also creates the perfect shady, damp environment for mosquitoes. Some bamboo species form hollow stalks that can trap rainwater, becoming yet another hidden breeding site for mosquitoes.

Mosquito Squad Tip: If you’re growing bamboo, make sure to keep it well-trimmed and drained. You might also want to consider alternatives that don’t create damp, shaded areas where mosquitoes thrive.

2. Taro (Elephant Ears)

Elephant ears are a bold, tropical plant with broad leaves that look great in Whispering Pines yards but can also hold water after rain or irrigation. These mini puddles are the perfect size for mosquito larvae to develop. Plus, the humid, shaded environment around the base of taro plants is ideal for adult mosquitoes to rest and hide.

Mosquito Squad Tip: Be mindful of plants with large leaves that collect water, and make sure to empty or shake off any pooling water after storms or watering.

3. Water Hyacinths

These floating aquatic plants may look beautiful in backyard ponds, but they’re a mosquito magnet. Standing water is a key breeding ground for mosquitoes, and water hyacinths can make the problem worse by trapping stagnant water between their roots and petals. Mosquitoes love to lay their eggs in these hidden spots.

Mosquito Squad Tip: If you have a water feature, keep it moving with a pump or fountain and avoid water-holding plants. Our regular treatments of Whispering Pines mosquito control can help reduce the population around water features.

4. Papyrus

Popular for rain gardens and wet areas, papyrus thrives in moisture, and unfortunately, so do mosquitoes. These tall, grassy plants can host mosquito larvae in the damp soil and shallow water they often grow in.

Mosquito Squad Tip: If you love the look of papyrus, consider placing it in a pot with gravel to limit water pooling. Pair your yard design with a regular mosquito control treatment plan for added protection.

5. Flowering Nightshade (Nicotiana)

This plant’s sweet scent attracts not just moths and hummingbirds, but also mosquitoes. Because it blooms in the evening when mosquitoes are most active, nightshade becomes a popular spot for them to linger.

Mosquito Squad Tip: Choose plants that bloom during the day instead, or go with aromatic herbs like rosemary and lavender, which are less attractive to mosquitoes.

Yard Awareness + Professional Treatments = Better Control

Creating a mosquito-conscious landscape is a great first step, but to truly make your yard in Whispering Pines more enjoyable throughout the warm months, you need consistent treatment. At Mosquito Squad of The Sandhills, we provide recurring treatments that reduce up to 85-90% of mosquitoes for up to 3 weeks at a time. Our trained professionals inspect your yard during each treatment to identify potential mosquito hotspots and treat them accordingly. Call us today at (910) 387-5983 or contact us online for your free quote, and let’s get started with your personalized Whispering Pines mosquito control plan.