Using a ground cover plant can be a great way to enhance your yard, retain soil moisture, and prevent weed growth. However, not all ground covers are created equal. One such plant, Pachysandra terminalis (Japanese pachysandra), is known to attract mosquitoes due to the shade and moisture it provides under its broad leaves. This creates an ideal environment for mosquitoes to reproduce and thrive.
If you want to avoid attracting mosquitoes to your yard, consider choosing a different ground cover option instead of pachysandra.
How to mitigate pachysandra, and other ground cover options
If you already have pachysandra in your yard, trimming it in the spring and using cedar mulch underneath can help temporarily repel mosquitoes. However, pachysandra can be difficult to fully eradicate due to its aggressive spreading nature.
Alternatively, if you are starting fresh, consider planting Thymus citriodorus (lemon thyme) as a ground cover option. Lemon thyme not only repels mosquitoes but also attracts pollinators and can be used in cooking. Other ground cover options that can help repel mosquitoes include Mitchella repens, Phlox divaricata, Iris castata, Sedum turnatam, and Geranium maculatum.
While mosquitoes are unavoidable during the summer, incorporating mosquito-repelling plants and household staples can help keep them at bay.
