10 Plants that Repel Mosquitos Ideas

The best way to control mosquitoes in your yard is to eliminate standing water and to cut down on the number of places where the adult females can lay their eggs.

But even if you take these steps, you may still end up with mosquitoes. There are several plants that you can use to help repel mosquitoes.

Mobile, Alabama-based landscape designer Jeni Pugh says that these plants can help repel mosquitoes.

1. Citronella

Citronella is the most well-known mosquito-repelling plant. It’s an ingredient in many mosquito-repelling candles and torches.

Citronella is a beautiful clumping grass that grows to about 5 to 6 feet tall. It’s best to grow citronella in a pot, as it doesn’t tolerate frost.

Citronella is a low-maintenance plant. It grows best in full sun and well-drained soil. It’s also drought tolerant.

2. Lavender

Lavender is a beautiful, fragrant plant that can help keep mosquitos at bay. It’s known for its calming scent, but mosquitos don’t like it!

Plant lavender in your garden or keep a small pot on your patio to keep mosquitos away.

You can also use lavender to make your own homemade mosquito repellent.

3. Marigolds

Marigolds are a beautiful, low-maintenance annual flower that comes in a variety of colors. They are also one of the best plants to use to repel mosquitos.

Marigolds contain pyrethrum, a compound found in many insect repellents.

Pyrethrum is toxic to mosquitos and can kill them, making marigolds an excellent choice to get rid of mosquitos in your yard.

Marigolds are also easy to grow from seed, making them an affordable and effective way to repel mosquitos.

4. Peppermint

The perennial herb peppermint has a strong, refreshing aroma that repels mosquitos.

In fact, peppermint oil is a common ingredient in natural mosquito repellents.

This plant does best in moist soil and partial shade, but it can also tolerate full sun.

If you’re growing peppermint in a garden, be sure to contain it in a pot or a raised bed to prevent it from spreading and taking over your garden.

5. Garlic

Garlic is a powerful plant that can repel more than just mosquitoes. It’s also effective against ticks, fleas, and other biting insects.

The strong smell of garlic is what makes it such an effective repellent.

You can plant garlic in your garden to help keep mosquitoes away, or you can crush garlic cloves and sprinkle them around your outdoor living spaces.

If you want to keep mosquitoes away from your skin, you can even make your own garlic-based repellent.

Just mix a few cloves of garlic with a carrier oil, like olive oil or coconut oil, and apply it to your skin.

6. Rosemary

Rosemary is a fragrant, perennial herb that does double duty in the garden.

Not only does it repel mosquitoes, but it also attracts butterflies and pollinators.

Rosemary is a plant that loves the sun and is drought-tolerant once established.

In cooler climates, rosemary is grown as an annual, but it can be brought indoors during the winter.

7. Catnip

If you have cats, you may want to think twice about planting catnip.

The essential oil in catnip, nepetalactone, has been shown to be up to 10 times more effective than DEET at repelling mosquitos.

This plant is a member of the mint family and is very easy to grow.

Catnip can be grown in full sun and well-draining soil. It is drought-tolerant and can grow up to 3 feet tall.

Catnip is also a great plant to grow in your garden if you have problems with aphids, beetles, or cockroaches.

8. Basil

Basil is a great plant to grow in your garden. Not only is it a delicious herb to add to many dishes, but it also is a great mosquito repellent.

Basil is low maintenance and easy to grow. It is also a great companion plant to many other garden plants.

If you are not a fan of the smell of citronella, basil is a great alternative that will keep mosquitos away.

9. Lemongrass

Lemongrass is a tropical plant that is often used in cooking and teas.

This plant is known for its strong lemon scent, which is why it is so good at repelling mosquitos.

Lemongrass is also a great addition to your garden because it can grow up to 4 feet tall and will add a beautiful pop of green color to your garden.

10. Chrysanthemums

These beautiful flowers contain pyrethrum, a natural insecticide.

Pyrethrum is found in many commercial insect repellents and is very effective at keeping mosquitoes away.

Chrysanthemums are also very low-maintenance and can grow in a variety of soil types. They are also great for adding a pop of color to your garden!

11. Bonus: Geraniums

Geraniums are known to repel Japanese beetles, but they also keep mosquitos at bay.

Their bright blooms add a pop of color to your garden or patio.

These plants are also easy to grow and don’t require a ton of maintenance.

Just make sure they get plenty of sun and are planted in well-draining soil.

12. Bonus: Mint

Mint is a great plant to have around your home for many reasons. It is a natural pest repellent and can help keep mosquitos away.

Mint is also known to attract other beneficial insects, such as bees and butterflies, to your garden.

Mint is a hardy, fast-growing plant that is easy to care for and can be used in many different recipes.

You can also use fresh mint leaves to make a natural insect repellent spray for your skin.

13. Bonus: Lemon Balm

If you’re feeling a little stressed out from all the mosquitos, lemon balm is the perfect plant for you to add to your garden.

Lemon balm is a member of the mint family and has a delicious lemon flavor and fragrance.

The oils found in lemon balm can help you relax and calm your nerves.

Lemon balm is another plant that can be invasive, so be sure to plant it in a pot to keep it from spreading.

This herb also attracts bees and butterflies, so if you love pollinators, lemon balm is the perfect mosquito-repelling plant for you!

14. Bonus: Eucalyptus

Eucalyptus is a great plant to use to repel mosquitos.

You can grow it in a pot and place it on your patio, or you can use eucalyptus oil to make a homemade mosquito repellent.

This is also a great idea for people who don’t have a green thumb or don’t want to spend a lot of time tending to their plants.

Conclusion

Are you ready to plant your garden and naturally repel mosquitos from your outdoor space? We hope you enjoyed this list of plants that repel mosquitos and found it helpful.