As much as I absolutely love summer, nothing kills my outdoor-loving mood like the buzz of mosquitos. While bug sprays and insecticides can help keep these pests away, I prefer a more natural approach: enter mosquito-repelling plants! These 15 plants that repel mosquitos are a great addition to your garden or patio, AND make enjoying your backyard or patio SO much more enjoyable.
12 Plants That Repel Mosquitos
1. Citronella
Citronella is one of the most commonly known mosquito repelling plants. It’s a type of grass that emits a strong citrus scent, which masks the scents that attract mosquitoes. While citronella plants are a popular choice for outdoor spaces, the essential oil extracted from the plant is more potent and effective when it comes to repelling mosquitos.
2. Lemongrass
Lemongrass is another type of grass that’s effective in repelling mosquitoes. It contains citral, which has a lemony scent that’s unpleasant to mosquitoes. The scent also masks the scents that attract mosquitoes, making it difficult for them to find you.
3. Lavender
Lavender is a beautiful and fragrant plant that’s known for its calming and relaxing properties. But, did you know that it also has mosquito-repelling properties? The scent of lavender is pleasant to humans but is irritating to mosquitoes, making it an effective way to keep them away.
4. Marigold
Marigold is a colorful and easy-to-grow flower that’s commonly found in gardens. While it’s known for its beauty, it’s also effective in repelling mosquitoes. Marigolds contain pyrethrum, a compound that’s used in insecticides, which is why mosquitoes and other insects find their scent unpleasant.
5. Peppermint
Peppermint is a refreshing herb that’s used in teas, desserts, and aromatherapy. But, it’s also effective in repelling mosquitoes. The scent of peppermint is strong and overpowering, making it difficult for mosquitoes to locate their prey.
6. Catnip
Catnip is a herb that’s popular among cat lovers as it has a euphoric effect on cats. But, it’s also a powerful mosquito repellent. Catnip contains nepetalactone, a compound that’s ten times more effective at repelling mosquitoes than DEET, the most common active ingredient in insect repellents.
7. Basil
Basil is an herb that’s used in various cuisines worldwide. It’s also a potent mosquito repellent. Basil contains eugenol, a compound that’s used in insecticides, which makes it effective in repelling mosquitoes and other insects.
8. Lemon Balm
Lemon balm is a herb that belongs to the mint family. It has a lemony scent that’s pleasant to humans but repels mosquitoes. The scent of lemon balm masks the scents that attract mosquitoes, making it an effective way to keep them away.
9. Rosemary
Rosemary is an herb that’s commonly used in Mediterranean cuisine. It has a strong scent that’s effective in repelling mosquitoes. The scent of rosemary also has a calming effect, making it an ideal plant to grow in your garden or backyard.
10. Sage
Sage is an herb that’s used in various dishes, including stuffing and sausages. It’s also an effective mosquito repellent. The scent of sage is unpleasant to mosquitoes, making it an effective way to keep them away.
11. Eucalyptus
Eucalyptus is a tree that’s native to Australia. It’s commonly used in essential oils and other natural products. The scent of eucalyptus is strong and overpowering, making it one of the best mosquito repellers.
12. Garlic
Garlic is a pungent herb that can also help keep mosquitoes away. The plant contains allicin, which is a natural insecticide. While it’s not as effective as synthetic insecticides, it can still help repel mosquitoes.
I have these plants in my garden, sitting near our outdoor hot tub, so we can enjoy the summer months while it lasts here in Washington State. If you want to enjoy the outdoors without using chemical bug sprays or insecticides, try planting a combination of these mosquito repelling plants this summer!
