Mosquitoes have a knack for ruining a perfectly good evening outdoors, don’t they? While chemical sprays exist, a lot of us would rather try something natural, especially if it means our gardens look and smell better.
The good news is that certain plants naturally repel mosquitoes thanks to the oils and scents they give off, offering a more eco-friendly way to make your yard less inviting to these buzzing pests.
By weaving in some specific herbs, flowers, and aromatic plants, you can make your outdoor space more comfortable. Knowing which ones to choose and how to use them means you can finally relax outside without constantly swatting at your ankles.
1) Citronella
Citronella is probably the first thing that comes to mind when you think of mosquito-repelling plants. This grass throws off a strong, citrusy aroma that mosquitoes just don’t like.
It does well in warm climates and likes regular watering. You can grow citronella in beds or pots, so you can move it around if you need to. If you want an extra punch, try crushing a few leaves, as the oils that come out are what really keep the bugs away.
2) Lavender
Lavender isn’t just pretty and soothing, it’s also a solid mosquito repellent. The plant’s natural oils have strong scents that mosquitoes dislike, but most people find pleasant.
Fresh lavender, dried flowers, or even the essential oil can all help. If you want to use the oil, a 20% lavender oil solution in water can give you up to 8 hours of protection. For a small patio, three to five plants is usually enough; bigger spaces might need a dozen or so.
3) Marigolds
Marigolds are cheerful and colorful, and they do help a bit with mosquitoes thanks to pyrethrum, a compound in their blooms. But honestly, the scent from a living marigold isn’t really strong enough to do the whole job.
Still, they’re great companions for other mosquito-repelling plants like citronella or basil, and they’ll attract helpful bugs to your garden, too.
4) Catnip
Catnip’s loved by felines but it’s also surprisingly effective at keeping mosquitoes away. This tough perennial is low-maintenance and grows just about anywhere.
The mosquito-fighting power comes from nepetalactone, found in the leaves and stems. If you crush the leaves, you’ll get even more of those oils. Plus, you’ll get the bonus of pollinators visiting your garden (and probably a few very happy cats).
5) Rosemary
Rosemary’s woody, aromatic scent is a real turn-off for mosquitoes. The oils come out more when you brush against the plant or crush the leaves.
Try planting rosemary near your favorite outdoor hangout spots. It works best up close, not as a giant barrier. And if you’re grilling, toss a few sprigs on the coals for a little extra protection (and flavor).
6) Basil
Basil does double duty: it’s tasty and keeps mosquitoes at bay. The plant lets off natural oils like linalool and camphor, which mosquitoes can’t stand. It likes sunny spots and well-drained soil.
For more protection, rub a fresh basil leaf on your skin or set potted plants near windows and patios. The fragrant oils do a decent job of making mosquitoes think twice about landing nearby.
7) Scented Geraniums
Scented geraniums, especially the citronella-scented kind, put out a lemony aroma that mosquitoes just don’t appreciate. These perennials are easy to grow in pots or beds near your doors and seating areas.
If you want a little extra effect, gently crush the leaves and rub them on your skin or furniture. The scent gets stronger and the bugs stay away.
8) Mint
Mint’s bold smell is a natural mosquito deterrent. Try planting varieties like peppermint or spearmint around your patio for some help.
Mint loves moist soil and spreads fast…sometimes too fast! Containers help keep it in check. Crush a few leaves if you need an extra boost of protection.
9) Lemon Balm
Lemon balm is a quick-growing herb in the mint family that naturally keeps mosquitoes away with its lemony scent. It’s packed with citronellal, which is the same stuff in citronella grass.
Grow it in pots or in the ground; whatever works for your space! The leaves are also nice for tea, so it’s a win-win.
10) Thyme
Thyme gives off oils that mosquitoes don’t like, so it’s a handy addition to your garden. It’s happy in sunny, well-drained spots and doesn’t ask for much attention.
Plant it along walkways or in pots where you’ll brush against it. Crush the leaves for an even stronger effect; the aroma gets more intense and the bugs back off.
11) Peppermint
Peppermint’s menthol scent is a mosquito turn-off, but most people find it pretty refreshing. Other mints like spearmint and chocolate mint work too.
It grows easily in beds or containers near patios. If you crush the leaves, you’ll get more of those fragrant oils. Peppermint spreads fast and doesn’t need much fussing over, so it’s good for just about anyone.
12) Eucalyptus
Eucalyptus leaves are loaded with oils that keep mosquitoes at a distance. The plant’s PMD and terpenoid compounds are actually used in some commercial repellents.
Plant eucalyptus in your yard for a natural barrier. The scent also helps with sand flies and ticks. Crush the leaves to release oils if you want to up the protection in a certain spot.
13) Garlic
Garlic’s sulfur compounds, especially allicin, give off a smell mosquitoes really dislike. This scent can mask your body’s natural signals, making it harder for them to find you.
Grow garlic in sunny, well-drained soil. Crushing the bulbs or making a garlic spray can boost the repellent effect if you need it. The plants themselves help a bit, but the real punch is in the oils.
14) Clove
Cloves pack eugenol, a natural insecticidal compound that works on mosquitoes. There are a few ways to use them for pest control.
Put whole cloves in bowls around your outdoor space, or pair them with citrus slices for a little extra power. Burning dried cloves as incense or making a spray by steeping them in hot water are also options.
Just be careful with clove oil on your skin and mix it with a carrier oil before applying.
15) Borage
Borage has lovely blue, star-shaped flowers that bring in good bugs and send mosquitoes packing. The plant’s natural compounds are unappealing to mosquitoes.
It grows easily in sun or partial shade and self-seeds if you let it. Plus, the stalks and flowers are edible and taste a bit like cucumber!
16) Chrysanthemums
Chrysanthemums have pyrethrum, which is used in some commercial bug sprays. Plant these colorful flowers where you hang out for a little extra mosquito control, they like sun and well-drained soil.
Besides pest control, they’ll brighten up your garden in the fall. Place them near patios or seating areas for best results.
17) Lemon Verbena
Lemon verbena has one of the strongest citrus scents out there, and mosquitoes really don’t like it. When you touch or crush the leaves, sweet lemon oils fill the air and help keep bugs away.
This shrub can get up to five feet tall, with narrow, shiny leaves. Give lemon verbena plenty of sun and heat. It smells amazing and adds a nice touch to your garden aesthetically too.
18) Bee Balm
Bee balm (Monarda or horsemint) is a perennial with a strong, herbal-minty scent that covers up the smells mosquitoes use to find you.
It’s great for attracting bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds; so you get fewer mosquitoes and more pollinators. Plant it in sunny, well-drained spots and enjoy the bonus wildlife.
19) Rue
Rue is a tough perennial herb with blue-green leaves and a sharp, bitter smell that mosquitoes steer clear of. It works well along borders or in pots near places you like to sit outside.
Rue likes sun and well-drained soil. Just a heads-up: some people get skin irritation from its oils, especially in sunlight, so handle it with care.
20) Tarragon
Tarragon is an aromatic herb with a scent that mosquitoes really don’t care for. Try planting it in your garden or just stick a pot or two around your patio; anywhere you like to hang out outside.
This perennial does best where it gets plenty of sun and the soil drains well. Every time you brush past its leaves, the plant releases a bit of its natural oil, which seems to keep mosquitoes from sticking around. Not a magic force field, but hey, every little bit helps, right?
