The Best Plants to Repel Mosquitoes and Enjoy Your Outdoor Space
Plants that Repel Mosquitoes
Every summer, like clockwork, I look forward to spending warm evenings on my patio, enjoying the garden I've lovingly tended to all year. However, there's one thing that can quickly put a damper on these idyllic moments: mosquitoes.
These pesky insects seem to have a sixth sense for finding me, no matter how much bug spray I use. That's when I decided to turn to nature for a solution.
After some research and a bit of trial and error, I discovered several plants that not only beautify my garden but also help keep mosquitoes at bay. Here are my top picks to add to your own outdoor space.
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1. Citronella Grass
The classic go-to for mosquito repellent, citronella grass, is the source of citronella oil used in candles and sprays. Citronella grass is relatively low-maintenance and thrives in full sun and well-drained soil.
Just make sure to give it plenty of space, as it can grow quite large, reaching up to 6 feet tall. It’s also quite attractive, with its long, arching leaves that sway gracefully in the breeze.
2. Lavender
Not only does lavender add a touch of elegance with its beautiful purple flowers, but it also has a lovely fragrance that mosquitos detest. I have a few lavender plants in pots around my patio.
They do best in full sun and well-drained soil, and as a bonus, they attract pollinators like bees and butterflies.
Lavender is also quite drought-resistant, making it perfect for those hot, dry summer months.
3. Marigolds
These bright, cheerful annual flowers are a staple in my garden. Marigolds contain a compound called pyrethrum, which is often used in insect repellents. I like to plant marigolds in pots and place them around the perimeter of my patio.
They thrive in full sun and can tolerate a variety of soil types. Plus, marigolds are excellent companion plants, helping to protect other plants from pests.
Their vibrant colors range from golden yellow to deep orange, adding some warm colors to the garden.
4. Basil
Who knew that this kitchen staple could also help keep mosquitoes away?
Its strong scent is unpleasant to mosquitoes, and I love having fresh basil on hand for cooking.
Basil likes rich, well-drained soil and plenty of sunlight. Just be sure to pinch off the flowers to keep the plant producing flavorful leaves.
Basil comes in many varieties, including sweet basil, Thai basil, and purple basil, each with its unique flavor and aroma.
5. Rosemary
Rosemary is another dual-purpose plant in my garden. Its woody scent is off-putting to mosquitoes, and I love using fresh rosemary in my cooking. I grow it in pots that I can easily move around to wherever we’re sitting.
Rosemary prefers full sun and well-drained soil. It’s also fairly drought-tolerant, which is great for summer gardening.
6. Lemon Balm
Lemon balm has a delightful lemony scent that mosquitoes find repellent. It’s a hardy plant that can tolerate some shade, but it thrives in full sun.
Lemon balm, a relative of the mint family, can be quite invasive. To keep it contained, it's best to grow it in pots.
7. Catmint
Catmint is another great option for repelling mosquitoes. It has a strong minty aroma that mosquitoes dislike, and it also attracts beneficial insects like bees and butterflies with its beautiful light purple flowers.
Catmint is easy to grow in full sun or partial shade and can tolerate a range of soil conditions.
As the name suggests, cats are also attracted to catmint, so be prepared for some feline visitors in your garden.
8. Peppermint
The refreshing scent of peppermint is not so refreshing to mosquitoes. I grow peppermint in pots to keep it from spreading uncontrollably. It’s a versatile plant that can handle partial shade and thrives in moist soil.
As a bonus, peppermint is great for making teas and adding to summer drinks. So enjoy a mojito or a cup of peppermint tea while keeping mosquitoes at bay!
9. Sage
Burning a few sage leaves in your fire pit or barbecue can help keep mosquitoes at bay. I have a few sage plants in my herb garden, and they’re as attractive as they are useful.
Sage prefers full sun and well-drained soil and is relatively low-maintenance once established.
10. Floss Flower
Floss flower, with its fluffy blue pom-pom blooms, is not only a pretty addition to the garden but also a mosquito repellent.
It prefers partial shade and moist, well-drained soil. Floss flower releases a scent that mosquitoes find unpleasant, making it a beautiful and functional plant.
It’s a compact plant, making it perfect for edging and filling in gaps. Just be careful if you have pets or children as floss flowers can be toxic if ingested.
11. Allium
Alliums are known for their striking purple globe-like flowers and their ability to repel mosquitoes. They thrive in full sun and well-drained soil.
The strong scent of Allium bulbs is what keeps the mosquitoes away, and they also deter other pests like deer and rabbits.
Alliums come in various sizes and colors, with some reaching up to 4 feet tall, making them a dramatic addition to any garden.
12. Bee Balm
Bee balm, with its vibrant red, pink, or purple flowers, is another great addition to the mosquito-repelling arsenal. It attracts beneficial insects like bees and butterflies but repels mosquitos.
Plant bee balm in sunny spots with well-drained soil. It’s also a great plant for adding height and color to garden beds.
Bee balm is a member of the mint family and has a delightful fragrance that also makes it a good choice for cut flower arrangements.
13. Thyme
Thyme is not just for culinary use; it’s also a mosquito repellent. I grow thyme in pots and garden beds near my patio. It prefers full sun and well-drained soil.
The aromatic oils in thyme leaves are what keep mosquitoes at bay. Plus, having fresh thyme on hand is always a bonus for cooking.
Thyme is also a hardy ground cover that can withstand light foot traffic, making it ideal for planting between stepping stones.
14. Lantana
Lantana is a colorful and hardy plant that repels mosquitoes. I love its clusters of bright flowers, which bloom throughout the summer.
Lantana thrives in full sun and well-drained soil. It’s also drought-tolerant, making it perfect for hot, dry climates.
Just be cautious, as lantana can be toxic if ingested. Lantana’s vibrant blooms attract butterflies and hummingbirds, adding to the garden’s lively atmosphere.
15. Lemon Verbena
Lemon verbena has a strong lemon scent that mosquitoes find unappealing. Lemon verbena prefers full sun and well-drained soil.
Not only does it enhance your garden with its fragrant leaves, it is celebrated for its calming properties, and it is a popular ingredient in herbal remedies that promote better sleep and digestion. So enjoy the calming effects of lemon verbena while keeping mosquitoes away.
PIN it for Later!
The best way to get these mosquito-repelling plants to work for you is by releasing their essential oils. This can be easily done by rubbing or crushing the leaves, which helps to disperse the aromatic compounds that drive mosquitoes away. For plants like catmint, simply brushing your hands over the foliage or lightly crushing a few leaves will activate their natural defenses. This simple action can significantly enhance the effectiveness of your garden's mosquito-repellent properties, creating a more pleasant and pest-free outdoor environment.
Other Ways to Keep Mosquitos Away
While planting mosquito-repelling plants can significantly reduce the presence of these pesky insects, combining them with other strategies can enhance your efforts to keep your outdoor space mosquito-free. Here are some additional methods:
1. Eliminate Standing Water
Mosquitoes breed in stagnant water, so regularly check for and eliminate any sources of standing water around your home. This includes birdbaths, clogged gutters, pet water dishes, and plant saucers. Even small amounts of water can be a breeding ground for mosquitoes.
2. Install Fans
Mosquitoes are weak fliers, and even a gentle breeze can keep them at bay. Installing outdoor fans on your patio or deck can create air movement that makes it difficult for mosquitoes to land. Ceiling fans or portable standing fans are both good options.
3. Maintain Your Lawn and Garden
Keeping your lawn well-trimmed and your garden tidy can reduce mosquito habitats. Tall grass, overgrown shrubs, and piles of leaves provide cool, damp places where mosquitos like to hide. Regularly mowing the lawn and pruning plants can minimize these hiding spots.
4. Wear Protective Clothing
When spending time outdoors, especially during peak mosquito activity times (dawn and dusk), wear long sleeves and pants to reduce the amount of exposed skin. Light-colored clothing is less attractive to mosquitoes than dark colors.
5. Install Screens and Nets
For outdoor structures like gazebos, porches, or patios, consider installing screens or mosquito nets. These physical barriers can provide a mosquito-free zone where you can relax without being bitten.
6. Use Mosquito Traps
Mosquito traps can be an effective way to reduce mosquito populations. These devices attract mosquitos and capture or kill them. There are various types available. One amazing product is mosquito dunks.
7. Utilize Natural Predators
Encouraging natural mosquito predators can help keep their numbers in check. Birds, bats, dragonflies, and frogs all feed on mosquitoes. Installing birdhouses, bat boxes, or a pond can attract these beneficial creatures to your yard.
By combining these methods with the strategic planting of mosquito-repelling plants, you can create a comfortable and enjoyable outdoor space, free from the nuisance of mosquitos.
Integrating these plants into my garden has made a significant difference in my ability to enjoy my outdoor space without constantly swatting at mosquitoes. Not only do these plants add beauty and fragrance to my garden, but they also provide natural mosquito control, which is safer for my family and pets than chemical sprays. If you’re looking for a way to enjoy your yard more fully, I highly recommend giving these plants a try.
