When the weather warms up, it’s the perfect time to enjoy BBQs, patio lounging, and gardening bliss. But nothing ruins an outdoor vibe faster than the whine of a mosquito. If you’re tired of dousing yourself in chemical sprays, there’s a more eco-friendly way to fight back—plants that repel mosquitoes.
Yes, really! Certain plants give off scents or oils that naturally keep mosquitoes away, making them a smart, green choice for any garden or patio setup. Let’s dive into why these plants work so well and how they can make your outdoor space more peaceful.
Why Choose Plants That Naturally Repel Mosquitoes?
Aside from the itchy annoyance, mosquitoes are known carriers of serious diseases like:
- West Nile Virus
- Zika Virus
- Malaria
- Dengue
- Chikungunya
They can even spread heartworms to pets. So reducing their presence isn’t just a comfort issue—it’s a health one.
While chemical bug sprays can be effective, many contain ingredients like DEET that may pose risks to humans, pets, and beneficial insects. That’s where mosquito-repelling plants come in—they’re a safe, natural alternative that also beautifies your yard.
Bonus Tip: Pair these plants with good yard hygiene. Eliminate stagnant water where mosquitoes breed, and use natural repellents or mosquito dunks in spots like birdbaths or rain barrels.
🌼 15 Best Plants That Repel Mosquitoes Naturally
These powerhouse plants not only enhance your garden’s look and fragrance—they also help keep mosquitoes at bay. From herbs you can cook with to vibrant flowers that pollinators love, there’s something for every yard.
🌱 1. Citronella Grass (Cymbopogon nardus)
You’ve probably seen citronella candles in stores—but did you know the oil in those candles comes from citronella grass itself?
- Fragrance Activation: Releases scent when leaves are crushed
- Care Tips: Prefers warm climates and full sun; plant in pots if you get frost
- Bonus: Great for borders or decorative containers
Pro Tip: Don’t confuse citronella grass with lemongrass or citronella geraniums—they’re different plants with similar scents.
🌿 2. Citronella Geraniums (Pelargonium ‘Citronella’)
These “scented geraniums” are hardy, beginner-friendly, and pretty to look at.
- Repelling Power: Strong citronella scent from the leaves
- Growth Needs: Drought-tolerant, disease-resistant, thrives in slightly poor soil
- Best Use: Great for patio pots or border plants
💜 3. Lavender
While we love lavender’s calming scent, mosquitoes can’t stand it.
- Care Instructions: Needs full sun and well-draining soil
- Climate Match: Thrives in warm, dry areas
- Maintenance: Deadhead regularly to encourage more blooms
Bonus: Use the dried flowers in sachets or homemade bug repellent sprays.
🐾 4. Catnip (Nepeta cataria)
Not just for your cats! Catnip contains nepetalactone, which is 10x more effective than DEET at repelling mosquitoes (according to an Iowa State University study).
- Growth Habit: Invasive—keep it contained
- Light & Soil: Full sun, dry between watering
- Pet Perk: Doubles as a treat for your feline friends
🍋 5. Lemon Balm
This mint family member gives off a lemony scent mosquitoes despise.
- Chemical Compounds: Citronellol, rosmarinic acid, and geraniol
- Best Conditions: Partial shade with moist soil
- Caution: Like mint, it spreads fast—grow in containers if needed
🌼 6. Marigolds
Bright, cheerful, and a powerhouse for pest control.
- What’s Inside: Limonene and tagetone repel mosquitoes and other bugs like aphids and tomato hornworms
- Sunlight: Full sun
- Best Use: Ideal in containers near outdoor seating
🌾 7. Lemongrass (Cymbopogon citratus)
Don’t mix this up with citronella—this plant is a culinary favorite and a mosquito repellent.
- Look & Feel: Tall, grassy with citrus aroma
- Needs: Full sun, moist soil, regular fertilizing
- Garden Role: Decorative, aromatic, and functional
🌿 8. Rosemary
More than just a culinary herb, rosemary’s sharp fragrance is a mosquito deterrent.
- Active Compounds: Rosmarinic acid, pinene, and borneol
- Ideal Conditions: Hot, dry climates or container gardening
- Care Tips: Loves sun; water only when soil is dry
Fun idea: Toss a few sprigs on a barbecue grill or fire pit to create a fragrant, mosquito-repelling smoke.
🌿 9. Basil
A must-have herb that works double duty in your kitchen and garden.
- All Varieties Work: Sweet basil, Thai basil, lemon basil—each one repels mosquitoes
- Care: Needs sun and moist soil
- Garden Tip: Pinch off flower buds to keep the leaves coming
🔥 10. Sage
If you enjoy evenings by a fire pit, sage is your friend.
- Key Repellents: Cineole and camphor
- How to Use: Burn a few leaves in the fire for a smoky, earthy mosquito repellent
- Care Notes: Grows well in dry soil and full sun
🌿 11. Peppermint
Minty fresh for you, downright repulsive for mosquitoes.
- Active Agent: Strong menthol aroma deters pests
- Other Uses: Perfect for teas, cocktails, and recipes
- Container Tip: Highly invasive—keep it potted unless you want a mint takeover
🐝 12. Bee Balm (Monarda)
A pollinator magnet that keeps mosquitoes away.
- What It Contains: Thymol, a mosquito-repelling compound
- Appearance: Bright flowers in red, pink, purple, and white
- Best Placement: Full sun or partial shade in very hot climates
- Pro Tip: Crush or dry the leaves to release their oils
💜 13. Ageratum (Floss Flower)
Not just pretty—these purple puffballs pack a punch.
- Chemical Defense: Releases coumarin, which mosquitoes hate
- Growth Style: Low-growing, ideal for borders or containers
- Sun Preference: Partial sun and well-draining soil
🌳 14. Eucalyptus
Known for its medicinal scent and strong pest-deterring oils.
- Mosquito Fighters: Limonene and pinene
- Climate Compatibility: Best in warm zones; keep potted and move indoors in winter
- Bonus Use: Hang a few sprigs in the shower for sinus relief
⚠️ 15. Pennyroyal
A strong mosquito repellent—but it comes with a caution label.
- Repelling Agents: Citral and pinene
- Toxic Warning: Can be harmful to pets and humans if ingested or handled excessively
- Plant Tip: Best grown in containers, out of reach from kids and animals
✅ Wrapping Up: Best Plants That Repel Mosquitoes
You don’t need to rely on chemicals to enjoy a bite-free backyard. By planting a mix of mosquito-repelling plants, you’ll create a natural barrier that keeps bugs away and supports a thriving, eco-friendly garden.
Whether you love herbs like basil and rosemary or prefer eye-catching blooms like lavender and marigold, these plants offer a safe, beautiful solution to your mosquito problem.
🪴 Conclusion: Your Garden, Your Natural Mosquito Defense
Fighting mosquitoes doesn’t mean resorting to harsh sprays or toxic chemicals. With the right combination of plants that repel mosquitoes, you can enjoy the fresh air and keep your outdoor spaces pest-free—naturally.
These plants are not only beautiful and aromatic, but many are also useful in the kitchen, great for pollinators, and easy to maintain. Whether you’re crafting a cozy patio corner, a veggie garden, or a lush flower bed, there’s a mosquito-fighting plant to fit your style.
So go ahead—plant smart, repel bugs, and reclaim your outdoor time. 🦟🚫🌿