18 Mosquito-Repellent Plants That Keep the Bugs at Bay (Naturally!)

If you’re tired of mosquitoes ruining your backyard relaxation time, it’s time to go green with natural solutions.

Mosquito-repellent plants are not only effective in keeping pesky insects away, but they also add beauty and fragrance to your garden.

Mosquito-Repellent Plants

These 12 plants are perfect for outdoor spaces and can help you create a mosquito-free zone. Plus, we’ll include garden safety tips to ensure your plants thrive while keeping your family safe.

1. Citronella Grass – The Classic Mosquito Repellent

Citronella Grass

You’ve probably heard of citronella as an ingredient in many mosquito-repelling products, but did you know it can be grown right in your garden?

Citronella grass has a strong, citrusy scent that mosquitoes can’t stand. This easy-to-grow grass can be planted in pots or directly in the soil for a natural deterrent.

2. Lavender – A Beautiful, Fragrant Defender

Lavender

Lavender doesn’t just smell amazing to humans; mosquitoes dislike it. Its strong fragrance masks scents that attract mosquitoes, making it an excellent plant to keep around patios and garden seating areas. Plus, it’s a low-maintenance perennial that attracts pollinators while keeping the bugs at bay.

3. Marigolds – Colorful Protection

Marigolds

Marigolds are known for their vibrant blooms, but they also have a strong scent that repels mosquitoes and other insects.

Planting marigolds near entryways, patios, or sitting areas is a great way to reduce mosquito presence. Their easy-growing nature makes them a favorite for gardeners.

4. Lemon Balm – A Refreshing Repellent

Lemon Balm

Lemon balm has a refreshing lemony scent that mosquitoes find unbearable. This herb can be planted in containers or directly in the garden. It grows quickly, providing plenty of natural protection against mosquitoes and can also be used in teas or salads.

5. Peppermint – A Dual-Purpose Plant

Peppermint

With its cooling aroma, peppermint isn’t just useful for drinks or desserts—it’s also a powerful mosquito repellent. The strong menthol scent keeps mosquitoes away, and peppermint is easy to grow in containers, garden beds, or even as ground cover. It’s a great addition to any garden.

6. Basil – A Delicious and Useful Herb

Basil

If you love cooking, basil will be your new best friend. The spicy scent of basil is a natural deterrent for mosquitoes. Plus, you can harvest the leaves for delicious cooking or make homemade pest-repellent sprays with it. Keep basil plants near your kitchen windows or outside dining areas for added protection.

7. Rosemary – A Woody Scent That Repels Pests

Rosemary

Rosemary isn’t just a delicious herb for grilling—its strong, woody scent keeps mosquitoes at bay. Planting rosemary near your patio or garden areas will help create a natural barrier against mosquitoes. It’s a hardy, low-maintenance herb that can thrive in full sun and poor soil.

8. Catnip – More Than Just a Treat for Cats

Catnip

Did you know that catnip is up to 10 times more effective at repelling mosquitoes than DEET?

This herb has a strong aroma that mosquitoes dislike, and it can be grown in both containers and garden beds.

However, keep it away from your cat—they may become overly excited by the scent!

9. Eucalyptus – A Natural Mosquito Shield

Eucalyptus

Eucalyptus trees and shrubs are well-known for their mosquito-repelling abilities.

Their strong scent repels mosquitoes and other insects, making it a great choice for landscaping.

Eucalyptus oil can also be used in homemade mosquito repellent sprays or candles for added protection.

10. Garlic – A Smelly but Effective Defense

Garlic

Planting garlic around your garden can help repel mosquitoes with its strong odor.

The natural compounds found in garlic act as a mosquito repellent when crushed or cut.

While garlic isn’t for everyone, its natural properties are undeniable when it comes to pest control.

11. Sage – A Powerful Herb for Pest Control

Sage

Sage is a wonderful herb to grow for cooking, and it also works wonders as a mosquito deterrent.

Burning sage in bundles can help drive mosquitoes away, and growing it in the garden will create a natural barrier against pests.

This hardy plant thrives in sunny, well-drained areas.

12. Geraniums – Beautiful and Bug-Repelling

Geraniums

Geraniums are not only gorgeous additions to any garden but also serve as natural mosquito repellents.

Citronella-scented geraniums, or mosquito plants, are particularly effective.

These plants are perfect for pots or flower beds and provide vibrant color while keeping mosquitoes at bay.

Additional Mosquito-Repellent Plants

While the above plants are some of the most popular, there are other mosquito-repellent plants worth considering for your garden:

13. Alliums – Strong and Smelly Defenders

Alliums

Alliums, including onions, garlic, and chives, have a strong scent that mosquitoes find unpleasant. These plants are excellent natural repellents and can be grown in garden beds or containers. They’re especially effective when crushed or when their oils are released.

14. Pennyroyal – Minty Protection

Pennyroyal

Pennyroyal is a mint-family plant with a strong minty scent that repels mosquitoes.

It can be grown in the garden or in pots but be cautious, as pennyroyal can be toxic if consumed in large quantities, especially to pets.

15. Tansy – Hardy and Strong-Smelling

Tansy

Tansy has a strong odor that repels mosquitoes, flies, and other pests. This hardy, perennial plant can be planted near outdoor seating areas or fences.

While effective, tansy should be used carefully since it can be toxic to pets and livestock.

16. Cinnamon Basil – Sweet Protection

Cinnamon Basil

A variety of basil, cinnamon basil has a distinct cinnamon-like fragrance that repels mosquitoes. It’s an easy-to-grow herb that can be planted in pots, garden beds, or even as a border plant. Its pleasant scent is an added bonus!

17. Lemon Thyme – Lemony Fresh Defense

Lemon Thyme

Another herb with mosquito-repelling abilities, lemon thyme has a lemony fragrance that mosquitoes dislike. It’s great for pots or containers and can be used in cooking as well. It’s a small, low-growing plant that adds flavor and protection to your garden.

18. Chrysanthemums – Stunning and Bug-Repellent

Chrysanthemums

Chrysanthemums are beautiful flowers that not only add color to your garden but also contain pyrethrins, natural chemicals that act as mosquito repellents.

These flowers are easy to grow and can be placed in garden beds or containers for both decorative and practical purposes.

Garden Safety Tips

While planting mosquito-repelling plants is an eco-friendly way to reduce pests in your garden, here are some safety tips to ensure that you’re also creating a safe space for your family and pets:

  • Check for Toxicity: Some plants, like geraniums, can be toxic to pets. Always research a plant’s toxicity levels before planting it in areas where pets may have access.

  • Use Containers: For easy control, especially with herbs like peppermint or lemon balm, plant them in containers. This makes it easier to maintain and move plants if needed.

  • Proper Placement: Avoid planting mosquito-repellent plants directly near your home’s entryways, as the fragrance could become overwhelming. Instead, place them in strategic areas like patios, decks, or garden paths.

  • Maintain Healthy Plants: Keep your plants well-watered and free of dead leaves. A healthy plant is more effective at repelling mosquitoes, and it looks better in your garden too.

Final Thoughts

Creating a mosquito-free garden has never been easier with these 18 mosquito-repellent plants.

Not only do these plants keep the bugs away, but they also add beauty, fragrance, and functionality to your backyard.

With a little care and the right plants, you can enjoy your outdoor spaces without the annoyance of mosquitoes.

Remember to follow the garden safety tips to ensure your plants thrive while keeping your loved ones safe. Enjoy your bug-free garden retreat this summer!

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