Did you know that there are plants that repel mosquitoes naturally?
Mosquito bites can be incredibly uncomfortable and even dangerous if they transmit diseases, so protecting yourself from these pesky insects is important.
Luckily, a variety of plants have proved to be effective at naturally repelling mosquitoes. This blog post will discuss 20 of the most popular plants that repel mosquitoes.
1. Lavender
Lavender is one of the most soothing scents and one of my absolute favorites. However, that very same fragrance drives mosquitoes and a variety of other garden pests away.
With its silvery green leaves running up its stalk and purple flowers, lavender is a great choice as an attractive perennial element of your landscaping that blooms through the summer and fall.
There are also multiple varieties covering a large range of USDA zones. This drought-resistant mosquito repellent thrives in full sun and needs excellent drainage.
Lavender can also be dried and used as a natural mosquito repellent in your home or outdoor seating areas.
Keep a sachet of dried lavender in your drawers or closet, and you can keep mosquitoes at bay without resorting to harsh chemicals.
So if you want to create a beautiful garden that also protects you from pesky mosquitoes, lavender should definitely be on your list of plants that repel mosquitoes.
2. Eucalyptus
Eucalyptus, widely utilized in floral arrangements, is also known for its extensively used essential oil and its pleasant menthol-like aroma.
In addition to these qualities, it possesses mosquito-repellent properties.
This tree thrives in full sunlight and well-drained soil, displaying a degree of tolerance to drought but requiring regular watering for optimal health.
When cultivated in a pot, it necessitates a periodic application of liquid fertilizer every few weeks. Once established outdoors, eucalyptus typically does not require fertilizer.
One effective method of utilizing eucalyptus as a mosquito repellent involves its essential oil.
By blending a few drops with a carrier oil, such as coconut or olive oil, it can be applied to the skin or clothing.
Alternatively, burning eucalyptus leaves or placing them in a bowl of hot water can release their scent and effectively deter mosquitoes.
Another advantage of eucalyptus is its natural anti-inflammatory properties, which can provide relief for bug bites and sunburns.
Creating a homemade bug bite balm is possible by combining eucalyptus oil with other soothing ingredients like aloe vera and coconut oil.
There is no need for concern if you reside in a climate unsuitable for eucalyptus growth.
You can still enjoy the mosquito-repelling benefits by using eucalyptus essential oil in a diffuser or incorporating it into your natural bug spray recipe.
Furthermore, you will relish the fresh and refreshing aroma of eucalyptus in your home or while on the move.
3. Marigolds
Marigolds don’t smell as pleasant as some of the others on our list. As a result, mosquitoes and other bugs hate it.
Additionally, they are easy to grow and can be grown in a wide range of USDA zones.
It is well known for its orange flowers (although other colors are also available), an attractive annual; marigolds grow well in the ground or in containers.
You can expect them to bloom throughout the summer in most places in the country.
Plant marigolds near outdoor seating areas or add them to your garden beds to keep mosquitoes away.
They also repel other garden pests like nematodes and aphids. Marigolds contain a chemical called pyrethrum, which is often used in insecticides and repellents.
But unlike synthetic chemicals, the natural pyrethrum in marigolds doesn’t harm humans or pets.
Overall, marigolds are a great addition to your list of plants that repel mosquitoes. Plus, their bright flowers add a cheerful pop of color to any garden.
4. Catnip
Catnip is an herb that belongs to the mint family. It contains nepetalactone, a chemical that attracts cats and repels mosquitoes.
Research shows that catnip is about ten times more effective at repelling mosquitoes than DEET, the most common chemical in mosquito repellents.
Therefore, catnip is an excellent natural alternative to synthetic repellents.
You can grow catnip in your garden or in a pot and use it to repel mosquitoes. Finally, mint emits a strong odor that deters mosquitoes, making it a great addition to your garden or patio.
By incorporating these plants that repel mosquitoes into your landscape, you can protect yourself and your family from mosquito bites while also adding beauty to your surroundings.
5. Rosemary
Rosemary is not only a fragrant herb used in cooking, but it’s also a natural mosquito repellent. Its strong scent makes it difficult for mosquitoes to locate their target.
Rosemary is also easy to grow in various settings, from a container on your balcony to a larger garden plot.
The best way to utilize rosemary as a mosquito repellent is to plant it around outdoor sitting areas or use sprigs of fresh rosemary in your campfire or barbecue grill.
Not only will it help keep pesky mosquitoes at bay, but it will also add a delicious aroma to your outdoor space.
Plus, it’s a versatile herb that can be used in a variety of culinary dishes, making it a win-win addition to any garden or patio.
6. Citronella
When it comes to plants that repel mosquitoes, citronella is often at the top of the list.
This popular plant has a strong fragrance that masks the scent of humans, making it difficult for mosquitoes to detect and locate us.
Citronella plants contain a natural insect repellent that can help to keep mosquitoes and other biting insects at bay.
The citronella plant is a member of the geranium family and is often used to create candles and other products that can be burned or applied topically to ward off mosquitoes.
However, growing citronella plants in your garden is also a great way to repel mosquitoes naturally.
These plants prefer a warm, sunny climate and can be grown in pots or planted directly in the ground.
They require minimal care and maintenance and are also great for adding a touch of greenery and natural beauty to your outdoor space.
So, if you’re looking for an effective and natural way to keep mosquitoes away, consider adding some citronella plants to your garden today.
7. Lemongrass
Another one of the most popular plants that repel mosquitoes is lemongrass. This plant contains citronella, a natural oil that acts as a mosquito repellent.
The scent of lemongrass is refreshing and soothing, making it an ideal choice for creating a peaceful and relaxing atmosphere while keeping mosquitoes at bay.
You can plant lemongrass in your garden or keep it in a pot on your patio or balcony. It thrives in warm, humid conditions and needs plenty of sunlight.
In addition to being a mosquito repellent, lemongrass is also known for its anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties, making it a popular choice for medicinal purposes.
So, not only can it keep pesky mosquitoes away, but it also has numerous health benefits!
8. Garlic
Another herb that has a pungent smell, garlic, is a great mosquito repellant.
The strong odor of garlic masks the scent of humans that attracts mosquitoes, making it difficult for them to find us.
You can plant garlic in your garden or add it to dishes to help keep the pesky insects away.
Interestingly, consuming garlic also changes the natural scent of your skin, making it less attractive to mosquitoes.
Garlic is not only a natural and effective mosquito repellant, but it also has numerous health benefits and can be used in many dishes, making it a versatile addition to any garden or kitchen.
Don’t let the annoying buzz and itchy bites of mosquitoes keep you from enjoying your time outdoors; plant some garlic, one of the many plants that repel mosquitoes, and enjoy a mosquito-free environment.
9. Mint
Mint is a fragrant herb that is effective as a mosquito repellent. The oil in mint leaves contains compounds like limonene and menthol that repel mosquitoes.
These compounds create a strong odor that mosquitoes dislike, making it harder for them to detect humans.
To use mint as a mosquito repellent, plant it in your garden or pots around your outdoor seating area.
You can crush fresh mint leaves and rub them onto your skin as a natural mosquito repellent.
Another option is to make a DIY mosquito spray by boiling water and adding a few drops of peppermint oil.
Once it has cooled, pour it into a spray bottle and use it to repel mosquitoes on your skin and clothing.
Mint is also great for repelling other pests like ants and spiders. Its fresh scent is also a great addition to any outdoor space, making it an ideal choice for gardeners who want to add a natural touch to their gardens.
So next time you want to enjoy the outdoors without the annoyance of mosquitoes, try using mint to keep them at bay.
10. Allium
Allium, also known as garlic, onions, and chives, is a great addition to our culinary creations and a natural mosquito repellent.
When crushed or cut, the strong odor that allium emits can deter mosquitoes from approaching you.
Some studies suggest that consuming allium can even make your blood less appealing to mosquitoes.
If you’re looking to add allium to your garden to repel mosquitoes, the good news is that there are several different species to choose from.
Some popular options include garlic chives, purple allium, and elephant garlic.
Plant them in sunny spots with well-draining soil, watch as they thrive, and keep those pesky mosquitoes at bay.
However, keep in mind that allium is not a foolproof solution for repelling mosquitoes, and you may need to supplement it with other measures such as bug spray or netting to fully protect yourself from these disease-carrying insects.
Regardless, adding allium to your garden has practical benefits and beautiful texture and color to your landscape.
11. American Beautyberry
Another plant that can help keep mosquitoes at bay is the American Beautyberry. This plant is native to the southern United States and is prevalent in the wild.
Its vibrant purple berries are not only beautiful to look at, but they also contain a natural compound called callicarpenal that repels mosquitoes.
Crush the leaves or berries and rub them on your skin to help keep the pests away.
Alternatively, you can also boil the leaves and berries to make a natural repellent spray. This makes it one of the most effective plants that repel mosquitoes.
12. Lantana Camara
Lantana Camara, commonly known as the “Red Sage” or “Yellow Sage,” is a popular ornamental plant that produces bright, beautiful flowers.
However, it is not just its aesthetics that make it a desirable addition to any garden. Lantana Camara can also act as an effective natural mosquito repellent.
The plant contains high levels of lantadene A and B, which are natural insecticides. Mosquitoes are naturally repelled by the scent produced by Lantana Camara’s leaves and flowers.
Research has shown that planting Lantana Camara near homes can significantly reduce the number of mosquitoes in the area.
Lantana Camara is an easy plant to grow, making it a popular choice for gardens and landscapes.
It prefers full sun but can also tolerate some shade. It thrives in well-draining soil and requires little watering.
Once established, the plant can grow up to six feet tall, making it an ideal addition to borders and hedges.
In addition to its mosquito-repellent properties, Lantana Camara also attracts butterflies and bees, making it a great choice for gardeners who want to attract pollinators.
It is also resistant to drought, making it a low-maintenance plant.
However, it’s important to note that Lantana Camara is toxic if ingested. Keep it out of reach of children and pets, and wear gloves when handling the plant.
Overall, Lantana Camara is a versatile and attractive plant that offers numerous benefits to gardens and homes.
Its natural mosquito-repellent properties, as well as its ability to attract pollinators, make it a must-have addition to any garden.
13. Ageratum
Ageratum, also known as floss flower, is a popular ornamental plant loved for its blue or white fluffy flowers.
However, many people do not know that Ageratum is a plant that repels mosquitoes naturally. The plant contains a chemical called coumarin, which has a scent that repels mosquitoes.
To make the most of its mosquito-repelling properties, it’s best to crush the leaves and rub them on your skin or place them in a small vase near your outdoor sitting area.
Ageratum can also be planted in your garden or around your house to keep mosquitoes at bay.
The best thing about Ageratum is that it is low maintenance and easy to grow. It prefers full sun or partial shade and can grow in well-drained soil.
The plant blooms throughout the summer and can reach a height of up to 2 feet.
Not only does Ageratum repel mosquitoes, but it also attracts beneficial insects such as butterflies and bees. This makes it an excellent addition to any garden or outdoor space.
14. Lemon Geranium
Another excellent mosquito repellent is the lemon geranium. This plant has a citrusy scent that deters mosquitoes and other insects from approaching it.
Lemon geranium can be grown indoors or outdoors in pots and thrives in warm and sunny conditions.
The lemon geranium is not only a mosquito repellent but also has many other benefits.
You can use it to treat minor skin irritations, and it has antiseptic properties that help fight against bacteria.
To use lemon geranium as a mosquito repellent, you can crush the leaves and rub them on your skin or place a few leaves around your outdoor living space.
The essential oils in the leaves are highly concentrated, so a little goes a long way.
If you want to use lemon geranium to repel mosquitoes in your home, consider using it in a diffuser.
Add a few drops of lemon geranium essential oil to your diffuser, and it will release the scent into the air, keeping mosquitoes away.
15. Sage
Sage is another herb people have used for centuries for its medicinal properties, but did you know that it is also one of the plants that repel mosquitoes?
Its natural oils can help deter mosquitoes, making it a great addition to your garden or patio.
You can crush the leaves to release their fragrance or even burn sage as a natural mosquito repellent.
Sage is also a versatile herb used in cooking and for its healing properties.
Whether you prefer fresh or dried sage, incorporating this plant into your surroundings can help keep those pesky mosquitoes away.
16. Lemon Thyme
Lemon thyme is an aromatic herb that belongs to the mint family. This herb is well-known for its unique scent and flavor, but you might not know that it also repels mosquitoes!
The lemony scent of this herb comes from its high concentration of essential oils, which include citronella, the same active ingredient found in many mosquito-repellent candles and sprays.
It is the perfect addition to any outdoor space as it repels mosquitoes and adds a delightful aroma to your surroundings.
Lemon thyme is easy to grow in both garden beds and containers, making it an accessible option for those who want to add some natural mosquito repellent to their homes.
All you need to do is plant the herb in a sunny area and moisten the soil.
You can then use the leaves to make herbal tea, add flavor to your cooking, or even make a DIY insect repellent spray by steeping the leaves in water and mixing it with some essential oils.
In addition to repelling mosquitoes, lemon thyme also has antiseptic and antifungal properties.
It has been used for treating respiratory infections, gastrointestinal problems, and skin conditions like eczema and psoriasis.
So, it is a useful addition to your mosquito-fighting arsenal and can help boost your overall health and well-being.
17. Pennyroyal
Another plant that repels mosquitoes is Pennyroyal. This member of the mint family is known for its strong fragrance that deters insects.
You can plant Pennyroyal in your garden or keep a few pots on your patio to keep mosquitoes at bay.
However, it’s important to note that Pennyroyal can be toxic when ingested, so keep it away from pets and children.
Overall, Pennyroyal is a great addition to your list of plants that repel mosquitoes.
18. Fennel
Fennel is not only a delicious herb but also one of the plants that repel mosquitoes.
The sweet licorice-like scent of fennel has a very calming effect on humans but is extremely unpleasant to mosquitoes.
Planting fennel in your garden can help keep these pests away while providing a tasty addition to your meals.
Furthermore, fennel is also said to be beneficial to the digestive system, making it a great plant to have around for multiple reasons.
If you’re looking for a natural and effective way to keep mosquitoes away, consider planting fennel.
19. Bee Balm
Bee balm is a beautiful, fragrant plant from the mint family.
Native to North America, this herb is also known as bergamot, which makes it quite a popular ingredient in tea and other culinary preparations.
However, many people don’t know that bee balm is one of the plants that repel mosquitoes, making it a must-have in any garden.
The reason why bee balm is so effective in keeping mosquitoes at bay is due to the strong scent of its leaves and flowers.
This scent is known to confuse and repel mosquitoes, preventing them from landing on or biting you.
Additionally, the oil extracted from the plant has insecticidal properties that can kill mosquitoes on contact.
To use bee balm as a mosquito repellent, you can simply crush some leaves and rub them on your skin or clothing.
Alternatively, you can place some fresh bee balm leaves or flowers in a vase or potpourri bowl and keep them in your home or outdoor living space to repel mosquitoes naturally.
20. Basil
Basil is a popular herb used in many dishes, but did you know it can also repel mosquitoes? The oils in basil contain chemicals that have proved to repel these pesky insects.
To use basil as a mosquito repellent, crush a handful of fresh leaves and rub them onto your skin or clothing.
You can also make a basil-infused spray by boiling a cup of water with a handful of basil leaves and then letting it cool and strain the mixture into a spray bottle.
Basil plants can also be grown naturally in your garden or patio to deter mosquitoes. Plus, the delicious scent of basil will make your outdoor space smell amazing!
