Summer evenings spent outdoors should be about enjoying the fresh air, good company, and maybe a barbecue. But for many, the buzzing symphony of mosquitoes quickly turns that idyllic scene into a battleground of itchy annoyance. Chemical repellents like DEET can be effective, but they often come with concerns about harsh chemicals and unpleasant smells.
Luckily, Mother Nature has her own arsenal of anti-mosquito weaponry in the form of beautiful and fragrant plants. These botanical bodyguards don’t just mask our scent; they emit natural compounds that mosquitoes find offensive, creating a protective zone around you and your loved ones.
Instead of dousing yourself or your garden with chemical, consider growing some of these amazing plants. Place them near doorways, patios, or seating areas – anywhere guests congregate – and create a natural force field against pesky biters.
Let’s explore 10 of the best mosquito-repellent plants to transform your yard into a bug-free haven:
List of Plants to Naturally Repel Mosquitos
Here’s the list of best Mosquito repellent plants that everyone should use to get rid of Mosquito naturally –
1. Citronella Grass (Cymbopogon nardus)
Citronella is frequently found in candles and insect repellents. Other attractants’ aromas are masked by citronella’s potent perfume (like the smell of carbon dioxide). Usually seen in planters, this huge plant can also survive in gardens in non-frosty climates. Citronella is a low-maintenance plant, so people won’t have to do much to keep mosquitoes away. Citronella Grass and Citrosum are two synonyms for this plant and other members of the same family.
Plant Type:
- Perennial grass: It forms dense clumps and returns year after year in warm climates.
- Tall and tufted: Typically grows 3-6 feet tall with long, thin leaves that give it a fountain-like appearance.
- Aromatic: The leaves and stems release a strong citronella scent when crushed.
Bloom Time:
- Late summer to early fall: Produces clusters of small, creamy-white flowers on stalks that rise above the foliage.
- Not as showy as the foliage: The flowers are visually less prominent compared to the lush green leaves.
Additional Points:
- Powerful insect repellent: The essential oil extracted from the leaves contains citronellol, a compound that effectively repels mosquitoes and other flying insects.
- Widely used: Citronella oil is found in candles, torches, sprays, and even soaps and lotions as a natural pest deterrent.
- Drought tolerant: Can handle periods of dry weather thanks to its deep root system.
2. Basil
Basil
Basil not only enhances the flavor of pesto sauce and salad dressing, but it also deters mosquitoes. Because the plant naturally releases the aroma, there is no need to in any way prepare it. Since basil is poisonous to mosquito larvae, it can be positioned adjacent to areas of standing water to deter mosquitoes from laying eggs.
Plant Type:
- Annual: Completes its lifecycle within one growing season and needs to be replanted each year.
- Tender herb: Susceptible to frost and prefers warm temperatures.
- Bushy growth: Reaches heights of 1-2 feet, with branching stems and vibrant green leaves.
- Types: Numerous varieties exist, each offering unique scents and flavors, like sweet basil, Thai basil, and purple basil.
Bloom Time:
- Mid-summer to early fall: Produces small, white flowers in spikes towards the stem tips.
- Not the main attraction: Basil is primarily grown for its leaves, and the flowers can be pinched off to encourage foliage growth.
Additional Points:
- Culinary superstar: Basil adds a bright, peppery flavor to various dishes, from tomato sauces and pesto to salads and stir-fries.
- Easy to grow: Thrives in full sun and well-draining soil with regular watering.
- Attracts pollinators: The flowers entice bees and butterflies, benefiting your garden ecosystem.
3. Lavender
Lavender
Interestingly, mosquitoes don’t appreciate the majority of the pleasant aromas that people enjoy, including lavender. Because their primary blood sources, like as people and other animals, release carbon dioxide when they breathe, it is one of the most enticing smells to female mosquitoes. While mosquitoes detest CO2, they do not like the relaxing aroma of lavender.
Plant Type:
- Perennial shrub: Returns year after year in mild climates, forming low-growing, woody bushes.
- Evergreen or deciduous: Some varieties maintain green foliage throughout the year, while others lose their leaves in winter.
- Variety of forms: Ranges from compact edging plants to taller varieties perfect for borders and hedges.
- Numerous cultivars: Offers a spectrum of flower colors, from classic lavender to pink, white, and even purple-blue.
Bloom Time:
- Main blooming season: Early to mid-summer, depending on the variety.
- Long-lasting blooms: Some varieties flower in flushes throughout the summer, extending the fragrant spectacle.
- Fragrant flowers: Spikes of small, tubular flowers release a calming, sweet scent.
- Attracts pollinators: Bees and butterflies flock to the nectar-rich blooms, adding vibrancy to your garden.
Additional Points:
- Culinary uses: The flowers and leaves can be used to flavor syrups, honey, and even baked goods.
- Medicinal properties: Lavender oil is known for its relaxing and sleep-promoting qualities.
- Low maintenance: Tolerates drought and needs minimal pruning.
4. Marigold
Marigold
The smell of marigold plants is distinctive and can only be described as unpleasant. These annuals that deter mosquitoes are simple to raise from seed and look lovely in the blossoming vegetable garden. They may even deter other insect problems like nematodes. Pyrethrum, a compound found in many organic pesticides, is what gives marigolds their ability to repel insects.
Plant Type:
- Annual: Completes its lifecycle in one season and needs to be replanted each year.
- Tender herb: Sensitive to frost and thrives in warm weather.
- Bushy growth: Forms compact mounds or taller, branching plants depending on the variety.
- Wide variety: Offers diverse colors, shapes, and sizes, from small button marigolds to large, showy African marigolds.
Bloom Time:
- Long blooming season: Can continuously bloom from early summer until frost if deadheaded regularly.
- Vivid blooms: Produces daisy-like flowers in warm shades of yellow, orange, red, and even maroon.
- Easy to grow: Thrives in full sun and well-draining soil with moderate watering.
- Attracts beneficial insects: Butterflies and bees adore the blooms, promoting a healthy garden ecosystem.
Additional Points:
- Medicinal properties: Traditionally used for wound healing and inflammation relief, though scientific evidence is limited.
- Easy to start from seed: Can be directly sown in the garden after the last frost or started indoors for earlier blooms.
- Symbolism: In Mexican culture, marigolds are associated with Día de Muertos (Day of the Dead) and symbolize remembrance and celebration.
5. Peppermint
Peppermint
This fast-growing plant is less invasive than other members of the mint family. But if left unchecked, it can rapidly take over your garden. Not only is peppermint oil excellent at keeping mosquitoes away, but it also works to soothe itchy mosquito bites. Mint plants of all kinds are mosquito-repellent.
Plant Type:
- Perennial: Returns year after year in temperate climates, spreading vigorously through underground runners.
- Herbaceous: Has soft, non-woody stems and fragrant leaves.
- Upright growth: Usually reaches heights of 1-2 feet, forming dense clumps of foliage.
- Distinctive leaves: Dark green, oval-shaped leaves with serrated edges and prominent veins.
Bloom Time:
- Mid-summer to early fall: Produces small, pale purple flowers in spikes at the stem tips.
- Not the main attraction: Flowers are less conspicuous than the fragrant leaves and are often pinched off to encourage foliage growth.
Additional Points:
- Culinary star: Renowned for its refreshing, minty flavor, used in teas, desserts, savory dishes, and even cocktails.
- Medicinal properties: Possesses potential for relieving digestive issues, headaches, and respiratory problems.
- Spreads readily: Can become invasive if not contained, so planting in pots or raised beds is recommended.
6. Garlic
Garlic
Garlic is used as an insecticide because it has biocidal and repelling qualities. Both nematicidal and herbicidal qualities can be found in garlic crop remnants. It has been demonstrated that the sulfurs in garlic extract are effective against a variety of insects, including mosquitoes, and the residual smell can keep mosquitoes away from the region for weeks. Garlic is seen as a potential alternative mosquito repellent for people.
Plant Type:
- Perennial: Although typically grown as an annual, it can return under ideal conditions with proper care.
- Herbaceous: Forms upright, non-woody stalks from a central bulb.
- Single clove or bulb: Most varieties produce a single large bulb composed of smaller cloves, while others produce multiple smaller bulbs.
- Wide variety: Exists in numerous types like Spanish, French, Italian, and black garlic, each with distinct flavors and growing requirements.
Bloom Time:
- Mid-summer to early fall: In northern climates, produces a tall stalk with a cluster of small, star-shaped, purplish-white flowers.
- Not the main focus: While attractive, the flowers are often removed to concentrate energy on bulb development.
Additional Points:
- Culinary king: Adds savory, garlicky notes to sauces, soups, stews, and countless other dishes.
- Medicinal properties: Traditionally used for its antibacterial, antifungal, and immune-boosting properties.
- Versatile uses: Beyond culinary applications, garlic cloves can be braided for ornamental purposes or used as natural pest repellents.
7. Rosemary
Rosemary
Rosemary is another effective insect deterrent. The herb rosemary is one that many of us are extremely familiar with, and mosquitoes, cabbage moths, and carrot flies are all deterred by its woodsy aroma. They flourish in containers and perform best in hot, dry climes, making them a good choice for regions with cold winters. Additionally, they may be trimmed into a variety of sizes and forms, which makes excellent borders or decorations. You can savor the herb’s aroma and use it to season food while the pests keep away.
Plant Type:
- Perennial: Grows year after year in mild climates, forming woody shrubs.
- Evergreen: Retains its foliage throughout the year in frost-free areas.
- Bushy growth: Forms dense, aromatic bushes that can reach up to 3-6 feet tall and wide.
- Needle-like leaves: Slender, green leaves with a pungent, herbal aroma.
Bloom Time:
- Spring and summer: Produces clusters of small, light blue to white flowers, attracting bees and other pollinators.
- Fragrant flowers: The blooms add a sweet, floral touch to the overall rosemary scent.
- May rebloom: In warmer climates, rosemary can flower sporadically throughout the year.
Additional Points:
- Culinary superstar: Used in various dishes, sauces, roasts, and even baked goods for its aromatic, slightly bitter flavor.
- Medicinal properties: Traditionally used for its digestive, anti-inflammatory, and memory-boosting properties.
- Versatile uses: Leaves can be enjoyed fresh, dried, or infused into oils and vinegars.
- Natural insect repellent: The strong scent helps deter mosquitoes and other pesky insects.
8. Sage
Some people think that planting the herb sage around your yard can help keep mosquitoes away. The strong smell of sage might bother some mosquitoes, but it’s not as strong as insect repellent you buy in stores. It’s not perfect, but it might help reduce the number of mosquitoes you see.
Plant Type:
- Perennial: A welcome resident, returning year after year with proper care.
- Herbaceous: Soft, non-woody stems and aromatic leaves create a lush presence.
- Bushy growth: Forms dense, attractive clumps reaching 1-2 feet tall and wide.
- Variety of species: Discover diverse foliage textures and flavors in Salvia officinalis (common sage), Salvia triloba (purple sage), and more.
Bloom Time:
- Early to mid-summer: Vibrant spikes of lavender, violet, or white flowers add a charming touch.
- Attracts pollinators: Bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds are drawn to the sweet nectar, buzzing with life.
- Long bloom period: Enjoy these floral displays for several weeks, adding color and life to your garden.
Additional Points:
- Mosquito repellent potential: The strong scent, while not a complete blocker, may deter mosquitoes, offering a natural and fragrant approach.
- Easy to grow: Thrives in well-draining soil and full sun, with moderate watering needs.
- Versatile uses: Leaves can be dried for later use, infused into oils and vinegars, or even employed as natural air fresheners.
9. Nepeta Plant
Catmint, also referred to as Catnip or Nepeta, is a charming, compact plant with grey-green foliage and contains nepetalactone, an essential oil. This oil not only imparts a unique fragrance but also renders it one of the most potent mosquito-repellent plants.
In addition to its mosquito-repelling qualities, this plant boasts a wide array of medicinal uses. It is renowned for its sedative properties and its ability to stimulate appetite.
Plant Type:
- Perennial: These beauties return year after year, forming graceful clumps of fragrant foliage.
- Herbaceous: Nepeta boasts soft, non-woody stems and aromatic leaves.
- Upright or spreading growth: Various species offer differing forms, with some growing upright and others forming low-growing, spreading mounds.
- Distinctive leaves: Nepeta foliage is typically heart-shaped or oval, ranging in color from gray-green to mint green, and often features a soft, downy texture.
Bloom Time:
- Long season: Nepeta shines with a prolonged bloom period, typically lasting from late spring to early fall.
- Lavender delights: The star of the show are the adorable blooms, appearing in dense clusters or spikes on the stems.
- Colorful variety: While lavender-blue is the most common hue, you can also find Nepeta varieties with white, pink, or purple flowers.
Additional Points:
- Cat magnet: As the name suggests, Nepeta is adored by cats due to its nepetalactone content, which acts as a mild feline attractant.
- Pollinator haven: These flowers attract bees, butterflies, and other pollinators, adding to their ecological value.
- Culinary and medicinal uses: Some Nepetas can be used in herbal teas and are believed to have calming properties.
10. Allium
Some plants in the allium family, like onions, garlic, and some decorative bulbs, can help keep mosquitoes away. These plants produce a natural substance that bugs don’t like, but it’s not as strong as the chemicals in bug spray. However, if you plant alliums in your yard, they might help reduce the number of mosquitoes you see.
Plant Type:
- Mostly perennials: These beauties come back year after year, adding to your garden’s charm.
- Herbaceous: They possess soft, non-woody stems and fragrant foliage.
- Two types of underground storage: Depending on the species, alliums grow from either bulbs or rhizomes (similar to bulb-like structures).
- Variety of forms: From dwarf varieties barely reaching a foot to giants towering over 5 feet, alliums offer something for every space.
Bloom Time:
- Spring to early summer: Many popular ornamental alliums like Globe alliums and Drumstick alliums shine during this period.
- Summer to fall: Certain species like Allium moly and Allium karataviense bloom later, extending the allium season.
- Long bloom periods: Most alliums will grace your garden with their beauty for 2-4 weeks, with some even lasting longer.
Additional Points:
- Culinary delights: Don’t forget the edible alliums! Chives, garlic chives, and ramps offer delicious flavors and attractive blooms.
- Pollinator paradise: Alliums attract a variety of pollinators like bees and butterflies, enriching your garden ecosystem.
- Easy to grow: Generally low-maintenance once established, requiring well-draining soil and full sun for most.
- Versatility: From borders and rock gardens to containers and cut flowers, alliums find their place in diverse garden designs.
Natural and effective ways to keep the mosquitoes away –
1. Uses Camphor
Strong tiny particles emitted by camphor are very good at driving insects away. Close all the windows and doors, light some camphor inside the space, or put one tablet of camphor in a pitcher of water and refill it every two to three days.
2. Analyze Any Stagnant Water
Make sure there are no puddles in areas like the yard or patio since stagnant water can become the ideal mosquito breeding habitat. Additionally, look for standing water in refrigerators, bathrooms, kitchens, balconies, and other places. Ensure that all of your faucets are free from leaks and that your outside gutters are clean.
3. Create a Garlic Mist
Garlic’s potent aroma deters mosquitoes from biting and promotes a mosquito-free atmosphere. Crush a few garlic cloves, then boil them in water. Pour the liquid into a spray bottle once it has cooled, then use it to spray the entire house.
4. Use Aromatic Compound
Strong insect repellents include essential oils including lavender, tea tree, neem, citronella, eucalyptus, and mint oil. Spray the mixture around the house by combining a few drops of any of these essential oils with water. Consider aromatherapy as an alternative and add these essential oils to a vaporizer or an oil diffuser.
Also Read:
Forget chemical sprays, embrace nature’s way! These top 10 mosquito-repellent plants create a fragrant shield, keeping pesky bites at bay. Let citronella grass’s lemony scent and lavender’s calming aroma fill your air, creating a buzz-free oasis for summer evenings.
Mosquito Repellent Plants – FAQs:
Q. What smell do mosquitoes hate?
Citronellol, Lavender, Lemon balm,Catnip, Mint, Garlic and onions.
Q. What is the best plant to keep mosquitoes away?
Citronella, Lavender, patchouli, Catnip, Sage.
Q. Does having plants in your room attract mosquitoes?
It is true that indoor plants can draw mosquitoes. Since mosquitoes thrive in standing water, the more waterlogged your plants are, the more mosquitoes you will encounter. Some floral plants and plants growing in water may also draw the bug.
Q. What are 3 things that attract Mosquitoes?
Blood, Tall Vegetation, and Standing Water are the three things that attract mosquitoes.
Q. What do Mosquitoes Naturally Hate?
Cinnamon, Peppermint, Cedar, Citronella, Lemongrass, Patchouli, Catnip, Lavender, and some other natural scents deter mosquitoes.