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ByDesirée O/Updated: March 7, 2022 11:20 am EST
Designing your garden can be as simple as deciding what you like and becoming familiar with what will successfully grow in your area. For instance, you might love purple plants or adore redflowers. However, you might be better off opting for plants that are easy for beginners to grow or that are drought-resistant. Or, you may need plants that will keep mosquitoes away.
More than just a nuisance, mosquitoes can spread dangerous diseases like Zika virus, West Nile virus, Chikungunya virus, dengue, and malaria, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Granted, they can also be biting menaces, leaving behind itchy bumps that are beyond uncomfortable. If your property attracts clouds of mosquitos, they can even make going outside downright impossible. But just like citronella candles, your garden can help you keep those annoying bugs at bay, letting you enjoy your summer barbecues and evenings on the porch in peace. To help you get started, check out these 15 mosquito repellent plants that work.
1. Citronella grass
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You may know that citronella (scientific name Cymbopogon nardus) keeps mosquitoes away since plenty of candles with repellent powers contain it. But does it work? Well, simply growing the plant won't do it, HGTVexplained. Instead, ignore the citronella flower and grab a bit of citronella grass. Then, rub it against your skin to release the oil that will keep mosquitoes away.
Bloom Season: late spring until mid-fall
USDA Growing Zone: zone 9b to 11
Growing Conditions: they can handle a bit of shade but prefer a lot of sunshine
Soil Type: well-drained
Size: 2 to 4 feet tall
2. Catnip
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At first glance, catnip (scientific name Nepeta cataria) might be something you would plant for the benefit of a beloved pet. While cats are certainly attracted to it, the plant has the opposite effect on mosquitoes. Science Daily published findings from the American Chemical Society that claim it does a better job than DEET when warding off the biting bugs.
Bloom Season: late spring through fall
USDA Growing Zone: zone 3 to 9
Growing Conditions: full sun
Soil Type: well-drained
Size: 2 to 3 feet, both wide and tall
3. Lavender
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Do you love the smell of lavender (scientific name Lavandula)? Many people do, which is why plenty of products feature its calming scent. But mosquitos don't find it to be particularly relaxing. Get Green Be Well explains that mosquitoes find it to be an offensive odor that they rather not be around.
Bloom Season: spring to mid-summer
USDA Growing Zone: zone 5 to 9
Growing Conditions: Garden Design explains that there are different varieties of lavender, and each requires particular conditions
Soil Type: does well in most soil types, but keep away from overly wet areas
Size: 1 to 3 feet tall
4. Sage
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If you love backyard fires but hate mosquitoes, then you might want to grow sage (scientific name Salvia officinalis) in your garden. According to Garden Therapy, if you bundle up some sage and throw it into the bonfire, the smell that's produced will keep the mosquitos away. And if you need a little more help keeping those pesky bugs away, the SF Gate offers a handy-dandy recipe for making your own mosquito repellent out of sage oil.
Bloom Season: early summer
USDA Growing Zone: zone 5 to 9
Growing Conditions: full sun
Soil Type: well-drained, not wet
Size: 1 to 2.5 feet tall
5. Eucalyptus
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Eucalyptus (scientific name Eucalyptus) is another plant that bugs don't love. Both the CDC and the National Library of Medicine report that oil from lemon eucalyptus (OLE) is a natural mosquito repellent. However, there is an important difference between OLEandlemon eucalyptus essential oil. The CDC notes that lemon eucalyptus essential oilhasn't been thoroughly tested, and does not recommend usingit for safety reasons.
Bloom Season: mostly in summer
USDA Growing Zone: zone 8 to 11
Growing Conditions: full sun
Soil Type: well-drained
Size: from 6 feet tall and 2 feet wide to 20 feet tall and 20 feet wide
6. Peppermint
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There are various kinds of mint that you can grow in your backyard to keep annoying insects away, such as peppermint (scientific name Mentha × Piperita). Peppermint wards off spiders, flies, and mosquitoes, according to Gardening Know How.
Bloom Season: from summer to early fall
USDA Growing Zone: zone 5 to 10
Growing Conditions: full sun
Soil Type: can handle most soil as long as it's not overly dry
Size: 1 to 2 feet, both wide and tall
7. Rosemary
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Rosemary (scientific name Salvia rosmarinus) might be something you like to use in the kitchen, but it can also be used as a mosquito repellent. While it can be turned into a homemade bug spray, notesSF Gate, it also does the trick all on its own.
Bloom Season: late spring, early summer, or even during the fall and winter
USDA Growing Zone: zone 8 to 10
Growing Conditions: full sun
Soil Type: well-drained
Size: 2 to 6 feet, both wide and tall
8. Thyme
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Thyme (scientific name Thymus vulgaris) is another plant that can be used in some of your favorite flavorful meals, but it is also a fragrant garden plant that can keep mosquitoes away. Mosquito Naturalsnotes that it can be used to repel a variety of flying critters, so if you're not into irritating insects, then plant some thyme around your backyard.
Bloom Season: spring and summer
USDA Growing Zone: zone 2 to 10
Growing Conditions: full sun
Soil Type: sandy or loamy, not moist or wet
Size:6 to 12 inches tall
9. Basil
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While we're mentioning meal-worthy plants, basil (scientific name Ocimum basilicum) is a great option to have available in your garden whenever your dinner needs a few extra herbs. Beyond that, Happy Sprout explains that the oil found in basil can keep mosquitoes from turning you into a meal.
Bloom Season: summer
USDA Growing Zone: zone 10 to 11 or an annual in other zones
Growing Conditions: full sun
Soil Type: rich soil
Size: up to 2 feet tall
10. Fennel
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While you're planting an array of edible plants in your garden, it might be a good idea to opt for some fennel (scientific name Foeniculum vulgare) as well. Research Gate explains that justlike other fragrant plants, fennel is a natural mosquito repellent.
Bloom Season: summer
USDA Growing Zone: zone 2 to 4 as an annual and 5 to 10 as a perennial
Growing Conditions: full sun
Soil Type: well-drained
Size: 4 to 6 feet tall
11. Allium
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There's no doubt that allium (scientific name Allium) plants are gorgeous thanks to their puffy purple flowers. However, did you know that they're a part of the onion family? Not only that, but according to the SF Gate, allium is an effective bug repellent,just like other kinds of onions.
Bloom Season: summer
USDA Growing Zone: zone 3 to 9
Growing Conditions: full sun
Soil Type: rich and well-drained
Size: up to 4 feet tall
12. Marigolds
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Marigolds (scientific name Tagetes) have different effects on different critters, according to Go Pests. While bees will love to spend some time with the marigolds in your garden, mosquitoes will prefer to stay away from them as much as possible. That's because the flowers producepyrethrum, which is a substance used in many commercial repellents.
Bloom Season: throughout summer and into fall
USDA Growing Zone: zone 2 to 11
Growing Conditions: partial or full sun
Soil Type: sandy or loamy
Size: depends on the type of marigold
13. Scented geraniums
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If you have scented geraniums (scientific name Pelargonium) in your garden, you'll enjoy more than just their sweet smell. You'll also appreciate the fact that they repel mosquitoes. Specifically, thelemon-scented citrosa geranium(Pelargonium citrosum "Van Leeni") is believed to have mosquito repellent powers, since it smells very close tocitronella. According to The Greenery, these flowers have even been nicknamed"mosquito plants" or "citronella geraniums."
Bloom Season: throughout spring, summer, and fall
USDA Growing Zone: zone 10 to 11
Growing Conditions: full sun
Soil Type: rich and well-drained
Size: 1 to 3 feet tall
14. Floss flower
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Floss flowers (scientific name Ageratum houstonianum) are uniquely beautiful blooms that produce a sweet-smelling fragrance. They smell so lovely, in fact, that floss flowers are used to make perfume, according to FlowerStyle. As if those two reasons weren't enough to plant them in your garden, they also contain coumarin, which mosquitoes hate.
Bloom Season: mid-summer to fall
USDA Growing Zone: zone 9b to 11
Growing Conditions: full sun
Soil Type: well-drained
Size: 6 to 30 inches tall
15. Lemon balm
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According to Mother Earth News, lemon balm (scientific name Melissa officinalis) can be used in various ways, including as a mosquito repellent. "Some northern European forms of lemon balm are high in citronellal, a compound that mimics the well-known herbal repellent citronella oil," Arthur Tucker, an ethnobotanist at Delaware State University, explained to the publication.
Bloom Season: throughout summer and into fall
USDA Growing Zone: zone 4 to 9
Growing Conditions: full sun
Soil Type: can handle most types of soil but prefers rich and well-drained
Size: 10 to 24 inches tall
FAQs
What is the number one plant to repel mosquitoes? ›
Lemon grass (Cymbopogon citratus) and citronella grass (C. nardus) have proven mosquito-repelling abilities thanks to the citronella oil contained within their leaves. The leaves can be crushed and rubbed on bare skin to ward off biting bugs.
Does mosquito plant really work? ›Simply having a citronella plant in your garden won't deter mosquitoes. Some gardeners swear that it works, but studies have found that it doesn't. Even if you plant a whole garden full of citronella plants, it still won't be enough to have a repellant effect on mosquitoes.
What is the thing mosquitoes hate the most? ›Mosquitoes hate peppermint much like wasps and other common pests. Lavender – Lavender is not only an effective mosquito repellent, it's also touted as a powerful ointment to relieve itchy mosquito bites. This oil has a pleasant floral scent and is the safest choice for children.
What can I eat to keep mosquitoes away? ›- Garlic, onions, and apple cider vinegar, when consumed, are said to change the way you smell and make you less detectable to mosquitoes.
- Tomatoes, beans, and lentils as well as other foods rich in thiamine are said to release a smell that repels mosquitoes and other bugs.
Citronella Grass
The lemon scent of the blades not only deters spiders but also mosquitoes and other insects.
Citronella is probably one of the most common plants thought of when you think of mosquito-repellant plants. Many people wonder: Do citronella plants work? They are called the mosquito plant, and they give off a scent mosquitoes don't like. And they are effective in repelling mosquitoes in small areas.
Does lemongrass really repel mosquitoes? ›Lemongrass and citronella have been proven to have similar effects against mosquitoes. They're both derived from plants and work in a similar way. Both lemongrass and citronella repel mosquitoes. They also both kill mosquitoes when applied directly to the pest.
How effective is lemongrass plant against mosquitoes? ›The oil from lemongrass (or Cymbopogon) is used to create the perfumed oil which repels mosquitos. While studies support lemongrass oil as a bug repellent, it does require frequent reapplication. To repel mosquitoes most effectively, reapply lotions and sprays every 30–60 minutes.
What drinks do mosquitoes hate? ›Lemongrass contains an oil called citronella, a common mosquito repellent. Swap your summer glass of lemonade for a chilled glass of lemongrass tea or carefully use lemongrass oil on your skin for a quick mosquito repellent.
How can I make my house mosquito free? ›Use insect sprays and repellents around the home
Insect sprays and repellents can be used both inside and outside the house to kill mosquitoes. It is important to use these products according to directions on the bottle. Use 'knockdown' fly spray against visible mosquitoes in your home.
Do dryer sheets repel mosquitoes? ›
Dryer sheets are designed to provide a pleasant scent to laundry, not to repel insects, so any insect-repellent properties may wear off quickly. In summary, while some people claim that dryer sheets can repel mosquitoes, there is little scientific evidence to support this claim.
Does drinking vinegar keep mosquitoes away? ›There is evidence that drinking apple cider vinegar does help repel mosquitoes. It works by slightly altering the scent given off by the human body. This small change in smell is less enticing to mosquitoes, but it is not enough for other people to notice.
Does Folgers coffee keep mosquitoes away? ›Coffee grounds are effective at repelling pests because of the strong smell. The smell of coffee is repulsive to many bugs and will keep them away from treated areas. Coffee grounds can be used fresh or used, but unused coffee grounds are more effective at repelling pests.
What skin do mosquitoes hate? ›Many natural scents that are appealing to humans actually repel mosquitoes, including lavender, peppermint, basil, and eucalyptus. Many of these scents can be worn as an essential oil on your skin to help keep these pesky pests from biting you.
What house plant keeps insects away? ›- Basil and Mint. Basil and mint are delicious ingredients, perfect for your favorite Italian fare or a cup of tea. ...
- Sage and Rosemary. ...
- Citronella Plant and Lemongrass. ...
- Marigolds. ...
- Lavender. ...
- Catnip. ...
- Chrysanthemums. ...
- Carnivorous Plants.
Citronella is probably one of the most common plants thought of when you think of mosquito-repellant plants. Many people wonder: Do citronella plants work? They are called the mosquito plant, and they give off a scent mosquitoes don't like. And they are effective in repelling mosquitoes in small areas.
What is a natural mosquito repellent yard? ›Planting citronella grass, basil, catnip or lavender will help mitigate mosquito populations. Most mosquito repellent plants give off an odor which the mosquitoes (and other insects) find offensive.
What kills mosquitoes the best naturally? ›- Burning coffee grounds.
- Lighting lavender candles.
- Leaving plates of sliced lemons or cloves around the house.
- Setting out mosquito traps.
- Spraying with essential oils such as lavender, lemon, or eucalyptus.
DEET, lemon eucalyptus oil best bets for repelling bloodsuckers.
Which is better for mosquitoes lemongrass or citronella? ›A completely different plant, the Cymbopogon (lemongrass) genus, produces the perfumed oil. Citronella plants (or Pelargonium citrosum) are commonly thought to be the best at repelling mosquitos. However, Lemongrass (or Cymbopogon) is superior.
Does Pine Sol keep mosquitoes away? ›
Spray bottle
I personally LOVE the smell of the original scent Pine-Sol. It smells so fresh and clean to me. Luckily, flies don't like the smell (mosquitoes don't either), which makes this a great DIY solution for getting rid of those bugs. Figure out how much liquid your spray bottle will hold.
All you do is add some bait (honey, fruit, juice, sugar water, or some nectar-containing flowers) and place in a dark corner of the room. It works because mosquitoes seek out sugar, which they require to fuel themselves. Once inside the bottle they can't get out.
What smell is mosquito scared of? ›Certain Natural Scents
Mosquitoes are turned off by several natural scents: cinnamon, peppermint, cedar, citronella, lemongrass, patchouli, catnip, lavender, and more. Find a favorite, and use it when you want to spend time outside.
Oregano oil is considered as an excellent antiseptic and insect repellent. It has some active ingredients such as carvacrol, thymol and α-terpinene reported being highly effective in repelling mosquitoes (32, 33).
Can you spray lemongrass and oregano as mosquito repellent? ›The study recommends to encourage planting of lemongrass and oregano plants in school and in backyards of every residence, it also be used as inputs in the development of mosquito repellent using oregano, lemongrass or combination of lemongrass and oregano oil extracts as possible business opportunity.