There’s nothing that ruins a beautiful summer evening faster than the high-pitched whine of mosquitoes. I’ve spent countless nights swatting at these persistent pests while trying to enjoy my garden, until I discovered nature’s own solution: mosquito-repelling plants.
Rather than reaching for chemical sprays that leave you smelling like a walking science experiment, I’ve found that strategically placing certain plants around my outdoor spaces creates a natural barrier that keeps mosquitoes at bay. Not only do these plants help protect my family from pesky bites and potential diseases, they also enhance the beauty of my garden with minimal effort.
If you’re tired of mosquitoes crashing your outdoor gatherings, read on to discover 12 plants that naturally repel these unwanted guests while beautifying your backyard or patio.
Why Plants Work as Natural Mosquito Repellents
Before diving into specific plants, it helps to understand why certain plants effectively repel mosquitoes. The secret lies in their essential oils and natural compounds, which emit scents that mosquitoes find offensive or disorienting.
These natural deterrents work in several ways:
- They mask the human scents that attract mosquitoes
- They confuse mosquitoes’ sensory abilities
- Some contain compounds that are directly repellent or even toxic to mosquitoes
- When crushed or brushed against, many release even more potent oils
The beauty of using plants instead of chemicals is that you’re creating a sustainable, environmentally-friendly solution that benefits your garden ecosystem while protecting your family.
12 Powerful Plants That Mosquitoes Hate
1. Citronella: The Classic Mosquito Fighter
If you’ve ever lit a citronella candle, you’re already familiar with this plant’s mosquito-fighting power. What many people don’t realize is that growing the actual plant provides even better protection.
Citronella grass (Cymbopogon nardus) is a clumping grass that grows 5-6 feet tall. Its lemony scent is what mosquitoes find so offensive. I’ve placed citronella plants in large pots around my patio seating area, creating a natural perimeter of protection.
Growing tips: Citronella thrives in full sun and well-drained soil. In cooler climates, grow it in containers that can be moved indoors during winter, as it’s only hardy in zones 9-11. Occasionally brushing against the leaves releases more of its mosquito-repelling oils.
2. Lavender: Beauty, Fragrance, and Protection
I’ve always loved lavender for its beautiful purple blooms and calming scent, but discovering its mosquito-repelling properties made me love it even more. While the sweet fragrance attracts butterflies and bees, mosquitoes strongly dislike it.
English lavender (Lavandula angustifolia) is particularly effective and adds a gorgeous structural element to any garden. I’ve planted lavender along walkways and near windows, where brushing against it releases its protective oils.
Growing tips: Lavender needs full sun and excellent drainage. Plant it in slightly alkaline soil, and don’t overwater—lavender prefers things on the drier side. Prune after flowering to maintain shape and encourage bushier growth.
3. Marigolds: Bright Blooms with Bonus Protection
Marigolds bring vibrant oranges and yellows to the garden while secretly working as pest control. These cheerful flowers contain pyrethrum, a compound used in many commercial insect repellents. Their distinctive scent repels mosquitoes, aphids, and other garden pests.
I’ve found that French marigolds (Tagetes patula) work particularly well. I plant them in borders around my vegetable garden and in pots near seating areas for double-duty pest protection.
Growing tips: Marigolds are easy to grow from seed and thrive in full sun. They’re not picky about soil as long as it drains well. Deadhead spent blooms to encourage continuous flowering throughout the season.
4. Basil: From Kitchen to Mosquito Control
This culinary superstar doesn’t just elevate your dishes—it helps create a mosquito-free zone in your yard. Basil emits a strong scent without needing to be crushed or disturbed, making it an effective passive repellent.
I’ve experimented with several varieties, but found that lemon basil and cinnamon basil seem to have the strongest effect on mosquitoes. Keeping pots of basil near outdoor eating areas serves the dual purpose of repelling insects and providing fresh herbs for meals.
Growing tips: Basil loves warm weather and consistent moisture. Plant in rich, well-draining soil and place in full morning sun with some afternoon shade in hotter climates. Pinch back regularly to encourage bushy growth and prevent flowering for the strongest scent.
5. Peppermint: Refreshing Scent, Powerful Repellent
The strong, refreshing scent of peppermint might be pleasant to us, but mosquitoes want nothing to do with it. Peppermint contains menthol, which has proven insect-repelling properties.
I keep peppermint in containers around my patio and occasionally crush a few leaves to release an extra burst of mosquito-deterring aroma when company is coming over. As a bonus, fresh peppermint makes wonderful tea and cocktails for summer entertaining.
Growing tips: Mint is notoriously invasive, so always plant it in containers unless you want it to take over your garden. It prefers partial shade and regular watering. Harvest regularly to encourage new growth and maintain its compact form.
6. Catnip: Not Just for Feline Friends
While your cats may go crazy for this plant, mosquitoes have the opposite reaction. Research has shown that catnip can be even more effective than DEET at repelling mosquitoes, thanks to a compound called nepetalactone.
After adding catnip to my garden, I noticed an immediate reduction in mosquito activity. Just be aware that neighborhood cats might become frequent visitors!
Growing tips: Catnip is incredibly easy to grow and even tolerates poor soil. Plant in full sun to partial shade, and trim back regularly to prevent it from self-seeding too aggressively. Like mint, it can spread rapidly, so consider container planting.
7. Rosemary: Aromatic and Effective
This woody, aromatic herb pulls double-duty in my garden. Not only does it provide year-round culinary herbs, but its pine-like scent naturally deters mosquitoes. During outdoor gatherings, I sometimes toss a few sprigs onto the grill—the resulting smoke adds flavor to food while creating an extra barrier against flying pests.
Growing tips: Rosemary prefers hot, dry conditions and excellent drainage. It’s drought-tolerant once established but doesn’t like wet feet. In colder regions, grow rosemary in containers that can be brought indoors during winter, as it’s only hardy to about 20°F.
8. Lemongrass: Citrus-Scented Protection
Lemongrass contains citronella oil but in a more concentrated form than citronella grass itself. This tall, architectural plant adds beautiful movement to the garden while emitting a pleasant citrus scent that mosquitoes avoid.
I’ve found that strategically placed lemongrass creates effective mosquito barriers, especially when planted around the perimeter of outdoor living spaces. As a bonus, it’s a staple ingredient in many Asian dishes.
Growing tips: Lemongrass thrives in full sun and rich, well-draining soil. In cooler climates, grow it as an annual or in containers that can be overwintered indoors. Water regularly during hot weather and fertilize monthly during the growing season.
9. Scented Geraniums: Colorful Mosquito Defense
While all geraniums add color to the garden, it’s the scented varieties (Pelargonium spp.) that really shine for mosquito control. Lemon-scented and citronella-scented geraniums are particularly effective, releasing their mosquito-deterring fragrance whenever the leaves are brushed or the wind blows.
I keep several pots of scented geraniums on my patio, occasionally rubbing a leaf between my fingers to release more of their protective oils when mosquitoes seem particularly persistent.
Growing tips: Scented geraniums prefer full sun to light shade and well-draining soil. Allow the soil to dry out between waterings, as they’re surprisingly drought-tolerant. In cooler climates, bring them indoors before frost or treat as annuals.
10. Sage: Ancient Herb with Modern Benefits
Sage has been used for centuries for its medicinal and culinary properties, but its strong scent also makes it an excellent mosquito repellent. I’ve found that simply growing sage helps reduce mosquito populations, but for extra protection, try this old trick: bundle dried sage into “smudge sticks” that can be lit and allowed to smolder during outdoor gatherings.
Growing tips: Sage prefers full sun and well-draining soil. It’s drought-tolerant once established and actually produces more aromatic oils when not overwatered. Prune in early spring to prevent it from becoming woody and to encourage fresh, aromatic growth.
11. Eucalyptus: Statuesque and Strong-Scented
With its distinctive menthol-like fragrance and beautiful silvery-blue foliage, eucalyptus makes a stunning addition to any garden while keeping mosquitoes away. The oil from eucalyptus leaves is a common ingredient in natural bug repellents.
In my zone 7 garden, I grow eucalyptus in large containers that create height and drama on my patio while helping to deter mosquitoes. The leaves can also be dried and added to indoor arrangements for year-round insect protection.
Growing tips: Most eucalyptus species prefer full sun and well-draining soil. While some varieties can grow into massive trees, many can be maintained as smaller specimens through regular pruning. In cooler climates, grow eucalyptus as an annual or in containers that can be brought indoors during winter.
12. Lantana: Colorful Clusters with Protective Power
This heat-loving perennial produces clusters of small, colorful flowers that attract butterflies and hummingbirds while repelling mosquitoes. Its strong-smelling foliage contains oils that mosquitoes find offensive, making it an excellent border plant for pathways and outdoor living areas.
I’ve noticed that lantana seems particularly effective when planted in masses, creating a beautiful, pollinator-friendly barrier against mosquitoes.
Growing tips: Lantana thrives in full sun and well-draining soil. It’s incredibly heat and drought tolerant once established, making it perfect for hot, dry areas. In cooler regions, grow it as an annual or in containers that can be overwintered indoors in a bright location.
Creating Your Mosquito-Repellent Garden
For maximum effectiveness, I’ve found that strategic placement and proper care of these plants makes all the difference. Here’s how I’ve designed my mosquito-repellent landscape:
Location Matters
- Plant mosquito-repelling varieties near seating areas, outdoor dining spaces, and entryways
- Create “mosquito barriers” by placing potted repellent plants around the perimeter of patios
- Position taller plants like citronella grass and lemongrass to catch breezes that will disperse their scents
- Don’t forget about windows—mosquito-repelling plants placed in window boxes can help keep these pests from entering your home
Maximize Their Effectiveness
- Occasionally brush against or lightly crush leaves to release more essential oils when needed
- Plant several different repellent species together for a synergistic effect
- Some plants, like sage and rosemary, can be dried and burned for additional protection
- Consider planting in raised beds or containers to bring the aromatic foliage closer to nose level (and human activity)
Maintenance Tips
Most mosquito-repelling plants prefer:
- Full sun (at least 6 hours daily)
- Well-draining soil
- Regular pruning to promote bushy growth and more leaf production
- Occasional fertilizing during the growing season
- Protection from extreme cold (many are tender perennials that need winter protection)
Beyond Plants: Completing Your Mosquito Defense
While these 12 plants create an excellent foundation for a mosquito-free yard, I’ve found combining them with a few additional strategies provides the most comprehensive protection:
- Eliminate standing water where mosquitoes breed—check gutters, toys, plant saucers, and bird baths
- Add a water feature with moving water and mosquito-eating fish like gambusia
- Install bat houses to attract these natural mosquito predators
- Use fans on your patio—mosquitoes are weak flyers and struggle against even gentle breezes
- Time your outdoor activities—avoid dawn and dusk when mosquitoes are most active
Enjoy Your Mosquito-Free Outdoor Oasis
By incorporating these mosquito-repelling plants into your landscape, you’re not just creating a more pleasant outdoor environment—you’re taking a natural, sustainable approach to pest control that enhances your garden’s beauty and biodiversity.
I’ve transformed my own backyard from a mosquito haven to a comfortable retreat where my family can enjoy summer evenings without the constant swatting and itchy aftermath. The best part? These hardworking plants look and smell wonderful, attracting beneficial pollinators while deterring the pests we’d rather not host.
So put away those chemical sprays and citronella candles, and let nature’s own mosquito repellents create a healthier, more enjoyable outdoor space for you and your family.
Have you tried any of these mosquito-repelling plants in your garden? I’d love to hear about your experiences in the comments below!