Spending time outside is great until mosquitoes crash the party. I’ve started using plants that naturally keep those little buzzers away, and honestly, it makes hanging out in the yard a lot more chill.
These plants use their own scents and oils to help cut down on mosquitoes in your yard or garden. Picking the right ones lets me set up a space that feels peaceful and mostly bug-free.
1. Citronella
Citronella is the classic mosquito-fighter, but just sticking the plant in the ground doesn’t do much. The real magic is in the oil.
That’s why citronella candles and sprays work better than just having the plant nearby. I like mixing citronella with lavender and mint for extra punch.
Crushing the leaves releases more scent, so sometimes I’ll do that before sitting outside. It’s not perfect, but every little bit helps.
2. Lavender
Lavender is a favorite—smells amazing, and mosquitoes can’t stand it. The secret’s in oils like linalool.
I plant lavender near doors and windows, hoping to block some of the mosquito traffic. It also just looks gorgeous in the sun.
Lavender likes lots of sun and soil that drains well. I love that it’s low-maintenance and pulls double-duty as both a bug repellent and a pretty plant.
3. Mint
Mint’s strong smell helps keep mosquitoes away, and it’s ridiculously easy to grow. Pots, garden beds—doesn’t really matter.
Peppermint and spearmint both work, and you can even dab a bit of mint oil on your skin if you’re desperate. Just a heads up: mint spreads like wild, so keep it contained unless you want a mint takeover.
4. Basil
Basil isn’t just for pasta—it actually helps keep mosquitoes confused. The plant’s natural chemicals mess with their senses.
I put basil plants in clusters around my patio. The strong smell seems to help, and hey, fresh basil for cooking is a bonus.
5. Catnip
Catnip is surprisingly powerful—some studies say it works better than DEET. Nepetalactone, the oil in catnip, really bothers mosquitoes.
I plant catnip near my patio and keep it watered and trimmed. It works best fresh, so I always have some growing.
6. Marigold
Marigolds have a strong smell that mosquitoes just don’t like. They’ve got natural chemicals like pyrethrum that help out.
They’re easy to grow and bring a pop of color. Plus, bees and butterflies love them, which is always a win in my book.
They won’t get rid of every mosquito, but paired with other tricks—like dumping standing water—they definitely help.
7. Rosemary
Rosemary’s strong scent keeps mosquitoes at bay. I usually crush the leaves and rub them on my skin if I’m outside for a while.
I’ve also boiled rosemary in water for a simple spray. Keeping pots of rosemary around the patio makes the whole area smell good and helps with bugs.
8. Lemon Balm
Lemon balm smells fresh and is part of the mint family—most bugs steer clear. Crushing the leaves releases oils that work even better.
Sometimes I rub the leaves straight onto my skin for a quick fix. Lemon balm grows just about anywhere, sun or shade, so it’s easy to fit into any yard.
9. Eucalyptus
Eucalyptus brings a bold, fresh scent that mosquitoes really dislike. Lemon eucalyptus, in particular, works wonders.
I use eucalyptus oil on my skin or set it out around the backyard. If you’ve got space, growing a eucalyptus tree adds both scent and bug protection.
10. Thyme
Thyme smells great and helps keep mosquitoes at a distance. Crushing the leaves releases oils that bugs can’t stand.
I scatter crushed thyme around outdoor spots or rub it on my skin. It grows easily in pots or beds and pairs well with other herbs.
11. Clove
Clove has eugenol, a natural mosquito repellent. Using clove oil or whole cloves around the yard can make a difference.
I sometimes mix clove oil with alcohol or vinegar for a quick spray. If you live somewhere warm, a clove tree adds a cool touch and keeps bugs away.
12. Garlic
Garlic’s strong sulfur smell keeps mosquitoes and other pests away. I grow it for the garden’s health and my own peace of mind.
Sometimes I mash up garlic for homemade sprays. It’s easy to grow, helps with multiple pests, and is good for the garden overall.
- Easy to grow
- Helps with multiple pests
- Good for your garden’s health
13. Geranium
Geraniums look great and give off a scent that mosquitoes don’t like. Rose-scented geraniums also help with ticks and flies.
I use geranium oil in sprays or candles for extra coverage. Having them in the garden just makes the space feel more lively and less buggy.
14. Peppermint
Peppermint’s strong smell works wonders against mosquitoes and other pests. I make a spray with water and a few drops of peppermint oil for outdoor use.
Menthol in peppermint keeps bugs away, and the plants grow fast. It makes relaxing outside much easier.
15. Sage
Sage packs a punch with its strong scent. Burning dried sage leaves creates smoke that helps drive mosquitoes off.
Sage grows well in sunny spots and is easy to keep in pots or beds. It smells good and comes in handy in the kitchen, too.
16. Bee Balm
Bee balm brightens up the garden with vivid flowers. The oils in its leaves send mosquitoes packing, but attract bees and butterflies.
It grows well in sun with moist, well-drained soil. Bee balm is easy to care for, but watch out for all the buzzing pollinators it brings in!
17. Parsley
I love tossing parsley into my garden. It’s not just for flavor. It’s like a little mosquito force field.
The scent seems to bug these pests, so I keep pots of parsley near where I sit outside. It’s easy to grow in beds or containers, and honestly, who doesn’t want fresh herbs within reach?
Having parsley around feels like a win for my taste buds and my skin. I can’t complain about fewer itchy bites.
18. Wormwood
Wormwood’s got this strong, bitter scent that mosquitoes just can’t stand. I stick it in the sunniest, driest spot and forget about it, it barely needs water.
The natural oils do a solid job keeping bugs away. Sometimes I dry the leaves and toss them into little sachets for my patio chairs.
One thing, though: wormwood can be a bit of a bully to nearby plants. I usually give it its own corner, just to be safe.
19. Tansy
Tansy’s bright yellow flowers are like little garden fireworks. The scent? Not a favorite for mosquitoes or ants, flies, or even mice.
It’s tough as nails and grows without much fuss. Just a heads-up: tansy likes to spread, so I keep an eye on it before it gets any wild ideas.
20. Feverfew
Feverfew’s cheerful white flowers make my garden look lively. The leaves have a scent that mosquitoes really don’t appreciate.
There’s a natural oil in feverfew parthenolide that acts as a gentle repellent. I like having it around for a little extra color and a lot less buzzing.
How Mosquito Repelling Plants Work
Most mosquito-repelling plants fight back with their scents and oils. These natural tricks keep mosquitoes away without any sketchy chemicals.
Each plant’s got its own secret weapon. Knowing what’s in them helps you pick what to plant or crush when the bugs get bad.
Natural Compounds That Deter Mosquitoes
Lots of these plants release strong smells from their oils or leaves. That’s what throws mosquitoes off and keeps them at bay.
- Citronella: You’ll find this in lemony plants. It covers up the scents that usually attract mosquitoes.
- Limonene: It’s got a citrus kick, and mosquitoes aren’t fans.
- Eucalyptus oil: Messes with mosquito receptors. Pretty clever, right?
- Camphor: Found in some plants, and mosquitoes steer clear.
If you burn or crush the leaves, you’ll get even more of those bug-busting oils in the air. I like grabbing a handful of rosemary or basil and giving it a good squeeze when the mosquitoes start swarming.
Differences Between Plant Types
Not all mosquito-repelling plants do their job the same way, and they sure don’t want the same care. Let’s break it down a bit:
| Plant Type | How They Repel Mosquitoes | Growing Tips |
|---|---|---|
| Herbs | They release oils when you touch them. | Keep them trimmed and give them plenty of sun. |
| Flowering Plants | Their blooms give off a scent that mosquitoes hate. | Just so you know, they might bring in other bugs too. |
| Shrubs | Leaves put out a steady scent all the time. | They need more space and a good drink now and then. |
| Grasses | Foliage gives off a smell that bugs don’t love. | They’re usually tough and not too fussy. |
Herbs like mint and basil thrive in pots, and you can move them around as needed. Shrubs, like lemon-scented tea trees, make great natural barriers if you’ve got the room.
Honestly, mixing different types seems to keep those pesky mosquitoes guessing and away for longer. Why not try a combo and see what works best in your space?
🌿 More Plant Ideas for Effortless Green Living:
- 20 Easy Balcony Plants That Survive Heat
Bring life to your balcony with sun-loving plants that can handle the heat. - 15 Bedroom Plants Perfect for Beginners
Low-maintenance and beginner-approved—these plants are perfect for restful spaces.
