Plants That Repel Mosquitoes: 18 Picks for a Bug-Free Backyard

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Mosquitoes are a full buzzkill when it comes to outdoor activities . While numerous sprays , bracelets , standard candle , bug zapper , and chemical substance repellents on the market might control them , there is another option : mosquito - repelling flora . In your quest for an itch- and sickness - free summer , try tame some of the undermentioned mosquito - repelling plant to help keep the pestilence away from you , your sept , and guests .

Why is mosquito control important?

There are more than 200 species of mosquitoes in the United States , all of which need standing water to cover and opt humid conditions . While males feed mostly on plant ambrosia , female are infamous biters , using our stock for the protein required for egg evolution .

Not only are mosquitoes pestering pests whose bites are even more annoying , these pest also pose a wellness hazard . The spittle they inject into their victims ’ hide can carry myriad disease , some of which can be deadly . Among the diseases carried by mosquito are malaria , West Nile , dengue , and many others , so rude control are all-important ; it helps to have sex what works deter mosquitoes .

1. Catnip (Nepeta cataria)

Nepetalactone , the chemical inNepeta(catnipand Nepeta cataria ) leave alone that attracts felid , has the polar effect on mosquitoes . In fact , subject field have shown that nepetalactone is a more effective mosquito repellent than the commercial-grade chemical DEET . As a bonus , both nepetas put up pretty spikes of flowers from spring until fall ( white on catnip , and lavender on catmint ) .

2. Citronella (Cymbopogon nardus)

You ’re plausibly familiar with citronella candles , but might not realize that their strong perfume , which is very objectionable to mosquito , is take out from the leave of the citronella plant , also called mosquito plant . The mosquito - repellentcitronella planthas a grassy appearance .

3. Lemongrass (Cymbopogon spp.)

Popular in Asian cuisine , lemon grass , as its name suggests , look like a grandiloquent clump of grass , and has a substantial lemon fragrance and mouthful . You ’ll appreciate its flavor in the kitchen , but mosquito hate the citrus perfume .

4. English Lavender (Lavandula angustifolia)

While most people love the liberalization - induce odour oflavender , this beautiful , royal - bloomed perennial also drives away mosquito . There are several varieties of lavender , and all profit fromdeadheadingto promote more blooms .

5. Lemon Balm (Melissa officinalis)

A member of the mint family , lemon balmhas a citrusy smell that mosquitoes abhor . Its leaves , appropriate to dry out , can be brew into a wonderfully stinker - tasting herb tea that helps cause quietus .

6. Marigold (Tagetes)

The many variety ofmarigold , those cheerful yellow , gold , white , or orange summertime efflorescence , all are top flower that repel mosquitoes . Marigolds are light to uprise , and do especially well in containers . Clip off spent flowers to encourage more blooms all the way through fall .

7. Basil (Ocimum basilicum)

Not just for pesto , basilis a muscular instinctive mosquito repellent . All of the many varieties of this warm - conditions herb discourage mosquitoes from lingering , so pick out your favourite and engraft them in a sunny spot . Basilis also acompanion plant , so it can serve nearby plants ( like tomatoes ) in your garden farm and might even enhance their appreciation . Pinch out any flower buds that develop , as once basil flowers , its growth slows and the leave ’ flavor wane .

8. Pennyroyal (Mentha pulegium)

A extremity of the mint family , pennyroyalhas a strong fragrance and is among good suspension flora that keep mosquitoes away . Caution : Pennyroyal oil color can betoxic to multitude and animals , and while you may have seen reference point to the plant ’s leaves being used to make tea , doing so is best avoided . Take precautions by originate this plant in a container to keep it under ascendence , and fall the container to keep it away from kids and pets .

9. Peppermint (Mentha x. piperita) and Spearmint (M. spicata)

As with most members of the mint family , the sweetness of Mentha spicata and Eucalyptus amygdalina is a naturalmosquito deterrent . These various repeated herbs have many culinary habit : dry out the leaf for tea , expend a few smart leaf into lemonade or cocktails , shred leafage for Asiatic dishes and salads , or give fruit salad extra punch with a few chopped leaves . Bothpeppermintandspearmintcan be invasive , so they ’re well grown in a container .

10. Scented Geraniums (Pelargoniumscented-leaved group)

While most varieties of Pelargonium are grown for their colorful flowers , scentedgeraniumsare value principally for the pleasant redolence of their leave of absence . There are many varieties ofscented geranium , but lemon , calcium oxide , orange , and peppermint gum geraniums are some of the most effective plant that deter mosquitoes .

11. Rosemary (Rosemarinus officinalis)

Rosemarydoes it all : supply pretty majestic flowers to your garden , is a various herbaceous plant in the kitchen , and is among the best plants to snub mosquitoes with its potent fragrance . Other insects , such as flies and spiders , are repel byrosemary . These mosquito - repellant plant life thrive in full Dominicus as long as you institute them in flaxen dirt that drains quickly , and you only water when the soil dries out .

12. Scarlet Bee Balm (Monarda didyma)

Commonly called bee balm or lemon mint , monardais a beautiful flowering repeated thatattracts bee , butterflies , andhummingbirds , but repels mosquito with its minty - herbal scent . Deadheadbee balmregularly to keep the prime coming until fall .

13. Floss Flower (Ageratum houstonianum)

Known by its usual name of floss flower , ageratumproduces clump of fuzzy , low imperial bloom . A low - growing flora well suited to containers , floss bloom secretes coumarin , a chemical that mosquitoes hate . institute it in soil that debilitate well .

14. American Beautyberry (Callicarpa americana)

Not only will theAmerican beautyberryshrub keep mosquito aside , it will add some visual appealingness to your garden area and pull songbirds with its gorgeous imperial berry clusters . Like deal , this plant is a member of the Lamiaceae house and mosquito do not like the aroma of the oils it releases .

15. Lantana (Lantana camara)

If you ’re looking at how to keep mosquito off , consider plantingLantana camara . These anti - mosquito plants are also very popular with pollinators , for the added benefit of pull hummingbird and butterflies to your garden space . While lantana can thrive as a perennial in warmer geographical zone , it is grown as an yearbook in cooler orbit . It prefers arid or semi - desiccate soil , though it will adapt to dissimilar soil types .

16. Fennel (Foeniculum vulgare)

Growing to as magniloquent at 6 foundation , fennel ’s wide , fern - like shoots can add texture and definition to a garden infinite . Fennelproduces clusters of small , scandalmongering flower that extend a spot of light . While mosquitoes do n’t wish this herb , it can serve as a host for swallowtail butterfly larvae .

17. Eucalyptus (Eucalyptus spp.)

Eucalyptus plantsrepel mosquitoes and can be a welcome addition to your cubic yard , deck , or patio . Native to Australia , eucalypt plants are not suited for cold weather condition . If you live in a clime with colder winters , grow youreucalyptus plantin a toilet and convey them indoors when the temperatures drop .

18. Garlic (Allium sativum)

Garlic ’s pungent aroma is said to gross out mosquitoes , so consider planting this tasty light bulb as a deterrent . A cold - weather crop , garlicis typically planted in the fall and harvest the next outflow or summer , depending on the part of the country in which it ’s planted . You ’ll knowgarlicis ready to harvest when its leaves start to yellowness or brown .

Other Natural Ways to Repel Mosquitoes

Natural repellant maker also bang what industrial plant repel mosquitoes , and commercial preparations often include the oils of many of the above plants ; these are imply to be utilise to the pelt toward off mosquito . Also take care for sprays containing nootkatone , which is a compound found in grapefruit skin . garlic clove oil , celery excerption , and neem oil also function as mosquito repellent . You may find commercial products containing these fixings , or you canmake your own homemade mosquito repellant .

Our Best Advice for Beginner Gardeners

We ’ll avail you jell up your first garden — whether that ’s a few pots on your patio , a raise bed , or an in - ground game out back — and select the right works for your soil and region .

Plants that keep mosquitos away