25 Best Plants That Repel Mosquitoes
Mosquito-repelling plants are a great way to keep mosquitoes away without having to resort to chemical sprays, commercial insect repellents, or other unnatural methods.
Not only do these plants take in the carbon dioxide in the air but they have strong scents that can repel mosquitoes. They also contain essential oils which can help ward off the pests naturally.
Whether you’re looking for an outdoor solution for your garden or an indoor option for your home, there are plenty of mosquito-repelling plants that can provide you with effective protection from these blood-sucking bugs.
Where do Mosquitoes Live?
Mosquitoes are a common problem in many areas, especially during the warmer months of the year as they search for food sources. One particular location is central Florida where hard water is prominent. Female mosquitoes are the only ones that bite animals and people for a meal.
They can spread serious diseases like West Nile virus or the Zika virus, which is why it’s important to take steps to reduce the mosquito population in your area.
One way to do this is by preventing standing water from becoming a breeding ground for mosquito larvae. Make sure to have a good drainage system. Standing water provides an ideal environment for mosquitoes and allows them to quickly multiply if left unchecked.
Mosquito populations tend to thrive best in warmer climates where there is ample access to sources of food such as insects or animals.
By eliminating standing water near your home, you can help reduce the number of mosquitoes in your area and protect yourself from potential illnesses caused by these pests. If you think the mosquitoes around your home are taking away from your life, make sure to contact pest control.
Best Mosquito Repelling Plants
Here is the scoop on plants with mosquito-repelling properties with some that are made with beautiful flowers and are drought resistant in dry climates.
1. Citronella Plant
One of the best mosquito repellent plants is the citronella plant. It’s a perennial herb that grows up to 5 feet tall and has long, narrow leaves with a strong lemony scent.
The essential oil contained in its leaves acts as an effective natural insect repellent. Another popular choice is citronella grass (cymbopogon nardus), which looks like regular turf grass but produces an even more powerful scent when crushed or rubbed against your skin.
This makes it ideal for outdoor areas such as patios and gardens where mosquitoes are likely to congregate. You can even purchase citronella candles. Both of these plants can be used in tandem to create a powerful barrier against pesky insects!
2. Citronella Grass
The pelargonium citrosum plant, also known as the mosquito plant, is a popular choice for those looking to repel mosquitoes naturally and is a companion plant of the Citronella plant.
This perennial herb has long, narrow leaves with a strong lemony scent that helps ward off pesky insects. The citronella oil contained in its leaves acts as an effective natural insect repellent.
3. Lemon Basil
Lemon basil is a great mosquito repellent plant for both indoors and outdoors. This aromatic herb and ornamental plant has long, narrow leaves with a strong lemony scent that helps ward off pesky insects.
The essential oil contained in its leaves acts as an effective natural insect repellent and makes it ideal for outdoor areas such as patios and gardens. You can also use different kinds of basil like holy basil.
4. Lavender
Lavender is a perennial plant that has a lovely fragrance and also has the added benefit of being an effective mosquito repellent.
The essential oils in lavender leaves act as a natural insect repellent, making them ideal for outdoor areas such as patios and gardens.
Not only do these lavender plants have a pleasant scent but their foliage can combine with other plants like citronella grass in a flower bed to create an even stronger barrier against these annoying bugs!
5. Lemon Grass
Cymbopogon citratus, commonly known as lemon grass, is an aromatic plant that has been used for centuries in both cooking and medicine.
It’s also a popular choice for those looking to naturally repel mosquitoes acting as one of the most popular natural insect repellants due to its strong lemony scent.
6. Catnip
Nepeta cataria, commonly known as catnip, is an effective mosquito repellent plant that can be used both indoors and outdoors. This aromatic herb has long leaves with a strong minty scent that helps ward off pesky insects.
The essential oil contained in its leaves acts as an effective natural insect repellent and makes it ideal for outdoor areas such as patios and gardens.
To use catnip to repel mosquitoes, you can simply crush the leaves of this plant and rub them on your skin or clothing, or place them around areas where you are likely to encounter mosquitoes.
You can also make tea from the dried leaves of this plant and spray it around your home or garden to keep these annoying bugs away with the pungent scent!
7. Lemon Beebrush
Lemon beebrush, also known as lemon verbena, is an herb native to South America with a pleasing aroma. It has long been used in cooking and medicine due to its distinct lemony scent, which can be attributed to the essential oils contained in its leaves.
This natural bug repellent grows best in warm climates with plenty of sunlight and requires regular watering for optimal growth. Its fragrant leaves are often in fresh or dried in teas, sauces, and marinades for their flavor and medicinal properties.
Lemon beebrush is a great addition to any herb garden as it not only looks beautiful but smells wonderful too!
8. Cinnamon Basil
Cinnamon basil is a popular choice and a delicious addition for those looking to repel mosquitoes naturally. This versatile herb has long, narrow leaves with a sweet and spicy scent that helps ward off pesky insects.
The essential oil contained in its leaves acts as an effective natural insect repellent and makes it ideal for outdoor areas such as patios and gardens.
To use cinnamon basil to repel mosquitoes, you can simply crush the leaves of this plant and rub them on your skin or clothing. You can also place them around areas where you are likely to encounter mosquitoes.
9. Marigolds
Marigolds are an essential addition to any garden, as they have many benefits for both people and plants. Not only do marigolds provide a beautiful pop of color in the garden, but their scent can also help ward off pesky pests such as tomato hornworms and squash bugs.
The strong aroma from these beautiful plants is thought to be especially effective at repelling insects like caterpillars, aphids, beetles, and other plant-destroying pests.
Marigolds also produce substances called pyrrolizidine alkaloids which act as a natural insecticide that helps protect nearby vegetables from being eaten or damaged by unwanted critters.
In addition to acting as a deterrent for insects, marigolds can also improve soil fertility by releasing nitrogen into the ground through their roots. With all these benefits combined, it’s no wonder why marigolds are so popular among home gardeners!
10. Rosemary
Rosemary is one of the best plants to have in your garden if you’re looking for a natural way to repel mosquitoes. It has a strong fragrance, specifically a distinct woody scent that helps ward off pesky insects like cabbage moths, mosquitoes, aphids, and beetles.
Additionally, rosemary can also improve soil fertility by releasing nitrogen into the ground through its roots.
11. Bee Balm
Bee balm, also known as horsemint, is a colorful and fragrant perennial flower that can be found in many gardens. With its bright petals and strong minty scent, it’s no wonder why bee balm attracts bees and other pollinators.
The plant with pink flowers is native to North America where it grows best in sunny locations with well-drained soil.
Bee balm produces clusters of small but vibrant flowers that range from pink to purple in color, each one filled with nectar that attracts bees and butterflies alike.
Its fresh leaves are also highly aromatic due to the presence of essential oils such as thymol which help ward off pesky insects like mosquitoes while adding a pleasant aroma to any garden or outdoor space!
12. Mint
Mint is an incredibly popular herb that can be found in gardens around the world. With its fragrant leaves and distinctive aroma, it has long been prized for its culinary and medicinal uses.
Mint is a hardy plant that grows best in moist, well-drained soil and full sun to partial shade conditions.
Although it’s easy to grow, mint can quickly become an invasive species as it spreads rapidly through underground stems called rhizomes. To prevent this from happening, many gardeners choose to keep their plants contained by planting them in containers or raised beds.
The aromatic oils present in mint help repel mosquitoes naturally while adding a pleasant scent to any outdoor space!
13. Floss Flower
Floss flower is a beautiful annual plant with purple flowers that are sure to add a splash of color to any garden. The plant grows best in full sun, and its bright blooms will attract butterflies and bees throughout the summer.
Its delicate foliage is also attractive against its deep-colored blooms, making it an excellent choice for adding texture and interest to your garden. The Floss flower’s long stems make it ideal for cutting as well, so you can bring some of its beauty indoors!
Additionally, floss flower repels mosquitoes naturally due to the presence of essential oils in their leaves. So not only does this lovely purple bloom offer visual appeal – it can help keep unwanted pests away too! Just place it in an open window.
However, the chemical that repels mosquitoes (coumarin) is toxic if ingested by a human or pet.
14. Sage
Sage is an excellent insect repellent for your backyard, and its earthy smell makes it a great choice for keeping mosquitoes away. It’s best planted in well-drained soil in full sun to partial shade and grows best when kept slightly dry.
The essential oils contained in sage leaves act as a natural mosquito repellent, making it a good idea to plant this herb around outdoor living spaces.
Not only will the scent of sage help keep pesky insects away – it will also add an earthy aroma to your outdoor space that you’re sure to enjoy!
15. Allium
Allium is a genus of flowering plants best known for its strong scent. The species in this genus have been used for centuries as both culinary and ornamental plants. Some varieties are grown as companion plants to help repel certain pests.
Allium contains compounds that produce a pungent odor when crushed which helps keep away mosquitoes and other insects.
Many gardeners also appreciate allium’s unique look, with large flower heads that come in shades of purple, white, or yellow depending on the variety.
With its strong scent and distinctive smell, allium can be an excellent addition to any garden looking to ward off unwanted visitors!
16. Lantana Camara
Lantana camara is an evergreen shrub that has become a popular choice for gardens and yards due to its low maintenance requirements and ability to attract butterflies.
It produces clusters of colorful flowers in shades of yellow, orange, pink, or red that bloom throughout the summer months.
The leaves are fragrant when crushed and contain essential oils which help repel mosquitoes naturally.
This plant grows best in full sun with well-drained soil, making it ideal for sunny locations. The added bonus is that the plant can thrive without much care from the gardener!
17. Fennel
Fennel is an ideal plant for the kitchen garden. Not only does it add a unique flavor to dishes, but it also acts as a natural mosquito repellent! Fennel grows best in full sun and moist, well-drained soil.
Its feathery foliage makes an attractive addition to any outdoor space and its distinctive aroma helps keep unwanted pests away.
As an added bonus, fennel’s essential oils can be used as a seasoning in many recipes – making this herb a great choice for both culinary and practical purposes!
18. Eucalyptus
Eucalyptus is a beautiful evergreen tree that has a fragrant, menthol-like aroma.
This fast-growing tree thrives in full sun and rich soil, making it an ideal choice for any garden looking to add some height and interest.
Its dense foliage provides plenty of shade during the summer months, while its aromatic leaves help keep mosquitoes away naturally due to their high concentration of essential oils.
Eucalyptus also makes an attractive addition to any outdoor space with its lush green leaves and bright white flowers which bloom throughout the summer.
19. Thyme
Thyme is a herb with active ingredients that can be used in a variety of dishes and has many different varieties. Lemon thyme is one such variety that grows best in well-drained soil with full sun exposure, making it a great choice for the vegetable garden.
Its leaves have a strong lemon aroma when crushed and are perfect for adding flavor to salads or soups. The essential oils contained within its leaves also help keep mosquitoes away naturally. Just place the planet in open windows if you struggle with in house mosquitoes.
20. Garlic
Garlic is a powerful and fragrant bulb that has been used in cooking for centuries. It contains compounds called allicin which give it its characteristic pungent odor and flavor.
Garlic also has many medicinal properties, including the ability to naturally repel mosquitoes due to its strong smell.
In addition to being an excellent culinary herb, garlic can be planted around outdoor living spaces such as patios or gardens to help keep pesky insects away while adding a unique aroma to your outdoor space!
21. Pennyroyal
Pennyroyal is a member of the mint family and has the ability to naturally repel biting insects. The plant’s leaves contain essential oils which give off a strong, pungent aroma when crushed – making it an ideal choice for anyone looking to keep mosquitoes away without using harsh chemicals.
In addition to being an effective natural insect repellent, pennyroyal can also be used as an herbal remedy due to its many medicinal properties.
From relieving headaches and reducing inflammation to treating digestive issues, this herb has been used for centuries in traditional medicine around the world!
22. Petunia
Petunias are beautiful and versatile flowers that can be found in many different colors, shapes, and sizes. They are best known for their bright blooms which come in shades of pink, purple, white, yellow, and even red.
These flowers thrive best when planted in well-drained soil with plenty of sun exposure – making them an ideal choice for any garden looking to add some color or interest.
Petunias have long been popular among gardeners due to their ability to repel pests such as aphids and mosquitoes naturally due to the essential oils contained within their petals.
Whether you’re looking for a flowering plant that will bring beauty or one that can keep bugs away – petunias are sure to fit the bill!
23. Chrysanthemums
Chrysanthemums, or mums, are one of the best-known and most beloved flowers in the world. The delicate blooms come in a variety of shapes, sizes, and colors from white to yellow to pink to red.
Chrysanthemums have been cultivated for thousands of years throughout Asia and Europe for their beauty, medicinal properties, and ability to naturally repel pests such as mosquitoes.
These hardy flowers can be planted outdoors year-round in well-drained soil with plenty of sun exposure.
24. Lemon Balm
Lemon balm is a fragrant herb in the mint family to treat ailments such as digestive issues, anxiety, and insomnia. It also contains compounds that make it a natural mosquito repellent.
The plant’s leaves give off a pleasant lemon aroma when crushed. It can be planted around outdoor living spaces such as patios or gardens to help keep pesky insects away!
Lemon balm is easy to grow and maintain, making it an ideal choice for anyone looking for a reliable way to repel mosquitoes without the use of harsh chemicals.
25. Peppermint
Peppermint is a fragrant herb in the mint family that treats digestive issues, reduces inflammation, and even relieves headaches.
It’s also an effective natural insect repellent due to its strong aroma when crushed. This makes it an ideal choice for anyone looking to keep mosquitoes away without using harsh chemicals.
In addition to being a powerful bug deterrent, peppermint is a herbal remedy due to its many medicinal properties.
From relieving stomach discomfort to reducing stress levels, this herb has been used in traditional medicine around the world!
Mosquito Repellent Plant Guide
Bug repellents and insecticides can be harmful to the environment, so why not use natural plants instead?
Plants like petunias and lemon balm are all great alternatives that can help keep garden pests away while also adding a pleasant scent and sweet smell to your garden.
Not only do these plants naturally repel mosquitos but they have many other medicinal properties as well! You can find many of these different plants in your local garden centers with sandy soil instead of resorting to repellent spray.
Protect yourself from mosquito bites this summer by planting some of these amazing bug-repelling plants in your garden!
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