What Plants Repel Mosquitoes? – Best Plants to Keep Mosquitoes Away

What is the most deadly animal in this world? You will be surprised to know that the answer to this question is the mosquito. Yes, you read it right. Mosquitoes kill more people across the globe than other living creatures. There are different ways to deter mosquitoes, but mosquito repellent plants are the best ones. Now the question is, what plant repels mosquitoes? Continue reading the article to find out.

Mosquito repellent plants repel the mosquitoes with their natural fragrances. Growing them in your garden not only helps in keeping away the irritating mosquitoes but also introduces a wonderful scent in your yard. You can also keep the cutting of these plants to your grill or can choose to them to spread in your lawn to deter mosquitoes. 

Best Mosquito Repellent Plants

There are various plants that deter mosquitoes, but we have rounded up a list of beautiful plants. These plants will add a beautiful touch and fragrance to your garden while keeping away the mosquitoes. So, what plants repel mosquitoes? Here is a list. 

Marigolds

Marigolds are easy to grow and low maintenance plants that can be grown using seeds. The plants of marigold have a unique odor, and we can describe it as pungent. These plants can be an amazing addition to your garden as they grow beautiful flowers. They repel not only mosquitoes but also other insects such as nematodes, whiteflies, aphids, and squash bugs. 

Marigolds contain pyrethrum, which gives them mosquito repelling power (Source). The same substance is popularly used in various organic insecticides. It is best to grow marigolds near your entrance or patio to keep the bugs out of your home. 

Lavender

Nothing is more beautiful than purple-colored lavender flowers. It is one of the most profitable crops to earn a high income, not only because of the flowers but also for its properties like mosquito repellant. 

The sweet fragrance of lavender adds a mesmerizing fragrance to the garden and also repels mosquitoes which makes it a perfect addition to your garden. You can rub the lavender flowers on your skin to create a natural mosquito repellent. 

It is also believed that the lavender’s fragrance hinders the ability of mosquitoes to smell. Lavender plants are drought-resistance. All they need is good drainage and full sun to thrive. Apart from mosquitoes, they also help in deterring other animals like rabbits. 

Catnip

What plants repel mosquitoes? The best answer to this question is catnip. You can find catnip almost anywhere. It belongs to the mint grass family and grows abundantly as a weed and a commercial plant. Catnip is one of the best plants that deter mosquitoes as it is easy to grow and take care of. 

All you need to do is grow them in a particular part of your garden, and they will automatically invade the other areas. They are more effective mosquito repellents as compared to the DEET. This chemical is used in most commercial insect repellants. 

Citronella Grass

This grass is popular for its distinct smells and is popularly used as an ingredient in natural mosquito repellents. It is the best mosquito repellent plant to keep the bugs away. One best thing about this plant is that it also deters pests, which makes it an ideal choice for your garden. 

This pest repellent plant does amazing in large planters as it cannot withstand frost. However, it does amazing in warmer climates. It is a direct sunlight plant, so you plant in sunny areas of your garden. Citronella grass has a strong lemony fragrance which helps to deter whiteflies and other pests that get confused with the scent. 

Rosemary

People have popularly used rosemary for years in order to control pests. It has piny scents, which help to keep the mosquitos away. Therefore, it is the right answer to the question of what plants repel mosquitoes. 

Rosemary is a herb, and most people are familiar with it. It is the plant that deters mosquitoes and other pests like carrot flies and cabbage moths. They are perfect choices for dry and hot climates, and they thrive in containers. Rosemary is one of the best trees for landscaping, as you can prune it in any shape and size. While it deters the pests away, you can enjoy its scent and use it to season your dishes also. 

Scented Geraniums

These are some of the most popular and natural insect repellent plants. They are lemon-scented and have a fragrance similar to that of citronella grass. They have a strong fragrance which helps to keep away the pests. 

Scented geraniums are fast-growing plants that like dry, warm, and sunny climates. However, if you live in a cold-climate area, you can grow them in planters while providing them constant pruning. 

Basil

Basil is also a herb with fast-growing leaves, which help to deter mosquitoes. If you are planning to grow this plant, then make sure to follow tips on basil plant care to encourage the healthy growth of this mosquito repellant plant. 

All kinds of basil plants are equally effective in repelling mosquitoes and other pests, so you can feel free to choose anyone for your garden. You can plant basil in containers or gardens with other plants to deter mosquitoes. All basil plants need warm growing temperatures and sun, so make sure to provide them with ideal growing conditions. 

Mint

What plants repel mosquitoes? All types of mint are the best plant that deters mosquitoes. They spread like wildfire, which makes them easy to grow. It is an excellent nontoxic choice to keep the mosquitoes, flies, and ants away. 

It has a strong, pungent aroma that you will love, but bugs hate it. You can grow this plant on your patio and use the leaves to add to your afternoon tea. Moreover, you can also dry the leaves and use them in different dishes and beverages. Growing mint is also one of the best squirrel repellent methods. To succinctly describe, this single plant has a wide range of benefits. s

Lantana

Lanta plants have an amazing potent effect against mosquitoes which makes them the best plants that deter mosquitoes. These plants are easy to grow. They are colorful and look highly beautiful, which makes them a perfect choice to add some colors to your garden. It would be better to grow them in sunny spaces to promote healthy growth.

Eucalyptus

Eucalyptus trees can grow around 60 feet tall. It is a tender plant, which means it can not freeze. Therefore, it is better to grow this plant as a potted plant. You should opt for growing species such as E. globulus bicoastal as it is more fragrant and acts as an amazing mosquito repellant. Eucalyptus plants prefer rich soil and full sun, so make sure to provide them both. 

Fennel

Fennel plants are often grown in herb gardens with more compact plants. They are effective mosquito repellent and have amazing uses. This ornamental plant is best to decorate your garden. You can use the leaves in different soups and salads. Bronze fennel grass looks amazing, and you can use it in the back of your border. It grows itself to produce an amazing colony for your garden. 

Thyme

Thyme belongs to the family of savory herbs. It is an effective natural mosquito repellent. They make amazing companion plants and attract various beneficial insects, including predatory wasps, honey bees, and pollinators. 

You can grow thyme with potatoes, strawberries, eggplant, and cabbage as they not only deter mosquitoes but also repel flea beetles, cabbage worms, and tomato hornworms which makes them the best companion plants for your vegetable garden. 

Sage 

If you often throw an outdoor party or bonfire party, then a sage plant is a must for your backyard. They are the best plants to keep mosquitoes away. When throwing a party, all you need to do is toss some of the sage plants in the fire, and its earth smell will ward away all the bugs. You can also dry a sage plant and use it to make a natural mosquito repellent spray. 

Allium

Allium plants are a perfect addition to your garden as they not only repel mosquitoes but also attract beneficial insects. Their pungent smell is best to keep away certain insects. They have bulb-like flowers which release a strong fragrance, and mosquitoes don’t like it. 

Floss Flower

Floss plants grow attractive annual flowers, so you can use them as container plants or make great bedding. They contain coumarin, and this chemical helps to repel mosquitoes. These plants are toxic, so if you have pets or children in your house, then it is better to avoid them. 

Final Words

Mosquitoes can be irritating. They are highly deadly and can carry various diseases in your house. If you are looking for the best remedies to repel mosquitoes, then you can opt for growing mosquito repellent plants. What plants repel mosquitoes? The answer to this question includes lavender, rosemary, marigold, and many more. Grow these plants in your garden and keep away the mosquitoes and other insects.