If there is one thing that we can all agree on, it’s that mosquitoes suck.
Both literally and figuratively.
But what if I told you that there are 10 amazing mosquito-repelling plants you can use to keep the little bloodsuckers at bay?
What are these mosquito-disrupting plants?
I’m glad you asked!
If you want to know, then keep on reading.
Mosquito Repelling Plant #1- Lavender
Additional Uses: Decorative, Medicinal, and Culinary
One of my personal favorites on this list of mosquito-repelling plants is lavender.
Lavender is a great way to add color to the garden and keep mosquitoes as well as other bugs at bay.
In fact, lavender oil is thought to hinder mosquitoes' sense of smell!
Mosquito Repelling Plant #2- Marigolds
Additional Uses: Ornamental, and Medicinal
Number 2 on this list of plants that can deter mosquitoes are marigolds.
Get this, you can grow marigolds pretty much anywhere!
Plant marigolds in:
- Pots
- Window containers
- Empty space in your gardens
- or on the edges of your wood line.
Seriously, marigolds are very easy to establish and will continue to reseed themselves year after year.
Best of all, they will deter mosquitoes from your property!
Mosquito Repelling Plant #3-Citronella Grass
Additional Uses: Ornamental
It's true, citronella is a very poplar mosquito repelling plant. In fact, it may be the most popular one on this list.
Get this, citronella grass is the most commonly used natural ingredient in mosquito repellents.
Pro Tip! Citronella grass can make an excellent border plant or ground cover.
Mosquito Repelling Plant #4-Catnip
Additional Uses: Ornamental, and Tea
Not only does catnip attract all the cats in the neighborhood, but it also deters mosquitoes.
Like many of the other members of the mint family, catnip is a plant that many insects are not fans of.
Catnip can also make a great addition to a landscape, especially if you enjoy its purple flowers.
Best of all, it grows fast and takes up a bit of space.
Mosquito Repelling Plant #5- Rosemary
Additional Uses: Ornamental, and Culinary
Rosemary is next up on the list, and yes, it's the same rosemary you can use for culinary purposes!
This bush can get quite large as well.
Get this: some people even opt to use it as a hedge around their home, in the same way one might use boxwood.
Mosquito Repelling Plant #6: Basil
Additional Uses: Culinary
Although lavender is my favorite overall plant on this list, basil is definitely my favorite culinary herb.
Better yet, and you have probably guessed by now, mosquitoes hate it!
Grow basil abundantly, and let it make your property a more enjoyable space to be.
And if you make some pesto, be sure to send some my way!
Mosquito Repelling Plant #7-Scented Geraniums
Additional Uses: Ornamental
If you are looking for an early blooming, mosquito-deterring flower, scented geraniums are for you!
These early bloomers are certainly a favorite for many homeowners as a decorative landscape plant.
Better yet, scented geraniums keep away many other pests and insects besides mosquitoes.
Mosquito Repelling Plant #8: Bee Balm
Additional Uses: Ornamental and Medicinal
Bee balm is a 2-in-1!
Not only does this lovely flower attract many beneficial insects, including bees...
More importantly, bee balm also repels those tiny flying bloodsuckers.
No doubt about it, bee balm is a favorite of many!
Mosquito Repelling Plant #9-Mint
Additional Uses: Culinary and Medicinal
The mint family is a wide and tremendous plant family!
From spearmint to peppermint and apple mint, there is no shortage of mint-related options you can employ to keep mosquitoes away.
There are ornamental mints and mints you can use for tea. Be sure to check out the wide variety of mints you can choose from.
Mosquito Repelling Plant #10-Floss Flower (TOXIC)
Additional Uses: Ornamental,
BE CAREFUL; although floss plant can keep the mosquitoes away, it is toxic to pets and humans.
On the other hand, it is a gorgeous flower that can reach up to 2 feet in height.
So if pets and children are not a concern, it can make a great option if you are trying to beef up your mosquito security.
Creating a Mosquito-Proof Landscape
Of course, there are many other landscaping and lawn care steps that can help reduce mosquitoes beyond these 10 plants.
These methods include:
- Eliminating standing water,
- Using organic mosquito dunks in standing water,
- Keeping trees and shrubs pruned,
- Using a lawn treatment,
- or the classic citronella tiki torch.
Keep in mind that mosquitoes often make shrubs and bushes their homes, so smart landscape planning can help reduce problem areas near porches and patios. So being wise about the placement of your bushes is a great way to prevent mosquito swarms on your front porch or other outdoor seating areas.
Bottom Line on Mosquito Repelling Plants
If you are looking to keep mosquito populations low, these plants can be a tremendous help.
Along with other measures, these 10 mosquito-repelling plants can not only repel mosquitoes but also look great, and you can even eat some of them too!
Be sure to subscribe to our newsletter for more great lawn and garden articles!
