Insect repellent tree

Grow These Plants to Keep Mosquitoes Out!

It’s warming up, shorts and tank tops are making their way out of storage, and it's time to soak up the sun. The best season of the year is here! The only downside? Having to repel mosquitoes.

Once mosquitoes start biting (and your guests start scratching), it’s over! Luckily, there are several ways to naturally repel annoying bugs like mosquitoes with a few different plant varieties. We have a list of the top 6 plants that will repel pests for you, so you can fire up the grill and keep your party going bug free.

P.S. If you start itching (ha!) to snag one of these mosquito-repelling plants, most of them are available for delivery straight to your door!

1. Lemon Grass

Lemon Grass is an attractive shrub that’s easy to grow in containers or in the ground. Distinct for its long blades that grow upwards, this plant is perfect for a contemporary style—and it keeps those buzzy nuisances out. Experts recommend the mosquito-repellent Lemon Grass for growing zones 9 through 11. However, if you live in a colder zone, simply place it in a pot and bring it indoors in the winter.

This grass has a natural citrus scent that repels mosquitoes while filling yards with a lovely aroma. Place a few around your patio, line your walkway with them, or place them on your deck. Your guests will be amazed that they aren’t getting oodles of mosquito bites—no sticky bug spray required!

2. Eucalyptus Trees

Eucalyptus trees have beautiful blue-green foliage and peeling bark that attracts the eye. The trees can provide year-round color in warmer climates, delivering attractive hues while other trees are dormant. Also, as an added bonus, this tree will grow in containers.

Whatever the variety, these mosquito-repellent trees also have a pleasing aroma similar to mint or pine, only sweeter. Their fresh scent repels mosquitoes, ticks, and fleas to boot. Each leaf has a pocket filled with eucalyptol, an organic pest-repelling oil. Place a few fresh leaves around your house, in window sills, on shelves, and under your pet’s bed to keep bugs away.

3. Citronella

Citronellas are a smaller shrub option that grow about 1-2 feet tall and 1-2 feet wide. Also, they make excellent container plants. These mosquito-repellent shrubs are fast growers that quickly reach their mature size and produce thick green foliage to attract attention. Plus, they have a better cold tolerance than the other plants on this list. If you live above growing zone 5, keep your citronella indoors during the winter.

Nicknamed the mosquito plant for a reason, these compact shrubs have a natural citrus fragrance to repel mosquitoes and other flying nuisances. Their size and smell make them perfect to be placed anywhere: in the garden, on the deck, or at the kitchen window. They’ll even grow in hanging containers! Before your guests arrive, crush one of its fresh leaves to make the fragrance stronger.

4. Lemon Balm

Mosquito bites are less likely to occur in a yard full of Lemon Balm. Like the citronella plant, Lemon Balm has a strong smell due to its high levels of the chemical citronellal. It smells like lemon (go figure!) and even has a lemony flavor that bugs like mosquitoes and gnats hate.

Plant it around your porch or deck to enjoy the pleasant scent when you're outside. For extra anti-mosquito protection, you can take a couple fresh Lemon Balm leaves, crush them, and rub them on exposed skin that's often targeted by mosquitos (arms, legs, ankles, neck, etc.). However, make sure to ask your doctor first so as to avoid any allergic reactions. The effects of Lemon Balm are useful, but let's keep everyone safe!

5. Geranium

The geranium plant isn't just beautiful—it's mosquito-repellent, too! These shrubs normally blossom in the summer, but some (like the Geranium Rozanne) even bloom until mid-fall. They grow quickly and can be planted in hanging baskets, in pots, or as garden bedding near your deck or patio.

Mosquitoes and other insects hate the flowers' sweet smell, so place them around your outdoor entertaining spaces to keep the bug bites away. It's low maintenance, deer resistant, and perfect for filling in your garden's bald spots.

6. Phenomenal Lavender

Another compact shrub to repel mosquitoes and fleas is Phenomenal Lavender. Plant it in the ground or in a container. It grows 1-3 feet tall, and 1-3 feet wide, so it can be an attractive bushy shrub if left unpruned. Along with repelling bugs, it provides a burst of color every summer when its purple flowers start to bloom.

The lavender oil found in Phenomenal Lavender is used for a variety of things, like perfumes and aromatherapy, but most importantly it will keep mosquitoes and fleas away all summer. It makes the perfect accent shrub while attracting attention to your garden.

Blair Brown

Blair is the Content Marketing Manager at FastGrowingTrees.com, and though she's not your traditional gardener, the planting world is definitely growing on her (pun intended!). She's enjoyed digging into plant care and maintenance and growing her plant collection, especially with exotic indoor varieties.

7 Plants that Repel Bugs and Mosquitos

Say goodbye to insects and pests with these edible herbs and flowering plants.

a mint plant with mosquitos flying away

Credit: Getty Images / Somrudee Doikaewkhao / SCIEPRO

After an especially cold winter and rainy spring, warmer weather feels like a special (and well-deserved) treat. Being able to spend time outside without a hat or a jacket? A dream. That said, one not-so-lovable part of the warmer temps are the return of bugs, particularly mosquitos. Most people, myself included, will go to great lengths to fend them off to enjoy the sunshine in peace.

There are several topical mosquito repellents (like these ones you can buy on Amazon) as well as natural sprays and oils to keep them at bay. For an extra level of protection, surround yourself and your yard with these plants that repel bugs and mosquitoes.

1. Citronella

This may not be a surprise considering citronella is a popular ingredient for natural mosquito repellents, patio candles and more. But you might not know that citronella is actually a grass you can plant in your yard. Most citronella products are made with the fragrant oil the plant expels. Research has shown that topical citronella products only last for about two hours since the oils evaporate quickly, so having plants around is a nice insurance against biting pests. Citronella grass can grow up to six feet tall and six feet wide, so be sure to space them accordingly. The grass also prefers filtered sunlight (think: in the sun but with a tree overhead) and frequent watering.

2. Lavender

The aroma of lavender helps deter mosquitos, and research shows that lavender essential oils repel most species for six to eight hours. If you grow the fragrant plant on the grounds around your house, it can also attract helpful pollinators to create a profusion of purple flowers. Lavender should be planted about 2 to 3 feet apart to allow them space to grow, and they thrive in direct sunlight. Water the plants once or twice per week, depending on the dryness of the soil.

3. Marigolds

While they might not be the first thing you think of when it comes to mosquito repellent, marigolds have several insecticidal constituents (aka compounds that repel several types of insects), making them beloved by gardeners and landscapers. Similarly to other insect-repelling plants, the scent from the marigold flowers can help keep bugs at bay. Plus, this plant doesn't take up much space, is relatively low-maintenance and produces beautiful, colorful flowers all summer long.

4. Nasturtiums

Nasturtiums are vining edible flowers with attractive circular leaves and colorful petals. Unlike other plants that repel pests, nasturtiums actually attract them to draw them away from your other plants (or from you). If you have a garden, nasturtiums are helpful for protecting cucumbers, tomatoes, squash and more from common pests like aphids, beetles and flies (this relationship is called companion planting). Nasturtiums can trail throughout open space in the garden, so be sure to plant them at least 10 to 12 inches apart. They thrive in areas with six to eight hours of direct sunlight. Plus, their gorgeous flowers are totally edible and can give your salad an aesthetic upgrade.

5. Rosemary

Along with being a delectable and versatile herb, rosemary leaf contains oils that have been shown to be an effective mosquito repellent. Rosemary is easy to grow and is popular with home growers. It can thrive in a garden, a window box or even in your landscaping. Plus, having a rosemary plant around makes it easier to when it comes time to season your food.

6. Basil

If you needed another reason to have a basil plant nearby this summer, we've got you covered. Beyond its aroma, basil leaves have compounds that can actually kill mosquito larvae before they hatch, which might help to reduce the number of mosquitoes in your yard. Basil plants can also help attract pollinators to help your yard and garden thrive… and their leaves make a delicious pesto. Basil is one of the easiest herbs to grow and is a staple of summertime, so save a spot for it in your yard.

7. Mint

Mint is yet another fragrant herb that has pest-fighting properties. Menthol, the active insect-fighting ingredient in mint and peppermint oil, has biocidal properties that help repel and control mites, mosquitoes and various other pests. It grows like a weed and is a perfect plant for beginners (Make sure to grow it in its own pot, if you don't want it to spread). Once it's thriving, you can use mint leaves for a variety of dishes from Lemon, Cucumber & Mint Infused Water to a fresh mint chutney.

15 plants that will drive mosquitoes away from the site. Photo - Botanichka

Even the warmest warm evening in the country can be ruined by annoying mosquitoes - constant companions of summer country life. The chemical industry has come up with hundreds of drugs that repel mosquitoes. In one way or another, they are all effective, but they have significant drawbacks - they are toxic to varying degrees, cause allergies, and in most cases are contraindicated in young children.

Lavender will drive mosquitoes away from the site. © bonnieheathestate

However, nature itself, having created mosquitoes (they are an important part of the food chain), also took care that they do not interfere with our lives. To do this, in her arsenal there are many plants that repel insects with their smell. In this publication, we will talk about the 15 most effective plants - "mosquito repellents" that can be successfully grown even in the middle lane.

1. Ageratum

Ageratum. © Mauro Nogueira

Many commercial mosquito repellants use coumarin, a substance secreted by the annual ageratum plant. Delicate decorative bushes of small size will decorate your flower beds (today varieties have already been bred not only with blue, but also with pink, white and lilac flowers) and will become a reliable protection against annoying insects. However, do not rub the skin with the leaves and flowers of ageratum. This may cause allergies. It is enough just to plant a flower (or better not one) in the sun or in partial shade. Ageratum is not a picky plant, it is content with poor soils. nine0003

2. Angustifolia lavender

Lavender. © Marc Novakowski

Very pretty perennial with needle-like leaves and delicate white, pink, blue or purple flowers. Lavender angustifolia winters well in the middle zone, is unpretentious in care, grows on poor soils and does not require watering. Lavender bushes are ideal in group plantings, it can also be grown in containers. A person can feel the pleasant smell of this plant only by touching it or cutting off the branches. But mosquitoes are more sensitive to its aroma and consider it disgusting for themselves. It has been noticed that mosquitoes do not fly in the immediate vicinity of lavender plantings (a meter and a half). nine0003

3. Peppermint

Peppermint. © Neil Goldstein

The well-known peppermint, a fragrant perennial up to 80 cm high, is one of the most popular medicinal plants grown in our gardens. It is also widely used in cooking and cosmetics. Since ancient times, our ancestors planted peppermint near windows and front doors to the house, in particular, and due to the fact that this plant repels mosquitoes well. The strongest menthol flavor comes from peppermint, which grows in loose fertile soils in sunny corners of the garden. But it can also grow in the shade, however, it will smell, and, accordingly, it will be weaker to repel mosquitoes. nine0003

4. Melissa officinalis (lemon mint)

Melissa officinalis (lemon mint).

Externally, lemon balm does not differ much from mint - it has a branched stem and grows a little higher in height. But its main difference is the smell. Melissa officinalis has a strong spicy aroma with light notes of lemon. But, like the menthol smell of peppermint, it is an excellent mosquito repellent. Melissa is ideal for sunny places in your site. It can also grow in partial shade. nine0003

5. Catnip or catnip

Catnip or catnip. © Amber Christian

One of the benefits of this mint is that it grows like a weed on its own. That is, it does not require any care. However, many gardeners consider catnip to be a weed. But we must give him credit: he does an excellent job of repelling mosquitoes. If you decide to rub your skin with the leaves or flowers of this plant, be careful - all the cats in the area will show you increased attention, because they just love catnip! The reason for this is the substance nepetalactone, which this plant is rich in. It is also the source of the lemon flavor characteristic of this variety of mint. nine0003

6. Lemon Monarda

Lemon Monarda. © Kristi Wood

Lemon Monarda belongs to the same family as Peppermint. But, unlike her, it is an annual plant. By the way, the only flyer in the Monard family. Its leaves and flowers contain essential oils that repel insects, including mosquitoes. And lemon monarda can be easily attributed to giant annuals. After all, in just one season it reaches 120 cm in height. Likes well-lit areas with loose fertile soil. nine0003

7. Pennyroyal or Ombalo

Pennyroyal or Ombalo. © Phil Smith

A perennial plant of the mint genus, reaching a height of 20-40 cm. It is easily distinguished from other types of mint by its compact size and creeping shape. It does not have the winter hardiness characteristic of most relatives, therefore, in central Russia, flea mint (another name for the plant) is grown as an annual. An indispensable ingredient in Georgian tkemali sauce and a good natural insect repellant. Not only mosquitoes, but also flies, fleas and moths. nine0003

8. Salvia officinalis

Salvia officinalis. © Sergeeva Inguza

Hippocrates called this plant "sacred grass". Its use in medicine is so widespread today that it seems that there are far fewer diseases that it does not cure than those that it treats. Hippocrates did not write anything about the properties of sage to repel mosquitoes (at least we do not know about this), however, in gardening it has long been noticed that mosquitoes do not favor planting medicinal sage. More precisely, its tart aroma does not allow insects to determine the smell of a person who is near the plant. Salvia officinalis is a perennial plant. It grows in one place without a transplant for 8 years. Likes soil of neutral acidity and good light. nine0003

9. Ceylon citronella or lemongrass

Ceylon citronella or lemongrass. © technologychaoban

Ceylon citronella oils are often used to create mosquito repellents. The plant has a very strong lemon smell, which also does not repel mosquitoes so much as it does not allow these insects to smell the smell of a person nearby. Lemongrass is a perennial grass with a low level of winter hardiness. That is, in a temperate climate, it can only be grown as a tub culture, bringing the pot into the house or greenhouse along with the first significant cooling. nine0003

10. Fragrant Basil or Camphor Basil

Fragrant Basil or Camphor Basil. © flora cyclam

An annual herbaceous plant known as a kitchen spice to almost all inhabitants of the Earth. But few people know that the essential oil of this plant has been used in medicine for many years. For example, it is part of the well-known "Bronholitin" (it is prescribed for coughing). The name itself, "camphor basil", speaks of what substance this herb is rich in. Camphor repels ants, moths and mosquitoes. nine0003

11. Lemon verbena

Lemon verbena. © Marisa Esteban

Evergreen shrub with a large crown. In the people it is considered a magical plant that can protect against the evil eye and damage. But today, of course, it is more used in cooking, cosmetology and medicine than in the rites of white magic. It has a pleasant smell that mosquitoes do not want to be friends with. It also repels other insects - a dried sprig of verbena is often placed in a closet as a prophylaxis against moths.

12. Marigolds

Bright and colorful marigolds are traditionally used in our flower beds. Very often they can be seen in the beds. Adherents of organic farming claim that these flyers effectively protect cultivated plants from many harmful insects and other pests. Their smell is so rich and specific that it repels not only mosquitoes, but also some people who simply cannot stand it. But in vain, because these are surprisingly decorative and unpretentious flowers. nine0003

13. Wormwood

Another herb with a very strong odor that mosquitoes don't like. Wormwood is a perennial herbaceous plant of silver color, reaching up to 1.5 meters in height. One of the oldest medicinal plants known to mankind. It grows freely on forest edges, along roads, in neglected areas. Cultivated commercially for essential oil. Often found in gardens and gardens as a weed. However, many gardeners today, in order not to follow her into the forest, grow wormwood specially in their area. In addition to its medicinal properties, it protects cultivated species from many pests and diseases. nine0003

14. Pontic sagebrush

Unlike wormwood, this plant is very decorative. Therefore, it can often be found in gardens as an element of various landscape compositions. It is also widely used in medicine and as a natural remedy for mosquitoes.

15. Common tansy

Perennial herbaceous plant of the forest and forest-steppe zone. It quickly clogs cultivated meadows and pastures, therefore, it is necessary to grow tansy in the garden very carefully. This poisonous plant is often used in folk medicine for the treatment and prevention of various ailments. It has a characteristic pungent odor that repels mosquitoes. nine0003

So far, we have everything about plants - "mosquito repellents". If you know others, write about them in the comments or on our Forum. We will be very grateful!

6 plants that will save you from insects in the country.

Don't miss out on a weekend in the country because of bad weather and annoying insects. Our experts will help you with the latter.

Despite the weather, I want to spend the last month of summer in the country. So that insects do not interfere with enjoying outdoor recreation, many do a chemical treatment of the site. But it kills not only mosquitoes and midges, but also butterflies and bees. nine0003

Derevo Park specialists offer another solution: plant plants from this list on the site and forget about pests.

Common tansy

Tansy is considered a weed and often grows along roadsides, in fields and lawns. It looks the part: long, almost bare stems, sparse feathery leaves and modest basket-shaped blooms of bright yellow balls.

At the same time, tansy is rich in essential oils and has a lot of useful properties. For example, its aroma repels most insects: mosquitoes, ticks, fleas and flies. nine0003

Landscape design: will look interesting in a field-style flower garden.

Salvia officinalis

This fragrant plant has antiseptic and insecticidal effects. A perennial subshrub with branched stems and oblong leaves is adorned with blue-violet flowers that bees and butterflies love but repel mosquitoes.

In landscape design: is quite self-sufficient, it will look good in group plantings or as one of the tiers of a flower garden. It goes well with bulbous - irises, daylilies, tulips, onions. nine0003

Hyssop

Branchy hyssop bushes are decorated with lavender blossoms. The spicy leaves have a pleasant anise flavor. Hyssops are edible and can be an excellent decoration not only for the garden, but also for the dining table. These are excellent honey plants that can get rid of unwanted insects.

Landscaping : low maintenance, ideal for a variety of flower garden styles and can be used as a low hedge.

Lemon melissa

Undemanding perennial. The most ancient of aromatic plants with a delicate lemon aroma, for which it is sometimes called lemon mint. Under natural conditions, lemon balm looks like ornamental nettle with small white-pink flowers. Has an insecticidal effect.

In landscape design: we would plant lemon balm in one of the branches of the ornamental garden or in a separate planter on the terrace.

Double Monarda

A plant from the Lamiaceae family with a bright citrus aroma reminiscent of bergamot. Monarda stems are decorated with bright exotic flowers - this is one of the most beautiful plants that repel pests. nine0003

Often used in medicinal, culinary and indoor décor applications and in aromatic medleys.

In landscape design: will feel great as a tapeworm, as well as in compositions with astilba, chamomile, delphinium or echinacea.