What plant wards off mosquitoes
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.
12 Mosquito Repellent Plants | Garden Design
What are the best plants to keep mosquitoes away? Plant these 12 plants in your garden for their colorful and fragrant display, plus their ability to keep uninvited bugs out. By Christine Yoo Updated 6/1/2022
Most insect-repelling plants do so with their natural fragrances, which keep annoying mosquitoes away and introduce wonderful scents throughout your garden. If you don't want to douse yourself or your garden in chemical bug sprays you can grow some of these plants to help keep mosquitoes away naturally.
Plant these plants in areas where guests will be often such as by a seating area or a doorway.
Grow these 12 plants to naturally repel mosquitos:
Sweet Romance® lavender. Photo by: Proven Winners
1. Lavender
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Have you ever noticed that insects or even rabbits and other animals have never decimated your lavender plant? It is because of their lovely fragrance, which comes from its essential oils that are found on the leaves of the plant. It is even argued that lavender oil hinders a mosquito’s ability to smell! This plant is very tough and drought-resistant once established, and only needs full sun and good drainage. And while it can endure many climates, it thrives in warmer areas. Read more about growing lavender.
Plant type: Perennial
Zones: 5-11, depending on type
Bloom time: Summer to fall
Buy lavender from Proven Winners.
Marigold flowers.
2. Marigold
Marigolds, an easy-to-grow annual flower, emit a smell that deters mosquitoes. Grow them in pots and place them near your patio or entrance to your home to keep bugs out. Marigolds are also a popular addition to borders and vegetable gardens. According to NYBG, not only can they keep away mosquitoes, but they also dissuade aphids, thrips, whiteflies, Mexican bean beetles, squash bugs, and tomato hornworms. Read more about growing marigold flowers.
Plant type: Annual
Bloom time: Late spring until frost
Citronella grass.
3. Citronella Grass (Lemon Grass)
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Known for its distinct smell, citronella grass (or lemon grass) is the most commonly used natural ingredient in mosquito repellants. In fact, the Brooklyn Botanic Garden recommends lemon-scented plants such as citronella grass to keep mosquitoes at bay. And the good news is that the living plant is the most effective at repelling pests.
This low-maintenance plant does best in large planters because it cannot withstand frost, but in warmer climates, can be planted directly a sunny area in the ground.
Plant type: Usually grown as an annual
Zones: 9-11
Buy lemon grass from Proven Winners.
'Cat's Meow' catmint. Photo by: Proven Winners.
4. Catmint
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Catnip (catmint) can be found thriving almost anywhere. It is from the mint family and grows abundantly both as a commercial plant and as a weed. It is very easy to take care of and may even start to invade other areas of your garden. However, if you are willing to forgo this plant’s insidious nature, they are amazing mosquito repellants and another recommendation from the BBG. In a study at Iowa State University, catmint was found to be ten times more effective than DEET, the chemical used in most insect repellants. Read more about growing catmint plants.
Plant type: Perennial
Zones: 3-8
Bloom time: Early summer to fall
Buy catmint from Proven Winners.
Rosemary.
5. Rosemary
Another great mosquito repellant is rosemary. Both the New York Botanical Garden and PlantShed recommended this plant. Rosemary is an herb that many of us are very familiar with and their woody scent is exactly what keeps mosquitoes as well as cabbage moths and carrot flies away. They do best in hot and dry climates and thrive in containers, which may be ideal for areas with winters. They can also be pruned into all sorts of shapes and sizes and make great borders or decorations. While the pests stay away you can enjoy the herb’s scent and also use it to season your cooking.
Plant type: Perennial herb
Zones: 7-10
Amazel Basil® sweet Italian basil. Photo by: Proven Winners.
5. Basil
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Basil is another herb that can also double as a pest repellent. The pungent smell the basil leaves give off are what keep pests at bay. And since all kinds of basil work to keep flies and mosquitoes at bay, feel free to explore and find the right types of basil to mix into your garden.
This herb likes to be kept damp, needs good drainage, and enjoys lots of sun. You can plant basil in containers or in the garden, alone or with other flowers, as long as both plants meet the same requirements. Read more about growing basil.
Plant type: Usually grown as an annual
Zones: 10-11
Bloom time: Summer to frost
Buy basil from Proven Winners.
Scented geranium. Photo by: Proven Winners.
7. Citronella / Scented Geranium
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Scented geraniums are also a popular mosquito-repelling plant. Recommended by PlantShed, BBG, and NYBG, the favored scent seems to be lemon scented, which is reminiscent of citronella grass. The strong fragrance keeps several types of pests away. These fast-growing plants like warm, sunny, and dry climates, but if you are in a cold-climate area, they can be grown in planters with constant pruning. Read more about growing geraniums.
Plant type: Usually grown as an annual
Zones: 10-11
Bloom time: Spring to fall
Buy citronella (mosquito plant) from Proven Winners.
'Pardon My Cerise' bee balm. Photo by: Proven Winners.
8. Bee Balm
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Want to attract good bugs like bees and butterflies, while deterring the bad ones? Then bee balm, also known as Monarda or horsemint, is the plant for you. Simply crush its leaves to release the fragrant oils. Plus, you’ll get to enjoy colorful flowers, in shades of red, pink, lavender, white, or purple, all summer long. Read more about growing bee balm.
Plant type: Perennial
Zones: 4-8
Bloom time: Mid to late summer
Buy bee balm from Proven Winners.
Mint.
9. Mint
Mint is an excellent nontoxic option for keeping mosquitoes, flies and even ants away.
The more pungent the aroma, the less bugs you’ll have. Grow it in pots on your patio where it can be easily reached if you want to drop a leaf or two in your afternoon tea. You can even dry the leaves and use them inside your home as a natural pest control method.
Plant type: Perennial herb
Zones: 3-8
Artist® Blue floss flower. Photo by: Proven Winners.
10. Floss Flower (Ageratum)
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This attractive annual flower makes great bedding or container plants. Floss flower contains coumarin, a chemical that helps repel mosquitoes—but also makes it toxic if ingested by pets or humans. Read more about growing floss flower.
Plant type: Usually grown as an annual
Zones: 9-10
Bloom time: Planting to hard frost
Buy floss flower from Proven Winners.
Sage. Photo by: Proven Winners.
11. Sage
If you love gathering around a fire pit in your backyard, then plant some sage nearby.
Toss some of the plant into the flames and its earthy smell will ward off bugs. Sage can also be dried and used to make homemade bug spray.
Plant type: Perennial
Zones: 5-8
Allium 'Millenium'. Photo by: Proven Winners.
12. Allium
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These bulbs, which include garlic and onions, release a strong fragrance that mosquitoes don’t like. You’ll enjoy the whimsical globe-shaped flowers of allium that seem to float atop long slender, stems. Read more about growing allium bulbs.
Plant type: Bulb
Zones: 3-8, depending on variety
Bloom time: Planting to hard frost
Buy allium plants from Proven Winners.
We consulted with the New York Botanical Garden, Brooklyn Botanic Garden, and Plantshed for the best plant options.
More Natural Ways to Keep Mosquitoes Away
In addition to growing the plants listed above, you should also practice good mosquito control in your garden so that the pests don’t get out of hand.
The best thing you can do is prevent water from collecting and becoming stagnant; mosquitoes can lay hundreds of eggs even in a tiny spoonful of standing water. Mosquito rings can be used virtually anywhere you have standing water — rain barrels, birdbaths, water gardens, ponds — even animal watering troughs. They contain a naturally occurring bacterium (Bt israelensis) that kills mosquito larvae.
There are also other natural products available that can help ward off mosquitoes in your garden. These include, citronella torches and candles, as well as essential oils derived from the plants listed here.
The Importance of Mosquito Control
Throughout the years, mosquitoes have transmitted many diseases including malaria, dengue, yellow fever, encephalitis, and more recently the West Nile and Zika viruses. Mosquitoes are even to blame for heartworm in dogs. So it isn’t just about the annoyance or the itchy bite, it is a health concern for your family and pets.
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7 affordable plants for mosquitoes in the country
Summer, for most, is the time for vacations and the summer season.
But at the same time, this is the time of active activity of many harmful insects. Mosquitoes are the most famous type of blood-sucking pests that can ruin any vacation. Fortunately, experienced gardeners have found a way out of this situation. Thanks to the variety of flowers and plants, this problem has become solvable. Some representatives of flower beds are really able to fight back even the most persistent bloodsuckers. Let's consider them in more detail. And now is the time to think about what to plant in your area so that mosquitoes do not annoy. nine0003
TOP plants against mosquitoes
1. Bird cherry
The leaves and flowers of bird cherry secrete phytoncides, which kill and repel not only mosquitoes, but also midges, horseflies, flies. Therefore, having planted a couple of her bushes in your garden, you can forget about the bites on the skin.
If you are going on a hike or a picnic, then the best solution would be to grind the bird cherry leaves into a pulp and apply on the face and hands. Its smell will certainly make the bloodsuckers stay as far away as possible. nine0003
2. Citronella
This plant has a strong lemon scent that repels mosquitoes. Summer time is the best for planting in flower beds and large pots. In winter, it will continue to grow without problems in a warm room.
3. Marigold
These beautiful flowers, like bird cherry, emit substances that are unpleasant for mosquitoes and midges. nine0005 It is enough to put a small pot of marigolds in the room so that the "winged enemies" fly around it. When planted in your garden, they will also give the desired effect.
4. Basil
Combine business with pleasure by planting brown or lemon basil in your garden. Mosquitoes hate its smell, but it will be a great seasoning for your favorite dishes.
5. Garlic
Mosquitoes do not tolerate garlic phytoncides. This plant can be grown in bunches in different places. Then the mosquitoes will be less disturbing. Garlic can also be placed on a table or bedside table at night so that bloodsuckers do not interfere with sleep.
6. Lavender
Growing this shrub in the garden will protect against midges and midges in the evening. Pick the lavender flowers and pat dry. Wrapped in a cloth bag, put next to your pillow at night and sleep peacefully. nine0003
Calendula against mosquitoes
The bright petals of calendula have won the hearts of many flower growers. They are great for growing in the country, as well as at home on the windowsill, because they are considered unpretentious. The main advantage of calendula is that many insects, including mosquitoes, do not tolerate it.
There is a huge variety of plants that can protect against flying pests and for this it is not necessary to buy expensive creams and sprays. Just expand your garden and enjoy the delicious scents of the shrubs. You can also smear the skin with essential oils based on these flowers and herbs. nine0003
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 NogueiraMany 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). © 3g.163Outwardly, 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 to be safe, 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 WoodLemon 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
Ombalo or pennyroyal. © 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 InguzaHippocrates 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 does. 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 cyclamAn 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
Marigolds. © Natureluvah2Bright 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
Wormwood. © Top Remedii Naturiste 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
Pontic sagebrush. © Christophe RamonetUnlike 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
Common tansy. © vtpeacenik 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.
