13 Plants that Keep Mosquitos Away

Garden with a purpose. Check out this list of 13 plants that keep mosquitos away and plant some in your yard.

When it comes time to plan your garden, you may want to consider planting items that serve a purpose. Being in Florida, I am always trying to repel mosquitos. Those pesky bloodsuckers are around year-round and can ruin an afternoon outside in a matter of minutes. Any help I can get in the battle to rid my yard of these pests is welcome. That is why I have several of these plants around my house. It does make a difference.

13 Plants that Keep Mosquitos Away

Citronella

This is one that everyone knows works, but did you know it is an actual plant you can put in your yard? Citronella is a citrus-scented geranium, this is a great patio plant! You can actually pick a couple of the leaves and rub them on your skin for a little added personal mosquito protection (think essential oils).

Lemongrass

One of my favorites. Buy one lemongrass plant and you will never be without. Plant this in a pot because it will multiply and grow! The lemony smell of this plant repels mosquitos and is pleasant to enjoy. Plus it is great to cook with, in herbal tea, and so much more! This is one plant I highly recommend!

Peppermint

Peppermint is a great addition to your garden for many reasons, but its bug-repelling nature is an added bonus. All species of mint contain aromatic properties repulsive to insects. The essence is contained in the stems, leaves, and flowers of the plants. When the plants are brushed against or crushed, the scent is released. Plus, it makes one great cup of tea.

Lemon Balm

Lemon Balm packs a one-two punch with mosquitoes. The little suckers already dislike citrusy smelling plants, and lemon balm is related to peppermint. The power of both in one useful plant. Lemon Balm is used in cooking and in tea too! So not only does it repel bugs but you can use it in the kitchen too!

Lavender

Lavender is another garden multitasker. The smell is pleasant to humans but not to mosquitoes. Keep this beautiful plant in your garden and reduce your chance of being buzzed by mosquitoes.

Catnip

This is one I wouldn’t have thought of, but my cat is glad that it is a mosquito repellant. Catnip contains nepetalactone which has been found in some studies to be 10x stronger than DEET. Catnip isn’t just for your cat anymore!

Basil

Garden multitaskers are my favorite! I love to have basil growing for pasta and more, but did you know mosquitoes hate it? Plant this around your garden for a lovely fresh herb, but it also keeps those bugs away.

Rosemary

Always plant rosemary by your garden gate. It is great in the kitchen and the strong pleasing scent isn’t as nice to mosquitoes. They will fly the other way. Rosemary is very flexible and can also be planted in pots. I love to keep it by entrances and doors as an added layer of protection.

Marigolds

These little yellow and gold flowers are so cute as a border in a flower bed, but marigolds are also an amazing layer of defense against pests. Grow marigolds around your home to keep out bugs, or cut a few fresh flowers and keep them in a vase on your patio table. Either way mosquitoes and other bugs dislike their scent.

Alliums

I love these flowers! They are actually related to garlic, which explains why bugs hate it. They look like something out of a Dr. Seuss book, and they are so whimsical and beautiful in the garden. Their mosquito fighting power is an added bonus.

Geraniums

When you are looking for plants to keep away mosquitos, you may not think of geraniums but they are a great choice! They like warm, sunny areas and bloom into gorgeous flowers to decorate your outdoor space. These are perfect in hanging baskets off of a porch to brighten up your space and repel pests.

Mums

When fall rolls around I love to decorate my porch with mums. The mosquitos don’t love it near as much. Mums repel mosquitos and other outdoor insect pests, such as ants, silverfish, ticks, fleas, and spider mites. That makes them a garden winner in my book.

Eucalyptus

Last but not least is Eucalyptus! The essential oils in the plants contain PMD and other terpenoid compounds which have wonderful mosquito repelling properties. The thing is Eucalyptus can grow like crazy. If you choose to plant it, keep this one in a container or pot to avoid it becoming intrusive.

Hopefully, these tips help you choose plants for your garden and yard to help you keep your mosquitos under control and reclaim your yard.

13 Plants that Keep Mosquitos Away