What Plants Keep Mosquitoes Away? Top Natural Picks

What Plants Keep Mosquitoes Away? Top Natural Picks

 

According to the World Health Organization, mosquito-borne diseases affect more than 700 million people annually, resulting in over 700 000 deaths worldwide. With chemical repellents costing Americans more than $200 million each year, many are seeking natural alternatives.

Looking for a natural way to keep mosquitoes away? These top plants offer a beautiful and effective solution to protect your outdoor space.

Natural mosquito repellent plants provide numerous advantages over chemical solutions. They're safer for children, pets, and beneficial insects, contribute positively to the environment, and enhance the beauty of your garden while serving a practical purpose. Many of these plants also offer additional benefits like culinary uses and pleasant fragrances.

In this comprehensive guide, we'll explore the most effective mosquito-repellent plants, from common varieties like citronella and lavender to lesser-known options. You'll learn not only which plants work best but exactly how to grow and use them for maximum effectiveness.

1. Comprehensive Plant List

1.1. Citronella Grass (Cymbopogon nardus)

Citronella Grass (Cymbopogon nardus)

Description: Citronella grass is a tall, clumping perennial grass that can grow 5-6 feet high with a spread of about 4 feet. It has stiff stems and long, blade-like leaves that emit a strong lemon-like fragrance when crushed.

Mosquito-Repelling Properties: Citronella grass contains citronellal, citronellol, and geraniol, compounds that mask scents that attract mosquitoes. Research published in the Journal of the American Mosquito Control Association found that citronella oil can reduce mosquito landings by 40-50%.

How to Use:

• Planting Location: Plant in full sun to partial shade in well-draining soil.
• Propagation: Divide established plants in spring or purchase seedlings.
• Container Growth: Excellent in large pots (at least 12-inch diameter) placed near seating areas.
• DIY Repellent: Crush leaves and rub directly on skin for temporary protection, or infuse in carrier oil for homemade sprays.

Care Tips: Water regularly during dry periods but avoid overwatering. Fertilize lightly during the growing season. In colder climates, bring containers indoors during winter.

Growing Zones: USDA zones 9-11, but can be grown as an annual or container plant in colder regions.

Potential Problems: Not frost-hardy; may become invasive in ideal conditions if not contained.

Companion Plants: Pairs well with lemongrass, marigolds, and basil for enhanced mosquito protection.

1.2. Lemon Balm (Melissa officinalis)

Lemon Balm (Melissa officinalis)

Description: Lemon balm is a perennial herb in the mint family that grows 12-24 inches tall with small, light green leaves and a distinctive lemon scent when crushed.

Mosquito-Repelling Properties: Contains citronellal (24-30%), which repels mosquitoes. A study in the Journal of Vector Ecology found that lemon balm oil provided over 70% protection against mosquito bites for up to 3 hours.

How to Use:

• Planting Location: Grows best in partial shade with moist, well-draining soil.
• Propagation: Easily grown from seeds, cuttings, or division.
• Container Growth: Excellent choice for containers due to its spreading nature.
• DIY Repellent: Crush leaves and rub on skin, or make an infused oil by steeping leaves in olive oil for 2-3 weeks.

Care Tips: Regular pruning prevents it from becoming leggy and promotes bushier growth. Water when soil feels dry to the touch.

Growing Zones: USDA zones 4-9.

Potential Problems: Can be invasive; consider planting in containers to contain spread. Attracts beneficial pollinators.

Companion Plants: Grows well with tomatoes, increasing their flavor and repelling insect pests.

1.3. Lavender (Lavandula angustifolia)

Lavender (Lavandula angustifolia)

Description: Lavender is a woody, evergreen perennial that grows 1-3 feet tall with silver-green foliage and distinctive purple flower spikes. Its strong fragrance is beloved in gardens and perfumes.

Mosquito-Repelling Properties: Contains linalool and linalyl acetate, which research published in Parasitology Research has shown can repel adult mosquitoes and kill mosquito larvae. The scent that humans find pleasant is offensive to mosquitoes.

How to Use:

• Planting Location: Requires full sun and well-draining soil; does not tolerate wet conditions.
• Propagation: Start from cuttings or purchase established plants.
• Container Growth: Excellent in containers with good drainage.
• DIY Repellent: Dry flower spikes and place in sachets near windows, or make a spray by steeping dried lavender in boiling water, cooling, and transferring to a spray bottle.

Care Tips: Prune after flowering to maintain shape. Minimal watering once established.

Growing Zones: USDA zones 5-9, depending on variety.

Potential Problems: Susceptible to root rot in poorly draining soils. May attract beneficial pollinators.

Companion Plants: Pairs well with rosemary and sage, creating a beautiful, drought-tolerant mosquito barrier.

1.4. Marigolds (Tagetes spp.)

Marigolds (Tagetes spp.)

Description: Marigolds are annual flowering plants that range from 6 inches to 4 feet tall, with distinctive golden, orange, or yellow blooms and fragrant, fern-like foliage.

Mosquito-Repelling Properties: Contains pyrethrum, a compound used in many insect repellents. Their strong scent masks the carbon dioxide and lactic acid that attract mosquitoes to humans.

How to Use:

• Planting Location: Prefers full sun and tolerates a wide range of soil conditions.
• Propagation: Easily grown from seeds or transplants.
• Container Growth: Excellent in pots and window boxes.
• DIY Repellent: Plant in pots near entry points or infuse dried flowers in witch hazel for a natural spray.

Care Tips: Deadhead regularly to encourage continuous blooming. Water at the base to prevent fungal issues.

Growing Zones: Annual in most regions, perennial in zones 9-11.

Potential Problems: Can be susceptible to powdery mildew in humid conditions. Attracts beneficial insects like ladybugs and parasitic wasps.

Companion Plants: Excellent companion for vegetable gardens; repels many garden pests.

1.5. Basil (Ocimum basilicum)

Basil (Ocimum basilicum)

Description: Basil is an annual herb growing 1-2 feet tall with glossy, aromatic leaves that come in various colors and textures depending on the variety.

Mosquito-Repelling Properties: Contains essential oils like eugenol, citronellol, and limonene. Research in the Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry found that basil oil was toxic to mosquito larvae and repellent to adults.

How to Use:

• Planting Location: Grows best in full sun with rich, well-draining soil.
• Propagation: Easily grown from seeds or cuttings.
• Container Growth: Thrives in pots placed near outdoor seating areas.
• DIY Repellent: Crush leaves and rub on skin, or infuse in carrier oil for sprays.

Care Tips: Pinch off flower buds to encourage bushier growth and prevent bolting. Water regularly, especially during hot weather.

Growing Zones: Annual in most regions; perennial in zones 10-11.

Potential Problems: Susceptible to fungal diseases in humid conditions. Attracts beneficial pollinators.

Companion Plants: Grows well with tomatoes, enhancing their flavor while repelling pests.

1.6. Rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis)

Rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis)

Description: Rosemary is an evergreen perennial shrub that grows 2-6 feet tall with needle-like leaves and blue flowers. It has a distinctive pine-like fragrance.

Mosquito-Repelling Properties: Contains camphor and cineole, which research in BioMed Research International has shown to repel mosquitoes. The woody scent masks carbon dioxide that attracts mosquitoes.

How to Use:

• Planting Location: Requires full sun and well-draining, slightly alkaline soil.
• Propagation: Best started from cuttings or purchased as established plants.
• Container Growth: Excellent in containers, especially in colder climates.
• DIY Repellent: Burn dried rosemary sprigs on the grill or fire pit, or make an infused oil by steeping sprigs in olive oil.

Care Tips: Prune regularly to maintain shape. Water deeply but infrequently.

Growing Zones: USDA zones 7-10; can be overwintered indoors in colder regions.

Potential Problems: Can suffer from root rot if overwatered. Not attractive to most pests.

Companion Plants: Pairs well with sage and lavender for a mosquito-repelling herb garden.

1.7. Mint (Mentha spp.)

Mint (Mentha spp.)

Description: Mint is a perennial herb that grows 1-2 feet tall with square stems, aromatic leaves, and small purple, pink, or white flowers.

Mosquito-Repelling Properties: Contains menthol, which research in the Journal of Vector Ecology found to be highly effective at repelling mosquitoes, masking the scents that attract them to humans.

How to Use:

• Planting Location: Adaptable to sun or partial shade; prefers moist soil.
• Propagation: Easily propagated through division or stem cuttings.
• Container Growth: Best grown in containers to control spreading.
• DIY Repellent: Crush leaves and rub on skin, or infuse in witch hazel for a natural spray.

Care Tips: Harvest regularly to prevent flowering and encourage bushier growth. Divide plants every few years to maintain vigor.

Growing Zones: USDA zones 3-8, depending on variety.

Potential Problems: Highly invasive; always plant in containers. Attracts beneficial pollinators.

Companion Plants: Pairs well with tomatoes and cabbage, repelling insect pests.

1.8. Catnip (Nepeta cataria)

Catnip (Nepeta cataria)

Description: Catnip is a perennial herb that grows 2-3 feet tall with heart-shaped, gray-green leaves and small white flowers with purple spots.

Mosquito-Repelling Properties: Contains nepetalactone, which research from Iowa State University found to be about ten times more effective at repelling mosquitoes than DEET.

How to Use:

• Planting Location: Prefers full sun to partial shade and well-draining soil.
• Propagation: Easily grown from seeds or division.
• Container Growth: Can be grown in pots to contain spreading.
• DIY Repellent: Crush leaves and rub on skin, or steep fresh leaves in hot water for a spray.

Care Tips: Cut back after flowering to encourage a second bloom. Minimal watering once established.

Growing Zones: USDA zones 3-9.

Potential Problems: Can be invasive; consider planting in containers. Attracts cats, which may damage plants.

Companion Plants: Plant near vegetables as a trap crop to distract pests.

1.9. Scented Geraniums (Pelargonium spp.)

Scented Geraniums (Pelargonium spp.)

Description: Scented geraniums are perennial plants that grow 1-3 feet tall with soft, fuzzy leaves and small pink or white flowers. Different varieties offer scents like lemon, rose, mint, or citronella.

Mosquito-Repelling Properties: Citronella-scented varieties (P. citrosum) contain citronellol and geraniol, which research in the Journal of the American Mosquito Control Association found effective at repelling mosquitoes.

How to Use:

• Planting Location: Prefers full sun to partial shade and well-draining soil.
• Propagation: Best propagated from cuttings.
• Container Growth: Excellent in containers on patios or near seating areas.
• DIY Repellent: Crush leaves and rub on skin, or infuse in carrier oil for a natural spray.

Care Tips: Pinch back regularly to encourage bushier growth. Allow soil to dry out between waterings.

Growing Zones: USDA zones 9-11; grow as annuals or bring indoors during winter in colder regions.

Potential Problems: Susceptible to whitefly and spider mites in dry conditions. Non-toxic to pets.

Companion Plants: Grows well with roses, helping to deter pests.

1.10. Lemon Verbena (Aloysia citrodora)

Lemon Verbena (Aloysia citrodora)

Description: Lemon verbena is a deciduous shrub that can grow 6-8 feet tall with narrow, pointed leaves and small white flowers. It has an intense lemon fragrance.

Mosquito-Repelling Properties: Contains citral and limonene, compounds that research in Parasitology Research has shown to have significant repellent effects against mosquitoes.

How to Use:

• Planting Location: Requires full sun and well-draining soil.
• Propagation: Best grown from cuttings or purchased as established plants.
• Container Growth: Excellent in large containers, especially in colder climates.
• DIY Repellent: Crush leaves and rub on skin, or steep dried leaves in witch hazel for a natural spray.

Care Tips: Prune in early spring to maintain shape. Protect from frost in colder regions.

Growing Zones: USDA zones 8-10; can be overwintered indoors in colder regions.

Potential Problems: Not frost-hardy; may drop leaves in winter even in warm climates. Generally pest-free.

Companion Plants: Pairs well with other aromatic herbs like rosemary and sage.

2. Beyond the List: Adding Value and Differentiation

2.1. DIY Mosquito Repellent Recipes

1. Herbal Infused Oil

Ingredients:

• 2 cups fresh mosquito-repellent herbs (mix of basil, mint, lavender, and lemon balm)
• 2 cups carrier oil (olive, coconut, or almond)

Instructions:

1. Wash and thoroughly dry herbs.
2. Bruise herbs by crushing lightly.
3. Place in a clean glass jar and cover completely with oil.
4. Seal and place in a sunny location for 2-3 weeks, shaking daily.
5. Strain through cheesecloth into a clean container.
6. Store in a cool, dark place and apply as needed.

2. Quick Mosquito Repellent Spray

Ingredients:

• 1 cup witch hazel
• 1/2 cup apple cider vinegar
• 30 drops essential oil (mix of citronella, lavender, lemongrass)
• 2 tablespoons vegetable glycerin (optional, helps the mixture last longer)

Instructions:

1. Combine all ingredients in a spray bottle.
2. Shake well before each use.
3. Apply to exposed skin, avoiding eyes and mouth.
4. Reapply every 2-3 hours.

3. Potent Herbal Mosquito Repellent Lotion

Ingredients:

• 1/4 cup unscented lotion base
• 10 drops citronella essential oil
• 5 drops lemongrass essential oil
• 5 drops eucalyptus essential oil
• 5 drops rosemary essential oil

Instructions:

1. In a small bowl, thoroughly mix all ingredients.
2. Transfer to a clean container with a tight lid.
3. Apply to exposed skin as needed.
4. Store in a cool place and use within 6 months.

2.2. Creating a Mosquito-Repelling Garden

Strategic Design Principles

1. Layer plants of different heights: Tall plants like citronella grass and lemon verbena at the back, medium-height plants like lavender and rosemary in the middle, and low-growing plants like mint and lemon balm at the front.

2. Create borders: Plant mosquito-repellent plants along the perimeter of outdoor seating areas to create a natural barrier.

3. Concentrate around gathering areas: Place potted repellent plants near patios, decks, and outdoor dining areas.

4. Consider air circulation: Plant in areas where breezes will carry the scents across your outdoor living spaces.

Sample Mosquito-Repelling Garden Layout

Garden Zone	Plants	Purpose
Perimeter	Citronella grass, Lemongrass, Catnip	Create barrier to entry
Pathways	Lavender, Rosemary, Mint	Release scent when brushed against
Seating Areas	Scented geraniums, Basil, Lemon balm	Immediate protection
Garden Beds	Marigolds, Floss flower, Sage	Protect vegetable gardens

2.3. Mosquito Control Strategies Beyond Plants

While plants provide an excellent first line of defense, a comprehensive approach to mosquito control includes:

1. Eliminate standing water: Check for and empty containers that collect rainwater weekly, including flowerpot saucers, bird baths, and gutters.

2. Install mosquito nets: Use fine mesh screens on windows and doors, and consider outdoor netting around seating areas.

3. Attract natural predators: Install bat houses, bird feeders, and create habitats for dragonflies and damselflies, which consume mosquitoes.

4. Time outdoor activities: Limit exposure during peak mosquito activity at dawn and dusk.

3. Addressing Common Concerns

3.1. Do these plants really work?

Yes, but with limitations. Scientific studies have confirmed that many plants contain compounds that repel mosquitoes. However, most work best when their oils are extracted and concentrated or when leaves are crushed to release the active compounds. Simply having these plants in your garden will provide some protection, but for maximum effectiveness, use them in combination with other mosquito control strategies.

3.2. How many plants do I need?

For effective protection, place 3-5 plants around small seating areas and up to 10-15 plants for larger spaces. Container-grown plants can be more effective as they can be placed strategically where people gather and moved as needed.

3.3. Are these plants safe for pets and children?

Most mosquito-repellent plants are safe, but some exceptions exist. Pennyroyal can be toxic to pets and pregnant women. Citronella, while generally safe, can cause skin irritation in sensitive individuals. Always supervise children around plants and prevent consumption of any plant material.

3.4. Where can I buy these plants?

Most common mosquito-repellent plants are available at local garden centers, nurseries, and home improvement stores during spring and summer months. Specialty herbs may be found at herb farms or online retailers. Consider local plant sales or exchanges for more unusual varieties.

3.5. How long do these plants last?

Perennial plants like lavender and rosemary can last many years with proper care. Annuals like basil and marigolds need to be replanted each year. In colder regions, some tender perennials like citronella grass can be overwintered indoors or grown as annuals.

3.6. What is the most effective mosquito repellent plant?

Catnip has been scientifically proven to be the most effective, with studies showing it to be up to 10 times more effective than DEET. However, its tendency to attract cats may make it impractical for some gardens. Citronella grass and lemon balm are also highly effective and more versatile for most landscapes.

4. Regional Variations

4.1. Mosquito Repellent Plants for Hot, Humid Climates (Southeast US, Gulf Coast)

• Lemongrass - Thrives in hot, humid conditions
• Lantana - Heat-tolerant and drought-resistant once established
• Bee Balm - Attracts beneficial pollinators while repelling mosquitoes
• American Beautyberry - Native to the Southeast with natural repellent properties

4.2. Mosquito Repellent Plants for Dry Climates (Southwest, West Coast)

• Lavender - Drought-tolerant and effective
• Rosemary - Thrives in hot, dry conditions
• Sage - Multiple varieties suited to arid conditions
• Eucalyptus - Fast-growing with potent repellent properties

4.3. Mosquito Repellent Plants for Northern/Cold Climates

• Catnip - Cold-hardy to zone 3
• Mint - Survives harsh winters
• Lemon Balm - Returns reliably in cold climates
• Floss Flower (Ageratum) - Annual option for short growing seasons

5. Conclusion

Incorporating mosquito-repellent plants into your landscape provides an effective, sustainable, and beautiful approach to controlling these persistent pests. By strategically selecting and placing these plants, you can create outdoor spaces that are not only visually appealing but also more comfortable for outdoor living.

The natural compounds in these plants offer a safer alternative to chemical repellents, protecting your family and beneficial insects while adding fragrance, color, and often culinary value to your garden. Remember that these plants work best as part of an integrated approach that includes eliminating standing water and other mosquito-prevention strategies.

We'd love to hear about your experiences with mosquito-repellent plants! Share your successes, challenges, and questions in the comments below, and let us know which plants have worked best in your garden.