Listen, mosquitos can make any outdoor activity a miserable one. These bloodsucking insects are one of the most annoying pests
Once these pests have located you, they will stop at nothing to feed off your blood, leaving you with itchy bumps. You have no choice but to run indoors and hide or get yourself a bug spray.
The constant inhaling of chemicals is not healthy either. So the best way to repel mosquitos from your yard is by using plants.
Can Plants Really Deter Mosquitos?
Yes, it can! Plants are nature’s solution to many problems, and repelling mosquitoes is no exception.
You can take advantage of the mosquito-repelling properties in certain plants without the need for harmful chemicals. These plants contain essential oils or compounds that interfere with mosquitoes’ senses and prevent them from finding or biting you. Some plants repel mosquitos by giving off a scent or aroma that masks human odors and confuses the mosquitoes.
Others contain compounds like geraniol, citronella, and lemongrass, which have been clinically shown to deter mosquitoes and can be found in many commercially available mosquito repellents.
Using plants as a natural mosquito repellant not only helps to keep these pests at bay but also adds greenery and beauty to your surroundings.
Not to worry, these plants are generally low maintenance and easy to grow.
So here are the most common mosquito-repellant- plants that are worth having in your yard!
1. Citronella Geranium
The citronella geranium plant is one of the most popular and effective plants for repelling mosquitos. The plant has been specifically bred to contain the essential oil citronella. This plant is relatively easy to grow and can be kept in small pots indoors or in larger planters outside. It requires full sun and well-draining soil.
Hardiness Zone: 9-12
2. Lavender
Lavender is one of my favorite scents because of its calm and relaxing properties. And now, it gains an extra point for being a natural mosquito repellent.
The fragrance produced by the lavender plant is due to its rich composition in essential oils, mainly linalool and linalyl acetate, known to have mosquito-repelling effects. These essential oils affect the mosquito’s olfactory system, making it difficult for the mosquito to smell you.
Lavender can be planted along walkways, in window boxes, or as landscaping bushes for added beauty.
Hardiness Zone: 5 – 9
3. Marigolds
Marigold flowers are perfect if you want to add a pop of color to your yard. Marigolds contain pyrethrum, which is a natural insecticide that is also used in many commercial mosquito repellents. When planted near patios, decks, gardens, and doorways, they act as a natural barrier and deter mosquitos.
I wrote a blog on how to use marigolds and other flowers in your vegetable garden to ward off pests. So check that out.
Additionally, marigolds require full sun and well-drained soil.
Hardiness Zone: 2-11
4. Basil
This aromatic herb is commonly used when cooking but it also has properties that repel mosquitos. They hate the smell of basil. Basil is easy to grow and can be planted in pots, containers, or raised bed gardens, making it readily available.
Basil grows best in full sun and well-draining soil.
5. Catnip
Cat loves this plant but mosquitoes hate it. Catnip is easy to grow and is a member of the mint family. It is also known for its insect-repelling properties, thanks to a chemical compound called nepetalactone, found in its leaves.
The scent that catnip emits is toxic to many insects, including mosquitoes, making it an excellent choice to keep mosquitoes away.
Hardiness Zone: 3-9
6. Rosemary
Imagine, rosemary is pleasant to humans and is used for cooking but repels mosquitoes. Due to the strong odor of the rosemary plant, mosquitoes tend to avoid it at all costs.
Rosemary grows best in full sun and well-drained soil. Also, this plant is relatively easy to grow and can be planted in pots, and garden beds.
Hardiness Zone: 7-10
7. Lemon Balm
This plant has a minty, citrusy scent and also belongs to the mint family.
This herb contains high levels of essential oils, mainly citronellal, which is a natural mosquito repellent. The citrus fragrance of lemon balm is effective in deterring mosquitos, making it a popular choice for mosquito control.
Furthermore, lemon balm is easy to grow both indoors and outdoors with multiple benefits.
Hardiness Zone: 3-7
8. Chrysanthemums
Chrysanthemums are a popular ornamental garden plant that also has mosquito-repelling properties. They contain a natural insecticide called pyrethrum, which is commonly used in commercial insecticides and mosquito repellents. Pyrethrum is toxic to mosquitoes, and when chrysanthemums are grown near outdoor spaces, it creates a natural barrier against mosquito infestations.
Additionally, chrysanthemum extract can be used to make a mosquito repellent spray, which is entirely natural and chemical-free. However, it’s worth noting that chrysanthemums can trigger allergies in some people.
Hardiness Zone: 5-9
9. Sage
Sage is an attractive herb that can be grown in pots or in gardens and will add texture to your space. When planted, sage has the ability to repel mosquitoes.
This plant has a strong, pungent smell that mosquitoes find unpleasant.
The leaves of the sage plant can be simply crushed and rubbed on the skin or burned as incense to keep mosquitoes away. The choice is yours!
You can grow sage in containers or garden beds in well-drained soil and full sun.
Final Thoughts On The Best Plants To Keep Mosquitoes Away
By introducing these plants into your outdoor space, you will be able to keep the pesky mosquitoes away. So, instead of opting for chemical sprays and mosquito repellents, why not try growing these plants?
The list is endless but in this post, you’ll find the most effective mosquito-repelling plants.
Not only will these plants make spending time more enjoyable but also give your yard a makeover.