Mosquitoes can quickly ruin time spent outdoors, and they’re more than just a nuisance. These biting insects can carry diseases, making it worth finding safe ways to keep them away. While many commercial bug sprays work well, some contain ingredients that pet owners would rather avoid around curious dogs and cats.
One simple option is to grow plants with scents that mosquitoes dislike. While no plant will completely eliminate mosquitoes on its own, adding a few of these to your yard or patio can help make your outdoor space less inviting to them. These 10 plants are popular choices for gardens where pets also spend time.
Lavender
Lavender is loved for its fragrant purple flowers, but mosquitoes aren’t fans of its scent. Plant it along walkways, near patios, or in containers to enjoy its pleasant fragrance while helping discourage biting insects. As a bonus, lavender attracts bees and butterflies, making it a beautiful addition to any garden.
Rosemary
Rosemary is a hardy herb that thrives in sunny spots and gives off a woody aroma that mosquitoes tend to avoid. It also doubles as a kitchen favorite, adding fresh flavor to roasted vegetables, meats, and breads. Grow it in garden beds or containers where you spend the most time outdoors.
Related: 12 Common Garden Plants That Are Surprisingly Poisonous
Lemongrass
Lemongrass contains citronellal, a naturally occurring compound often found in mosquito repellents. Its fresh citrus scent makes it a popular choice for patios and garden borders. Since it can spread quickly in warm climates, growing it in containers is often the easiest way to keep it under control.
Marigolds
Bright, cheerful marigolds bring plenty of color to the garden while helping discourage mosquitoes and other unwanted insects. They contain natural compounds called pyrethrins, which insects dislike. Marigolds also attract pollinators and beneficial insects that help keep garden pests under control.
Catnip
Catnip may send your feline friends into a playful mood, but mosquitoes have the opposite reaction. The leaves contain nepetalactone, a natural compound that insects avoid. If you have outdoor cats, be prepared for them to spend plenty of time around these plants.
Related: 15 Ground-Hugging Plants That Create Gorgeous Garden Borders
Basil
Fresh basil is a staple in many kitchens, and it’s just as useful in the garden. Its strong scent helps make it harder for mosquitoes to detect people nearby. Plant basil in containers near seating areas so you can enjoy fresh herbs while spending time outside.
Peppermint
Peppermint fills the air with a cool, refreshing scent that many people enjoy, while mosquitoes tend to stay away from it. Since mint spreads aggressively, growing it in pots is often the best choice. Although the plant itself is generally considered safe in the garden, concentrated peppermint oil should be kept away from pets unless approved by your veterinarian.
Lemon Balm
Lemon balm belongs to the mint family and has a fresh citrus fragrance that mosquitoes dislike. It’s easy to grow and produces delicate white flowers that attract bees and other pollinators. Like other members of the mint family, it can spread quickly if left unchecked.
Related: 15 Creative Upcycled Planters That Will Transform Your Garden
Sage
Sage earns its place in herb gardens for both cooking and pest control. Its earthy scent helps discourage mosquitoes, especially when planted near patios or outdoor seating. Many gardeners also toss a few sage leaves onto a fire pit or campfire, where the fragrant smoke may help keep insects away.
Geraniums
Geraniums brighten gardens with colorful blooms while giving off a fragrance that mosquitoes tend to avoid. Many scented varieties contain geraniol, a compound commonly found in natural insect repellents. They’re easy to grow in containers, window boxes, or flower beds, making them a versatile choice for outdoor spaces.
While these plants can help make your yard less attractive to mosquitoes, they work best alongside other simple steps, such as removing standing water, trimming overgrown vegetation, and keeping birdbaths and pet water bowls clean. Together, these habits can help you create a more comfortable outdoor space for both your family and your pets.
