Nothing ruins a summer evening in the garden quite like a swarm of mosquitoes. One minute you’re watering plants or relaxing on the patio, and the next you’re swatting bugs and heading indoors.
While no plant can eliminate mosquitoes, some are known for scents that these pests tend to avoid. Adding a few of them around seating areas, walkways, or garden beds can help make your outdoor space more enjoyable.
The best part? Many of these plants are attractive, easy to grow, and useful beyond mosquito control. Here are 10 mosquito-repelling plants worth adding to your garden.
Basil
Basil is a delicious herb that many people enjoy cooking with. It also has natural mosquito-repelling properties. This plant contains essential oils like citronellol and geraniol, which are known to repel mosquitoes. You can place pots of basil around your patio or garden, or crush some leaves and rub them on your skin as a natural insect repellent.
Catnip
Catnip is loved by cats and disliked by mosquitoes. This plant contains nepetalactone, an oil more effective at repelling mosquitoes than most commercial bug sprays. Planting catnip in your garden will keep mosquitoes away and attract beneficial pollinators like bees and butterflies.
Lavender
Lavender is not only a beautiful and fragrant addition to your garden, but it also has mosquito-repelling properties. Its strong scent can mask the attractants that mosquitoes use to find their prey. Plant some lavender around your outdoor seating areas or rub its essential oil on your skin for added protection.
Marigolds
Marigolds are vibrant and colorful flowers that add beauty to your garden and repel mosquitoes with their distinctive scent. Their strong aroma masks other scents that attract mosquitoes, making them less likely to linger in your garden.
Mint
Mint is a versatile herb that can add flavor to dishes and drinks. Due to its high concentration of menthol, it also has strong mosquito-repelling properties. Planting mint in your garden or using its essential oil as a natural bug spray can help keep mosquitoes away.
Lemongrass
Lemongrass is a popular ingredient in many Asian cuisines. It also has mosquito-repelling properties. This plant contains citronella, the same compound found in commercial bug sprays. Plant some lemongrass in your garden, or crush its leaves and rub them on your skin for protection.
Rosemary
Rosemary is a woody herb that adds flavor to many dishes. Its strong scent, however, makes it an effective mosquito repellent. Planting rosemary in your garden or using its essential oil as a natural bug spray can help keep mosquitoes at bay.
Lemon Balm
Lemon balm, also known as bee balm, attracts bees, butterflies, and other pollinators with its sweet scent. However, mosquitoes are not fond of this plant’s smell, making it a great addition to your garden. You can crush some leaves and rub them on your skin to protect against pesky insects.
Garlic
Garlic is well-known for its many health benefits, but did you know it also repels mosquitoes? Growing garlic in your garden or rubbing its essential oil on your skin can help keep these pests away. You can also create a natural mosquito spray by crushing cloves and mixing them with water.
Sage
Sage is a fragrant herb that not only adds flavor to dishes but also repels mosquitoes. Its strong scent confuses mosquitoes, making it harder for them to locate their targets. Planting sage in your garden can help reduce the number of mosquitoes buzzing around.
