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Once the weather warms up, mosquitoes usually aren’t far behind. If you’ve ever tried to sit outside in the evening and ended up swatting bugs the whole time, you know how quickly they can take over your space.
One simple thing that can help is adding a few plants that mosquitoes tend to avoid. Some plants give off scents that these insects don’t like, which can make your yard or patio a little more comfortable. It’s not a perfect fix, but it can make a noticeable difference, especially when paired with other basic steps.
If you’re planning your garden, these 12 plants are worth adding now to help cut down on mosquitoes as summer rolls in.
Citronella Grass
Citronella grass is likely the most popular type of mosquito repellent, most commonly used in candles and insect repellent products. And there is a good reason for this.
The essential oil extracted from citronella emits a strong citrus fragrance, which masks the scents that attract mosquitoes. By planting citronella in your garden, you can create a barrier that deters mosquitoes from entering your outdoor space.
Peppermint
While many use peppermint for their morning tea or evening mojito cocktail, peppermint is believed to have mosquito-repelling effects. It has a powerful, strong, refreshing scent that mosquitoes dislike.
The strong scent may mask the mosquito’s ability to locate its targets, making it harder for them to find and bite you.
Rosemary
Rosemary is a popular culinary herb that is not only great for cooking meals but also has mosquito-repelling power. The strong fragrance of rosemary is a natural deterrent, keeping mosquitoes away from your garden.
Rosemary might be most effective when burned on a fire pit or grill, but you can also rub a few pieces against your skin for added protection.
Lemongrass
Lemongrass is known for its high citral content, which makes it an effective ingredient in mosquito repellents. While it is commonly used in many Thai meals and other culinary dishes due to its delicious flavor, this plant makes an excellent addition to your natural repellent garden.
Lemon Balm
Lemon balm has a pleasant lemony scent that can create a beautiful aroma in your garden – but a very unpleasant scent for mosquitoes. This perennial can be grown in pots or directly in the ground, making it suitable for gardens of all sizes.
Lavender
Lavender has a beautiful, rich purple color with a comforting scent. Not only does
The strong scent of
Marigold
Marigold plants are bountiful, rich, colorful flowers that can repel mosquitoes. These hardy flowers are easy to grow and require full sun to bloom.
Incorporating these flowers into your garden bed will beautify your space and help keep mosquitoes away.
Eucalyptus
Eucalyptus plants have some of the most amazing scents, medicinal uses, and the ability to repel mosquitoes.
Geranium
Geraniums are colorful flowering plants that add beauty to your garden and help repel mosquitoes. These plants produce a unique scent that mosquitoes find unpleasant, making them an effective natural deterrent. Geraniums are easy to care for and grow well in pots or in the garden.
Geraniums are most effective when crushed or rubbed against the skin as the geranium leaves emit chemical compounds that mosquitoes despise.
Catnip
Mosquitoes despise the smell of catnip – thanks to a chemical called nepetalactone. This chemical is both a cat attractant and an insect repellant. While it is excellent for repelling mosquitoes, cats are attracted to it, so expect those neighborhood cats to find their way into your space. In addition, it can also be quite invasive to a garden bed.
Basil
Like rosemary, basil plants are not only the perfect herb for cooking but also efficient at repelling mosquitoes. Place this mosquito-repelling plant near the patio, deck, or any other outdoor space where you spend the most time.
Basil also harms mosquito larvae, so you can place it near stagnant water to deter mosquitoes from laying their eggs.
Bee Balm
Bee balm, not to be confused with
While it is great for discouraging mosquitoes, it is equally effective at attracting pollinators like butterflies, bees, and hummingbirds to your garden.
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