12 Plants to Grow Now for a Mosquito-Free Summer

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As summer hits its peak, so does the unwelcome arrival of mosquitoes. If your outdoor spaces have become a gathering spot for these pesky insects, you’re likely on the lookout for natural strategies to keep them at a distance.

Mosquito-repellent plants in your garden or around your home offer a natural, aromatic shield against mosquitoes. Numerous plants naturally repel mosquitoes, thanks to their specific scents or the oils they contain, which are unappealing to these insects.

Here’s a list of 12 natural insect-repellent plants to help you keep the mosquitoes away this summer.

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 repellants. 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 repellant 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. Lemon balm can be invasive, so it’s best to plant it in a pot so it doesn’t overtake your herb garden. 

Lavender

Lavender has a beautiful, rich purple color with a comforting scent. Not only does lavender add beauty and fragrance to your garden, but it also acts as a natural mosquito repellent.

The strong scent of lavender is highly disliked by mosquitoes and gnats, making it an effective deterrent. Lavender are common garden plants that thrive in a sunny spot and can be grown in pots. 

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 lemon balm, is a member of the mint family. This plant leaves behind a scent that mosquitoes loathe. Like Lemon Balm, it is a perennial herb that helps deter mosquitoes.

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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