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Mosquitoes are one of the biggest downsides of spending time outdoors during the warmer months. They seem to appear the moment you sit down on the patio or start working in the garden. While sprays and bug zappers can help, certain plants may also make your yard less inviting to these biting pests.
Many herbs and flowers contain natural oils and fragrances that mosquitoes dislike. Planting them near patios, walkways, windows, and outdoor seating areas can add beauty to your landscape while helping reduce mosquito activity.
Here are 12 plants worth growing if you’d like a more comfortable backyard this summer.
Lemon Balm
Lemon balm fills the garden with a fresh citrus scent that people enjoy, but mosquitoes tend to avoid. This easy-growing perennial does well in garden beds or containers.
Because it spreads quickly, many gardeners prefer growing lemon balm in pots to keep it from taking over nearby plants.
Lavender
Lavender is loved for its fragrant purple blooms and silvery foliage. Its strong scent is one reason mosquitoes and gnats often stay away.
Plant lavender in a sunny location with well-drained soil. It grows well in garden beds, borders, and containers while adding color and fragrance throughout the season.
Citronella Grass
Citronella grass is probably the plant most people associate with mosquito control. Its citrus-scented oils are commonly found in candles, sprays, and outdoor repellents.
Growing citronella near patios or seating areas may help reduce mosquito activity by masking the scents that attract them.
Peppermint
Peppermint has a cool, refreshing fragrance that many people enjoy, but mosquitoes aren’t nearly as fond of it.
Grow peppermint in containers if possible, since it spreads aggressively. Place pots near doors, patios, or outdoor dining spaces where you spend the most time.
Rosemary
Rosemary is a favorite herb in the kitchen, and its woody scent may also help discourage mosquitoes.
It grows best in sunny locations with well-drained soil. Some gardeners toss a few sprigs onto a grill or fire pit to release more of its fragrant oils while relaxing outdoors.
Lemongrass
Lemongrass contains high levels of citral, one of the compounds commonly used in natural insect repellents.
This tall ornamental grass also doubles as a flavorful herb for soups, curries, and stir-fries. Plant it in full sun where its fresh citrus scent can be enjoyed.
Marigold
Marigolds brighten flower beds with cheerful yellow, orange, and red blooms while giving off a scent mosquitoes tend to avoid.
They’re easy to grow from seed or transplants and bloom for months with very little attention. Plant them near vegetable gardens, walkways, or patios for extra color.
Eucalyptus
Eucalyptus is well known for its fresh, clean fragrance and aromatic leaves. The natural oils found in its foliage are often used in products meant to discourage mosquitoes.
In cooler climates, eucalyptus grows well in containers that can be moved indoors before winter.
Geranium
Geraniums are popular container plants thanks to their colorful flowers and long blooming season. Scented varieties are especially valued for their strong fragrance, which mosquitoes tend to avoid.
Crushing a leaf releases more of its natural oils, though the plants also add plenty of color to porches, decks, and garden beds.
Catnip
Catnip contains a natural compound called nepetalactone, which has been shown to repel mosquitoes.
Keep in mind that while mosquitoes avoid it, neighborhood cats may be drawn to it. Like other members of the mint family, catnip can spread quickly if left unchecked.
Basil
Basil isn’t just useful in the kitchen. Its aromatic leaves may also help discourage mosquitoes from gathering nearby.
Grow basil in containers near patios, outdoor tables, or doorways so you can enjoy fresh herbs while spending time outside. Some gardeners also place basil near standing water since its scent may discourage mosquitoes from lingering in the area.
Bee Balm
Bee balm is a colorful perennial with bright red, pink, purple, or lavender flowers. Its minty fragrance makes it another plant mosquitoes tend to avoid.
While mosquitoes may keep their distance, bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds are drawn to its nectar. It’s an excellent choice if you want a lively, colorful garden filled with pollinators.
