I love spending time outside on my deck, enjoying everything from morning coffee to meals and watching hummingbirds in the evening. Unfortunately, my porch has no screens, which means mosquitoes can be a real problem. To keep them at bay, I rely on mosquito repellent plants. These plants are natural and fun, making them a perfect solution for my space.
You can plant them directly in the ground or keep them in pots. Some plants release their scents with just a light breeze, while others need a bit more contact to be effective. Crushing the leaves can also help release their oils, providing even more mosquito control. It’s a natural way to enjoy the outdoors without being bothered by pesky insects.
Key Takeaways
- This article explores 25 plants that repel mosquitoes.
- Natural mosquito repellent options are highlighted.
- Frequently asked questions about mosquito control are included.
25 Plants That Keep Mosquitos Away
Geraniums
Geraniums have a strong smell that mosquitoes dislike. They have something called geraniol, which makes them effective. You can grow them outside in the summer, but they don’t like the cold. They thrive in full sun.
Citronella Geraniums
Citronella geraniums aren’t true citronella plants but are a type of geranium. This variety has more citronellol, the same oil found in citronella grass used in candles to repel mosquitoes. It’s great for keeping those flying pests away.
Citronella Grass
Citronella grass is often mistaken for lemongrass but is a different plant. It’s rich in citronellol, making it very effective. However, it’s not always easy to find in stores.
Lemongrass
Lemongrass contains both citral and geraniol, which mosquitoes hate. This plant is easy to grow in damp climates and can get quite big. Sometimes, it can last through winter in warmer areas.
Lemon Balm
Lemon Balm is easy to grow and contains rosmarinic acid, citronellol, and geraniol. It can spread rapidly if not controlled. When I mow the grass near it, the smell helps keep mosquitoes away.
Lavender
Lavender has a pleasant scent and contains pinene and linalool, which repel mosquitoes. It grows best in well-drained soil and can produce flowers in the first year.
Marigolds
Marigolds have a compound called tagetone, which repels mosquitoes. They’re easy to grow and come in bright yellow and orange flowers.
Basil
Different types of basil, like Thai and Holy Basil, contain geraniol and some eugenol, which repel mosquitoes. They are also great in recipes!
Eucalyptus
Eucalyptus can be grown in pots and brought inside during the winter. It contains pinene and limonene, which help keep mosquitoes away.
Rosemary
Rosemary is not just for cooking. It contains rosmarinic acid, pinene, and borneol, making it effective against mosquitoes as well.
Peppermint
Peppermint, with its high menthol content, is another great option. Just plant it and let the scent do the work.
Lantana
Lantana’s leaves have a smell that repels mosquitoes. It also contains compounds like lanatoside and lantanone, which are effective against these pests.
Bee Balm (Monarda)
Bee Balm, also called Monarda, contains thymol and pinene. Using dried, crushed leaves works best to repel mosquitoes.
Catnip
Catnip, a member of the mint family, contains menthol. It’s easy to grow and keeps mosquitoes at bay.
Pennyroyal
Pennyroyal has strong esters like citral and pinene. It also contains pugelone but should be used carefully as some parts of the plant can be toxic if ingested.
Lemon Thyme
Lemon Thyme contains thymol and can help in repelling mosquitoes. You can even rub the leaves onto your skin for added protection.
Sage
Sage varieties contain cineole and camphor. Burning sage can release these oils into the air to repel mosquitoes.
Chamomile
Chamomile plants, best known for their calming tea, also contain pinene, which mosquitoes dislike.
Nasturtiums
Nasturtiums are somewhat controversial. Some folks swear by them for repelling mosquitoes, while others don’t see much effect.
Onions
Onions have sulfur compounds that mosquitoes can’t stand. Planting them in your garden can help keep the bugs away.
Garlic
Much like onions, garlic contains sulfur compounds. Planting garlic can add flavor to your dishes and keep mosquitoes away.
Oregano
Oregano contains thymol and pinene. Growing some oregano not only helps with mosquitoes but also with flavoring your meals.
Petunias
I’m not sure what exactly is in petunias, but having them around seems to result in fewer mosquitoes.
Yarrow
Yarrow has camphor, which mosquitoes don’t like. It’s a good addition to your garden.
Chrysanthemums
Chrysanthemums bloom in the fall and have several compounds that mosquitoes hate, making them a great garden addition.
Other Solutions
Aside from plants, homemade mosquito repellents and tick repellents are natural and effective ways to keep mosquitoes at bay. I’ve tried them and found them to work very well.
Is there any plant you found particularly effective? I’d love to hear about your experiences in keeping mosquitoes away!
Frequently Asked Questions
What’s the top plant to get rid of mosquitoes?
From what I’ve learned, citronella plants are at the top of the list. They contain natural oils that mosquitoes don’t like. Citronella geraniums are especially good for this.
Which scents can send mosquitoes packing the most effectively?
Mosquitoes hate the smell of many plants. Lemongrass, basil, and rosemary are some of the best. These scents can help keep those pesky bugs away.
Can lavender really be my garden hero against mosquitoes?
Yes, it can! Lavender has a nice smell for us, but mosquitoes can’t stand it. Planting lavender around your garden can make a big difference in keeping mosquitoes away.
Are citronella plants just garden eye-candy or do they seriously repel mosquitoes?
Citronella plants are not just nice to look at. They really do help with mosquitoes. The oils from the citronella plant are effective in repelling the pests.
Got any tips on keeping those pesky mosquitoes out of my potted patio greenery?
Make sure to plant mosquito-repelling plants in your pots. Marigolds, catnip, and basil are great choices. Also, try to keep the area dry; mosquitoes love standing water.
Sun’s not friends with my garden; know any shade-loving plants that’ll fend off mosquitoes?
You can grow catnip in shaded areas, and it works well to keep mosquitoes away. Lemon balm is another good choice for shady spots in your garden.
