There’s nothing quite like enjoying a warm summer evening in your backyard—until the mosquitoes show up.
These annoying pests can quickly ruin your time outdoors, and while bug sprays and chemical repellents are common solutions, there’s a natural way to fight back: planting mosquito-repelling plants in your garden.
Many plants produce natural oils and scents that deter mosquitoes, making them excellent additions to your outdoor space.
Not only do these plants help keep bugs at bay, but they also add beauty, fragrance, and even culinary benefits to your garden.
In this article, we’ll cover 10 of the best plants to grow to repel mosquitoes and how to use them effectively for a bug-free backyard.
Why Use Plants to Repel Mosquitoes?
Chemical sprays often contain DEET or other synthetic ingredients, which can be harmful to the environment and sensitive skin.
Mosquito-repelling plants offer a safer, eco-friendly alternative while enhancing your garden’s look and scent.
Benefits of mosquito-repelling plants:
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Naturally deter mosquitoes without chemicals
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Provide fragrance, color, and beauty
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Attract beneficial insects like bees and butterflies
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Can be used in DIY natural bug repellents
1. Citronella Grass (Cymbopogon nardus)
Perhaps the most well-known mosquito-repelling plant, citronella grass is the source of citronella oil, a popular natural insect repellent used in candles and sprays.
Why it works:
Mosquitoes dislike the strong citrus scent of citronella, which masks other attractants like body heat and carbon dioxide.
How to grow:
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Thrives in warm climates (Zones 9–11)
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Needs full sun and well-drained soil
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Can be grown in containers and overwintered indoors
Tip: Crush the leaves to release more oil and maximize effectiveness.
2. Lavender (Lavandula spp.)
With its soothing scent and lovely purple flowers, lavender is a favorite for humans and a nightmare for mosquitoes.
Why it works:
The essential oils in lavender flowers and leaves are offensive to mosquitoes and other flying insects.
How to grow:
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Prefers full sun and well-drained soil
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Ideal for borders, raised beds, and container gardens
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Drought-tolerant and low-maintenance
Bonus: Lavender also repels moths and fleas, and its dried flowers can be used indoors for long-lasting fragrance.
3. Marigolds (Tagetes spp.)
Bright and cheerful, marigolds are easy to grow and act as natural insect repellents. Their distinct scent helps keep mosquitoes—and even aphids—away.
Why it works:
Marigolds contain pyrethrum, a compound used in many insect repellents.
How to grow:
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Thrive in full sun
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Grow well in containers or garden borders
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Annuals that bloom from spring to fall
Tip: Place marigolds near entrances, windows, or patios for maximum mosquito control.
4. Basil (Ocimum basilicum)
More than just a kitchen herb, basil is a mosquito-fighting powerhouse. Its strong aroma helps keep pests away, and it can even be used to make a natural mosquito repellent spray.
Why it works:
Basil emits a strong scent that repels mosquitoes, especially lemon basil and cinnamon basil varieties.
How to grow:
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Needs full sun and regular watering
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Grows well in pots or garden beds
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Harvest regularly to encourage new growth
DIY repellent: Boil basil leaves in water, let cool, and strain. Pour into a spray bottle and apply to skin.
5. Peppermint (Mentha × piperita)
Known for its refreshing scent, peppermint also has mosquito-repelling properties. Plus, it’s a great herb to have on hand for tea or cocktails.
Why it works:
The menthol in peppermint is unpleasant to mosquitoes and also soothes bites if you do get one.
How to grow:
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Prefers partial shade and moist, well-drained soil
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Spreads quickly—grow in containers to control it
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Can be dried and used in sachets or sprays
Bonus: Also repels ants, spiders, and flies.
6. Lemongrass (Cymbopogon citratus)
Closely related to citronella grass, lemongrass has a strong lemony aroma that’s effective in deterring mosquitoes.
Why it works:
Contains citral and geraniol, compounds that repel insects and are used in commercial repellents.
How to grow:
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Needs warm temperatures and full sun
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Best grown in large containers in colder climates
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Grows up to 4 feet tall and adds tropical flair to your yard
Tip: Use chopped lemongrass in cooking or teas.
7. Rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis)
Another kitchen staple with pest-repelling power, rosemary helps keep mosquitoes and other garden pests at bay.
Why it works:
Its woodsy scent confuses mosquito sensory receptors and drives them away.
How to grow:
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Prefers hot, dry conditions and full sun
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Grows well in pots or garden beds
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Can be shaped into hedges or ornamental plants
Use it: Burn dried rosemary sprigs in a fire pit or grill to create mosquito-repelling smoke.
8. Catnip (Nepeta cataria)
Cats love it, but mosquitoes hate it. Catnip contains a powerful compound called nepetalactone, which is even more effective than DEET in some studies.
Why it works:
Nepetalactone is a natural mosquito repellent that disrupts their scent receptors.
How to grow:
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Thrives in full sun to partial shade
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Grows easily and can become invasive—plant in containers
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Can be dried for indoor use or homemade bug sprays
Note: Be ready for some feline visitors if you grow this plant!
9. Scented Geraniums (Pelargonium spp.)
Not to be confused with regular geraniums, scented geraniums, especially lemon-scented varieties, are great mosquito deterrents.
Why it works:
Their citrus-scented leaves contain compounds similar to citronella that repel mosquitoes.
How to grow:
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Prefers full sun and well-drained soil
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Great in pots or hanging baskets
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Can be overwintered indoors in cooler climates
Tip: Rub the leaves between your fingers to release the scent and enhance its repellent properties.
10. Bee Balm (Monarda didyma)
Also known as wild bergamot, bee balm is not only a pollinator magnet but also keeps mosquitoes at bay with its fragrant foliage.
Why it works:
Its strong aroma confuses mosquitoes while attracting bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds.
How to grow:
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Prefers full sun and moist, well-drained soil
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Blooms in summer with vibrant red, pink, or purple flowers
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Perennial in most zones (4–9)
Bonus: Leaves can be used to make a refreshing herbal tea.
Tips for Using Plants to Repel Mosquitoes
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Plant in clusters: Group mosquito-repelling plants around seating areas, doorways, patios, and outdoor kitchens.
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Crush leaves: Rubbing or lightly crushing the leaves helps release essential oils and boost their effectiveness.
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Combine with water features wisely: Mosquitoes breed in standing water, so ensure fountains or ponds are properly maintained.
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Mix with DIY repellents: Many of these plants can be used in homemade sprays and lotions.
Growing mosquito-repelling plants is a natural, beautiful, and eco-friendly way to protect your outdoor space from pesky bugs.
Whether you prefer herbs like basil and rosemary or ornamental plants like lavender and marigolds, each plant offers dual-purpose benefits—repelling mosquitoes while enhancing your landscape.
With the right combination of these 10 plants, you can create a fragrant, functional garden that keeps mosquitoes away—no chemicals required.
