6 Mosquito Repelling Plants and Herbs

Mosquitoes can be a real buzzkill, especially during warm summer evenings. But guess what? You can turn your garden into a mosquito-free zone without relying on chemical sprays. Plants like citronella, lavender, and basil not only make your outdoor space smell great but also keep those pesky mosquitoes away. Whether you’re planning a barbecue or just want to enjoy a peaceful evening outside, these plants can make all the difference.

Plants and Herbs That Repel Mosquitoes

Citronella

We’ve all heard of citronella candles, right? Well, the citronella plant is where it all starts. Many expert gardeners recommend this plant because it has a strong citrusy smell that mosquitoes absolutely hate. When you plant citronella in your garden, you’re basically telling mosquitoes to back off.

How to use citronella effectively: You can either keep potted citronella plants around your outdoor seating area or crush a few leaves and rub them on your skin. Both ways, you’ll be surrounded by a scent that mosquitoes can’t stand but is pleasant for humans.

Basil

You might already have basil in your garden for cooking. But did you know it’s also a natural mosquito repellent? The strong smell of basil leaves is what keeps the mosquitoes away.

You can pluck a few leaves and place them in bowls around your outdoor area. Alternatively, you can use basil essential oil as a natural spray. Either way, your outdoor gatherings will be much more enjoyable.

Lemon Balm

Lemon balm is a member of the mint family and has a lemony scent that mosquitoes despise. Just like basil, the strong aroma interferes with the mosquito’s ability to smell, making it less likely they’ll find you.

How to use it: Plant lemon balm in pots or your garden, especially near seating areas. Additionally, you can crush a few leaves and rub them on your skin for an immediate effect. However, be cautious, as lemon balm can be invasive and spread quickly.

Lavender

Lavender is not just for relaxation and aromatherapy. Surprisingly, it’s also a mosquito repellent. The plant gives off a sweet scent, which you might find calming, but mosquitoes find unbearable.

How to make your own lavender oil: According to herbal experts, you can create your own lavender-infused oil at home. All you need to do is steep dried lavender flowers in olive oil for a few weeks. After that, use the oil as a natural mosquito repellent.

Marigolds

Marigolds are bright, beautiful flowers that also serve as a mosquito repellent. They contain a compound called pyrethrum, which is commonly used in insect repellents.

Plant marigolds near the entrances to your home or around your garden’s perimeter. Not only will they brighten up your space, but they’ll also act as a protective barrier against mosquitoes.

Peppermint

Peppermint has a strong, minty smell that mosquitoes can’t stand. According to scientific studies, peppermint oil is even effective at killing mosquito larvae.

How to use it: Plant peppermint in containers to control its spread, as it can be invasive, like lemon balm. You can also make a simple peppermint spray by adding a few drops of essential oil to water.

Further Reading: How To Stop Mosquito Bites From Itching