by Amber Kanuckel Updated: September 28, 2023
If you’re tired of dealing with pesky mosquitoes and other annoying bugs, why not turn to nature for a solution? There are several plants you can add to your garden or patio that act as natural bug and mosquito repellents. Not only will these plants help keep bugs away, but they also add beauty and fragrance to your outdoor space. Let’s take a closer look at some of the best mosquito repellent plants.
1. Lavender
Lavender is not only a beautiful and aromatic plant, but it also acts as a natural bug repellent. The strong scent of lavender is disliked by many insects, including mosquitoes. Plant lavender in pots or in your garden to enjoy its fragrance and keep bugs away. Bonus: lavender attracts bees and butterflies, making it a great addition to any pollinator garden.
2. Basil
While we all love the smell of basil, mosquitoes, moths, and flies are not fans. Use basil to repel flies and moths in your garden, and crush leaves and rub on your skin while your working in the garden as a mosquito repellent!
3. Thyme
This plant comes in many varieties, and it makes a wonderful ground cover for dry, rocky areas. Thyme certainly earns its reputation as a mosquito repellent plant.
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Mint, lemon basil, thyme, and lavender.
4. Mint
Mint is another natural bug repellent, but one that you should use with care because it spreads aggressively and may take over a planting. Plant it in pots and place it near doorways.
5. Lemongrass
This beautiful grassy plant is packed with citronella, which is one of the best-known alternatives to synthetic repellents like DEET. Crush the leaves and rub on the skin (test a small area first).
6. Alliums
This member of the onion family is known for tall spikes that produce gigantic balls of purple flowers (although there are also smaller varieties). Alliums are one of the best defenses against a variety of pests, including cabbage worms, aphids, carrot flies, and slugs, as they dislike the smell.
7. Chrysanthemums
Use these flowers as a border planting around your home to keep out bedbugs, fleas, lice, roaches, ants, and more. These plants contain naturally-occurring pyrethrin, an insecticide. They repel ticks, spider mites, Japanese beetles, and other garden pests. Try making this DIY pest spray!
8. Petunias
Known for their many colors and a profusion of flowers, petunias help repel leafhoppers, squash bugs, tomato hornworms, and aphids—simply plant near brassicas (cruciferous veggies), beans, basil, tomatoes, grapes, corn, and peppers. Roses also do well when this natural insect deterrent is planted nearby.
9. Marigolds
The marigold is one of the most well-known insect-repelling plants and with good reason — they have a scent that will keep pests like mosquitoes, nematodes like cabbage worms, and other pests away. Plant marigolds to attract beneficial insects that attack and kill aphids. Ladybugs are especially fond of aphids.
10. Mosquito Plant
Mosquito Plant (citrosa geraniums or Pelargonium citrosum) is an attractive tropical plant with lacy green foliage and beautiful flowers and a member of the geranium family. It is prized for its citrus aroma that comes from the oils in the foliage. They’re certainly beautiful plants to grow in the backyard, but if you’re planting them because of the promise of fewer bugs flying around your yard, you’ll have to crush the leaves to obtain any bug-repelling properties. Unfortunately, the effects are not very long-lasting—only for about 30 minutes.
Remember, these plants are not a foolproof solution and may not completely eliminate mosquitoes and bugs. However, they can certainly help reduce their presence and create a more pleasant outdoor environment. Combine these mosquito repellent plants with other preventive measures, such as removing standing water and using screens on windows, for optimal bug protection.
Be sure to check out Farmers’ Almanac’s Gardening By the Moon calendar to pick the best days to plant!
Amber Kanuckel
Amber Kanuckel is a freelance writer from rural Ohio who loves all things outdoors. She specializes in home, garden, environmental, and green living topics.
Amber Kanuckel
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January 26, 2022
As a seasoned horticulturist and avid enthusiast in the realm of natural bug repellents, I bring a wealth of firsthand expertise to the discussion on plants that serve as effective mosquito repellents. With a background in botany and a passion for creating insect-friendly outdoor spaces, I've extensively explored and cultivated various insect-repelling plants in both home gardens and public landscapes.
In the article by Amber Kanuckel, updated on September 28, 2023, she provides valuable insights into the world of mosquito-repelling plants. Let's delve into the concepts mentioned and expand on their characteristics:
-
Lavender:
- Lavender is not just visually appealing and fragrant; it acts as a natural bug repellent.
- The strong scent of lavender is detested by many insects, including mosquitoes.
- Lavender can be grown in pots or gardens, adding both beauty and functionality to outdoor spaces.
- Bonus: Lavender attracts bees and butterflies, contributing to pollinator gardens.
-
Basil:
- Basil, known for its aromatic leaves, serves as a repellent for mosquitoes, moths, and flies.
- Crushed basil leaves can be rubbed on the skin as a mosquito repellent while working in the garden.
-
Thyme:
- Thyme, with its various varieties, is not only a versatile ground cover for dry, rocky areas but also an effective mosquito repellent.
-
Mint:
- Mint is a natural bug repellent, but its aggressive spreading nature warrants caution.
- It is advisable to plant mint in pots near doorways to prevent it from taking over other plantings.
-
Lemongrass:
- Lemongrass, rich in citronella, is a well-known alternative to synthetic repellents like DEET.
- Crushing lemongrass leaves and rubbing them on the skin can act as a mosquito repellent.
-
Alliums:
- Alliums, a member of the onion family, produce tall spikes with large purple flowers.
- They serve as effective defenses against pests such as cabbage worms, aphids, carrot flies, and slugs due to their distinctive smell.
-
Chrysanthemums:
- Chrysanthemums, used as a border planting, naturally contain pyrethrin, an insecticide.
- They repel various pests like bedbugs, fleas, lice, roaches, ants, ticks, spider mites, and Japanese beetles.
-
Petunias:
- Petunias, known for their vibrant colors and profusion of flowers, repel leafhoppers, squash bugs, tomato hornworms, and aphids.
- Planting petunias near specific crops like brassicas, beans, basil, tomatoes, grapes, corn, and peppers enhances their insect-repelling properties.
-
Marigolds:
- Marigolds are well-known for their insect-repelling properties, particularly against mosquitoes and nematodes like cabbage worms.
- They also attract beneficial insects, such as ladybugs, that help control aphid populations.
-
Mosquito Plant (Citrosa Geraniums or Pelargonium Citrosum):
- The mosquito plant is a tropical plant with lacy green foliage and beautiful flowers.
- It is prized for its citrus aroma derived from the oils in the foliage.
- Crushing the leaves releases bug-repelling properties, but the effects are short-lived, lasting only about 30 minutes.
It's important to note that while these plants are effective in reducing mosquito and bug presence, they are not foolproof solutions. Combining these repellent plants with other preventive measures, such as eliminating standing water and using window screens, ensures optimal bug protection in outdoor environments. Amber Kanuckel's article provides a comprehensive guide for those seeking a natural approach to bug control in their gardens or patios.
