Ready to rid those pesky mosquitos once and for all? These are the best mosquito repellant plants to add to your yard and garden!
Summer months are wonderful, but they bring out insects and mosquitos quicker than you’re ready for.
How many times have you felt like your outdoor time was cut short because of those pesky biting bugs?
This summer, take charge of your outdoor space by placing some of the best plants for mosquito repellent out and around your yard.
You’ll be amazed at how well they help to keep those bugs at bay so you and your family can spend more time enjoying the beauty of Mother Nature.
Table of Contents
13 Best Mosquito Repellant Plants
Instead of spraying yourself and your family with harmful chemicals from bug spray, why not try some of these mosquito repellant plants instead?
Catnip
Yes…this is the same catnip that your cat loves and adores.
So while you’re repelling mosquitos, you may find that you attract a few cats as well.
Catnip is relatively easy to grow but can often take over a space quickly.
The good thing about catnip? It can also help in keeping termites away as well.
That’s a double win in my book!
Citronella
Citronella shouldn’t come as a surprise since this is the main ingredient for a lot of repellant candles on the market.
It is fairly easy to grow. Just make sure to keep in mind that wherever you plant it, it needs to be in an area that gets full sun.
Garlic
While you may love the smell and taste of garlic, mosquitos most definitely don’t.
Garlic is planted during the fall months for the following summer harvest.
Use it to cook with, or repel those bugs – the choice is up to you.
Marigold
Nicknamed “nature’s insecticide”, Marigolds keep the mosquitoes away from you and your skin.
Plus, they are quite beautiful to plant and look at as well!
Being able to add a few fun pops of color with plants that are serving a purpose as well is awesome!
Peppermint
Peppermint plants need to be planted in an area with full sun but watch them carefully as they will grow, grow, grow!
One of their amazing features is that they do repel mosquitos but if one of those pesky bugs does happen to bite you, peppermint oil can actually help to relieve the itch as well!
Basil
More than likely, you’ve caught a whiff or two of basil.
It’s quite the pleasant aroma that might just make you crave a plate of spaghetti.
Its scent carries strong on its own, so there is little work to do on your part, which is always an added bonus.
Bee Balm
Bring some beauty into your yard with a bee balm plant.
Hummingbirds, butterflies, and bees all find this plant irresistible and you’ll find them frequenting the area often.
Know what you won’t find when you plant this plant in your yard? Mosquitos!
Floss Flower
While the floss flower does a great job at removing the mosquitos from your yard, keep in mind that it’s harmful to animals to consume.
If you live in an area where this could be a concern, you may want to find an alternative plant or two instead.
Lemon Balm
It appears that mosquitos aren’t a fan of lemon as this lemon balm plant seems to run them out of areas!
If you like the smell, plant away my friends!
Mint
The smell of mint can be quite relaxing and soothing, and it also is a signal for the mosquitos to go far, far away.
One warning about mint is that it is fairly invasive after it is planted.
A good way to control this plant is to plant inside a planter and bury the planter so the plant has only so far the roots can grow.
Bring a little minty smell to your backyard this summer and take relaxation to a whole other level.
Rosemary
Rosemary is another one of those plants that tend to be found in a ton of varying recipes, but when the rosemary plant is burned, it creates an aroma that mosquitos just don’t care for at all!
Planting this in your yard or garden is a great way to have some herbs on hand and to keep your yard mosquito free.
Sage
People tend to burn sage for a variety of reasons, but one of those reasons is to get rid of the mosquitos.
Not only can this plant help in that area, but sage can also be a repellant for ticks as well!
Sage does need a well-lit area to grow so keep that in mind when choosing where to plant.
Pennyroyal
Pennyroyal is a deterrent for mosquitos but has been shown to be harmful and toxic to women who are pregnant and to infants.
This is extremely important and this plant should be handled with caution if you decide to use around your home.
Final Thoughts on Plants that Repel Mosquitoes
Now that you know some of the best mosquito repellant plants, it’s time for you to make a choice about which ones you plan on having around your home.
While they all do their part in repelling mosquitos that are near, keep in mind that no plant ever has that guarantee.
Also, remember that a lot of these plants will put off an aroma or some other scent so it’s a good idea to like the scent yourself if you are planning on having it as a permanent fixture in the outside perimeter of your home.
Hopefully, by using some of these plants, you will find that your summer months are full of more memories and fewer mosquito bites!
And remember, if you plant one and it’s not working, you can always try, try again!
Make sure to “PIN IT” for later and follow Sunny Home Gardens on Pinterest for all the latest posts about plants!
lemongrass is good for getting rid of mosquitos also