15 Plants That Can Help Keep Mosquitoes Away

Tired of those pesky mosquitoes ruining your outdoor fun? Nature has the answer you’re looking for. This article will surely help you in this matter.

Here I’ll talk about some selective plants that are really helpful to keep your home safe from mosquitoes. From my research, I have listed 15 plants that can help keep mosquitoes away:

1. Citronella Grass
2. Lavender
3. Marigolds
4. Rosemary
5. Mint
6. Basil
7. Lemongrass
8. Catnip
9. Geraniums
10. Lantana
11. Eucalyptus
12. Chrysanthemums
13. Pennyroyal
14. Floss Flower
15. American Beautyberry

Let’s explore these plants that can help keep these buzzing nuisances away from your yard and patio. Keep on reading!

How Do Some Plants Repel Mosquitoes?

Mosquitoes hate certain smells! Some plants, like superheroes, make these yucky smells to keep them away. These smelly plants act like bug spray for your yard! In two ways: some confuse mosquitos by hiding the scent they like. 

Others have such strong smells, that mosquitos just stay away completely. So, plant some of these in your yard to keep those buzzing bugs away!

15 Plants for Your Home to Keep Mosquitoes Away

Let’s take a closer look at each of these mosquito-fighting plants.

1. Citronella Grass

Citronella grass is the star player in the fight against mosquitoes. It’s the plant that gives citronella candles their mosquito-repelling power. This tall grass releases a strong lemony scent that masks the odors mosquitoes are drawn to. 

By planting citronella grass around your patio or deck, you create a natural barrier against these pests.

2. Lavender

I bet! Lavender isn’t just a pretty face with a sweet smell. Mosquitoes hate its lovely scent. Plant some lavender near your outdoor seating areas, and you’ll not only keep mosquitoes away but also enjoy its calming fragrance.

Plus, Lavender is one of the best medicinal plants to grow at home. It’s a win-win!

3. Marigolds

These bright and cheerful flowers are more than just garden eye candy. Marigolds contain a compound called pyrethrum, which is often used in insect repellents. Their strong scent helps keep mosquitoes and other bugs at bay. 

Plus, they’re easy to grow and add a pop of color to your yard.

4. Rosemary

Rosemary isn’t just for cooking. This herb’s woody scent is a turn-off for mosquitoes. Plant some near your patio or in pots around your outdoor areas. As a bonus, you’ll always have fresh rosemary on hand for your next BBQ!

5. Mint

Mint is a mosquito-repelling powerhouse. Its strong scent confuses these pests and keeps them away. Plant mint in pots (it can spread quickly in gardens) near your outdoor living spaces. You’ll ward off mosquitoes and have a fresh supply of summer mojitos!

6. Basil

This popular herb does double duty in your yard. Basil’s strong scent repels mosquitoes and flies. Plant some near your outdoor seating areas or in pots on your patio table. You’ll keep the bugs away and have fresh basil for your caprese salad!

7. Lemongrass

You bet! Lemongrass contains citronella oil, making it a great mosquito repellent. This tall, grassy plant releases a citrusy scent that mosquitoes can’t stand. Plant it around your yard’s edges to create a mosquito-resistant barrier.

8. Catnip

Your feline friends aren’t the only ones who’ll love this plant. Studies have shown that catnip can be even more effective at repelling mosquitoes than DEET. Its active ingredient, nepetalactone, is a powerful mosquito deterrent. Just be ready for some feline visitors!

9. Geraniums Pack

These colorful flowers are more than just pretty faces. Certain types of geraniums, especially the citronella-scented variety, help keep mosquitoes away. Plant them in pots around your patio or in hanging baskets for both beauty and bug protection.

10. Lantana Light

Lantana’s cluster of small, colorful flowers isn’t just eye-catching – it’s also a mosquito deterrent. This hardy plant thrives in hot climates and releases a scent that mosquitoes don’t like.

It’s perfect for adding color to your yard while keeping the bugs at bay.

11. Eucalyptus

While koalas love eucalyptus, mosquitoes can’t stand it. The strong scent of eucalyptus oil repels mosquitoes and other insects. Plant eucalyptus trees if you have the space, or use potted eucalyptus plants for smaller areas.

12. Chrysanthemums

Chrysanthemums, or mums, contain pyrethrum, a compound used in many insect repellents. This makes them effective against mosquitoes and a variety of other insects.

Plant these colorful flowers around your yard for both pest control and fall color.

13. Pennyroyal

Don’t let its small size fool you – pennyroyal packs a powerful punch against mosquitoes. This member of the mint family releases a strong scent that repels mosquitoes and other insects.

But be careful – it can be toxic if ingested, so it’s best to keep it away from pets and children.

14. Floss Flower

Also known as ageratum, floss flower releases coumarin, a compound often used in mosquito repellents. Its soft, fuzzy blooms add a touch of whimsy to your garden while helping to keep mosquitoes away. Plant it in borders or in pots near seating areas.

15. American Beautyberry

This native North American shrub has a hidden talent – its crushed leaves have mosquito-repelling properties. Native Americans would rub the leaves on their skin to keep bugs away. Plant beautyberry shrubs around your yard for year-round interest and mosquito protection.

You can take some help from the following video about keeping mosquitoes away.

Are Mosquito Repelling Plants Easy to Care for?

Most of the plants here are quite easy to care for. So, don’t be afraid. Rosemary, Lemon grass, and catnip are quite tricky to care for. Here’s why. 

• Rosemary: While it enjoys warm weather, rosemary can be sensitive to overwatering. Good drainage is key.
• Lemongrass: This tropical plant appreciates humidity and consistent moisture. It might need protection from frost in colder climates.
• Catnip: This feline favorite thrives in full sun but can be invasive in some areas. You might need to control its spread.

However, let me make things a little easier for you. Have a look at the table below to see which plants are easy to care for and which are not.

Plant Name	Care Ease Level	Cost (Approximate)
Citronella Grass	Easy	$5 – $15
Lavender	Easy	$4 – $10
Marigolds	Easy	$2 – $8
Rosemary	Tricky	$3 – $10
Mint	Easy	$2 – $6
Basil	Easy	$2 – $5
Lemongrass	Tricky	$5 – $15
Catnip	Tricky	$3 – $8
Geraniums	Easy	$4 – $12
Lantana	Easy	$4 – $12
American Beautyberry	Easy	$10 – $20
Eucalyptus	Difficult	$10 – $30
Chrysanthemums	Difficult	$5 – $15
Pennyroyal	Difficult	$3 – $10
Floss Flower	Difficult	$4 – $12

This table gives you a clear view of which plants are easier to care for and a rough idea of their cost.

Summary of the Article

To get the best results, plant these mosquito-repelling heroes in areas where you spend time outdoors. Place them in pots on your patio, in window boxes, or along pathways. Remember, while these plants can help reduce mosquito populations, they work best as part of a broader mosquito control strategy.

By adding these plants to your yard, you’re not just creating a garden – you’re building a natural defense against mosquitoes. So go ahead, enjoy your outdoor spaces more freely, and let nature help you keep those pesky mosquitoes at bay!