10 Plants That Can Keep Mosquitoes Away

Why You Should Use Plants to Deter Mosquitoes

Mosquitoes are annoying pests that can not only make it difficult to enjoy time outside, but also carry harmful diseases such as West Nile virus and malaria. While there are plenty of insect repellents on the market, many people prefer natural alternatives to chemicals. One such solution is using plants that have been known to repel mosquitoes for centuries. In this article, we will explore 10 plants that can help keep mosquitoes at bay.

The Best Plants to Deter Mosquitoes

Citronella

Citronella is perhaps the most well-known plant when it comes to repelling mosquitoes. This plant contains citronellol, which has been shown to be effective at keeping mosquitoes away. Citronella plants are easy to grow and thrive in warm, sunny climates.

How to Grow Citronella

Citronella plants prefer full sun and well-drained soil. They can be grown in pots or planted directly in the ground. To use citronella as a mosquito repellent, crush some of the leaves and rub them on your skin.

Lavender

Lavender is a beautiful purple plant that is known for its calming scent. However, mosquitoes don't find lavender so soothing. The oil found in lavender plants contains linalool and linalyl acetate, both of which are natural mosquito repellents.

How to Grow Lavender

Lavender plants need well-draining soil and plenty of sun. They can be grown in pots or in the ground. To use lavender as a mosquito repellent, crush some of the flowers and rub them on your skin.

Basil

Basil is a delicious herb that is commonly used in cooking. However, it also has insect-repelling properties. Basil contains eugenol, which is toxic to mosquitoes.

How to Grow Basil

Basil plants need well-draining soil and plenty of sun. They can be grown in pots or in the ground. To use basil as a mosquito repellent, crush some of the leaves and rub them on your skin.

Catnip

Catnip is a plant that is known for driving cats wild. However, it has the opposite effect on mosquitoes. The oil found in catnip contains nepetalactone, which is a natural mosquito repellent.

How to Grow Catnip

Catnip plants are easy to grow and thrive in full sun or partial shade. They can be grown in pots or in the ground. To use catnip as a mosquito repellent, crush some of the leaves and rub them on your skin.

Marigolds

Marigolds are bright, cheerful flowers that are often used in gardens. However, they also have insect-repelling properties. Marigolds contain pyrethrum, which is a natural insecticide.

How to Grow Marigolds

Marigolds need well-draining soil and plenty of sun. They can be grown in pots or in the ground. To use marigolds as a mosquito repellent, simply plant them around your yard or patio.

Lemon Balm

Lemon balm is a fragrant herb that is commonly used in teas. However, it also has insect-repelling properties. Lemon balm contains citronellal, which is a natural mosquito repellent.

How to Grow Lemon Balm

Lemon balm plants prefer partial shade and well-draining soil. They can be grown in pots or in the ground. To use lemon balm as a mosquito repellent, crush some of the leaves and rub them on your skin.

Rosemary

Rosemary is a fragrant herb that is commonly used in cooking. However, it also has insect-repelling properties. Rosemary contains rosmarinic acid, which is a natural mosquito repellent.

How to Grow Rosemary

Rosemary plants need well-draining soil and plenty of sun. They can be grown in pots or in the ground. To use rosemary as a mosquito repellent, crush some of the leaves and rub them on your skin.

Pennyroyal

Pennyroyal is a member of the mint family and has been used for centuries as an insect repellent. The oil found in pennyroyal contains pulegone, which is toxic to mosquitoes.

How to Grow Pennyroyal

Pennyroyal plants prefer partial shade and well-draining soil. They should not be ingested, as they can be toxic in large amounts. To use pennyroyal as a mosquito repellent, crush some of the leaves and rub them on your skin.

Clove

Clove is a spice that is commonly used in cooking. However, it also has insect-repelling properties. Clove oil contains eugenol, which is toxic to mosquitoes.

How to Use Clove as a Mosquito Repellent

You can use clove oil as a mosquito repellent by mixing it with a carrier oil such as coconut or olive oil. Apply the mixture to your skin before going outside.

Peppermint

Peppermint is a fragrant herb that is commonly used in teas and desserts. However, it also has insect-repelling properties. Peppermint contains menthol, which is a natural mosquito repellent.

How to Grow Peppermint

Peppermint plants prefer partial shade and well-draining soil. They can be grown in pots or in the ground. To use peppermint as a mosquito repellent, crush some of the leaves and rub them on your skin.

Floss Flower

Floss flower, also known as Ageratum, is a low-growing plant that produces small, fluffy blue flowers. The flowers contain coumarin, which is a natural mosquito repellent.

How to Grow Floss Flower

Floss flower plants prefer full sun and well-draining soil. They can be grown in pots or in the ground. To use floss flower as a mosquito repellent, simply plant them around your yard or patio.


Using plants to repel mosquitoes is a safe and natural alternative to chemical insect repellents. The 10 plants listed above are not only effective at keeping mosquitoes away, but also beautiful additions to any garden. By incorporating these plants into your outdoor space, you can enjoy the great outdoors without worrying about pesky mosquito bites.

FAQs About Plants That Repel Mosquitoes

1. Do these plants really work?

Yes! These plants have been shown to be effective at repelling mosquitoes. However, keep in mind that they may not completely eliminate mosquitoes from your outdoor space.

2. Can I use these plants indoors?

Some of these plants, such as lavender and peppermint, can be grown indoors. However, keep in mind that they may not be as effective at repelling mosquitoes indoors as they are outdoors.

3. Are these plants safe for pets?

While many of these plants are safe for pets, some, such as pennyroyal, can be toxic if ingested in large amounts. Be sure to research each plant before incorporating it into your outdoor space.

4. Can I use these plants instead of insect repellent?

While these plants can be effective at repelling mosquitoes, they may not be as long-lasting or as effective as chemical insect repellents. Use them in combination with other mosquito-repelling methods for best results.

5. How often do I need to replace these plants?

These plants typically last for one season before needing to be replaced. However, some, such as rosemary and lemon balm, can last for multiple seasons if cared for properly.