Plants Mosquitoes Hate: Natural Solutions for a Pesky Problem

Mosquitoes are not only irritating, but they can also transmit deadly diseases like malaria and dengue fever. While there are many products on the market designed to repel or kill mosquitoes, they often contain harsh chemicals that can be harmful to humans and the environment. Fortunately, there are also natural solutions available, including certain plants that mosquitoes hate. In this article, we'll explore some of the most effective plants to keep mosquitoes at bay.

Why Use Plants to Repel Mosquitoes?

Using plants to repel mosquitoes is an eco-friendly and natural solution. Unlike chemical pesticides, plants do not harm the environment, wildlife, or humans. Additionally, many of these plants have added benefits such as providing food, medicine, and beautifying your outdoor space.

The Top Plants Mosquitoes Hate

Lavender

Lavender is a beautiful flowering plant that emits a fragrance that repels mosquitoes. Not only does it look great in any garden, but it also has calming properties that can help you relax and relieve stress. You can grow lavender in pots or directly in the ground, and it prefers full sun and well-drained soil.

Citronella Grass

Citronella grass is one of the most well-known plants for repelling mosquitoes. It contains citronellol, which is an effective mosquito repellent. Citronella grass is easy to grow and thrives in warm climates. You can plant it in pots or in the ground, and it prefers full sun and moist soil.

Basil

Basil is a popular herb that is not only delicious in meals but also repels mosquitoes. Its strong aroma confuses mosquitoes and makes it difficult for them to find you. Basil is easy to grow, and you can use it in your cooking as well. You can plant basil in pots or directly in the ground, and it prefers full sun and moist soil.

Pennyroyal

Pennyroyal is a member of the mint family and emits a scent that mosquitoes hate. It's important to note that pennyroyal should not be ingested, as it can be toxic to humans and pets. However, when planted around your outdoor space, it can be an effective mosquito repellent. Pennyroyal prefers full sun and moist soil.

Marigolds

Marigolds are colorful and beautiful flowers that also happen to repel mosquitoes. They contain pyrethrum, which is a natural insecticide. Marigolds are easy to grow and require full sun and well-drained soil.

Lemon Balm

Lemon balm is a fragrant herb that has been used for centuries to repel mosquitoes. It contains citronellal, which is a natural insect repellent. Lemon balm is easy to grow and requires full sun and well-drained soil.

Rosemary

Rosemary is a versatile herb that not only adds flavor to your meals but also repels mosquitoes. Its strong aroma confuses mosquitoes and makes it difficult for them to find you. Rosemary is easy to grow and requires full sun and well-drained soil.

Mint

Mint is another member of the mint family that repels mosquitoes. Its strong odor masks the scent of humans and makes it difficult for mosquitoes to find you. Mint is easy to grow and can be invasive, so it's best to plant it in pots or a contained area.

Garlic

Garlic is a pungent herb that not only repels mosquitoes but also has many health benefits. Its strong odor confuses mosquitoes and makes it difficult for them to find you. Garlic is easy to grow and requires full sun and well-drained soil.

Catnip

Catnip is a member of the mint family that contains nepetalactone, which is an effective mosquito repellent. It's important to note that catnip can be attractive to cats, so it's best to plant it in an area away from your feline friends. Catnip prefers full sun and well-drained soil.

Eucalyptus

Eucalyptus trees contain eucalyptol, which is a natural insecticide. You can plant eucalyptus trees around your outdoor space to repel mosquitoes. Eucalyptus trees require full sun and well-drained soil.

Rue

Rue is a fragrant herb that emits a scent that mosquitoes hate. It's important to note that rue can be toxic to humans and pets, so it's best to plant it in an area away from children and animals. Rue prefers full sun and well-drained soil.

Nasturtiums

Nasturtiums are beautiful flowering plants that also happen to repel mosquitoes. They contain a compound called nasturtium, which is an effective mosquito repellent. Nasturtiums are easy to grow and require full sun and well-drained soil.

Cedar Trees

Cedar trees contain thujone, which is a natural insecticide. You can plant cedar trees around your outdoor space to repel mosquitoes. Cedar trees require full sun and well-drained soil.

How to Use Plants to Repel Mosquitoes

There are a few ways you can use plants to repel mosquitoes:

1. Plant them around your outdoor space: Planting the above-mentioned plants around your outdoor space can create a natural barrier that repels mosquitoes.

2. Crush the leaves: Crushing the leaves of certain plants, such as basil and lemon balm, releases their essential oils, which can repel mosquitoes.

3. Make a spray: You can make a natural mosquito repellent spray by steeping herbs like lavender or citronella in water and spraying it on your skin or clothing.

FAQs

Q: Are these plants safe for pets?

A:

While many of these plants are safe for pets, some, such as pennyroyal and rue, can be toxic. It's best to research each plant before planting it in an area where your pets have access.

Q: Do these plants work for all types of mosquitoes?

A:

These plants can help repel many different types of mosquitoes, but they may not be effective against all species.

Q: Can I use essential oils instead of planting these plants?

A:

Yes, essential oils like lavender and peppermint can also repel mosquitoes. However, it's important to dilute them properly and not apply them directly to your skin.

Q: How often do I need to reapply plant-based mosquito repellents?

A:

Plant-based mosquito repellents may need to be reapplied every few hours, depending on the concentration and effectiveness of the plant.

Q: What else can I do to prevent mosquito bites?

A:

In addition to using plant-based mosquito repellents, you can also wear protective clothing, use mosquito netting, and avoid being outside during peak mosquito hours (dawn and dusk).


Planting certain plants around your outdoor space is a natural and effective way to repel mosquitoes. Not only do these plants look great in any garden, but they also have added benefits such as providing food, medicine, and beautifying your outdoor space. By using plants to repel mosquitoes, you can keep yourself and the environment safe from harsh chemicals found in traditional mosquito repellents.