10 Outdoor Plants That Repel Mosquitoes

Mosquitoes: A Threat to Your Health and Wellbeing

Summer is right around the corner, and with it comes the dreaded mosquito season. These pesky insects can quickly ruin your outdoor fun and even pose a threat to your health by carrying dangerous diseases such as malaria, dengue fever, and Zika virus. While there are plenty of chemical insecticides available on the market, they often come with their own set of risks and side effects. Fortunately, there are many natural solutions that can help keep mosquitoes at bay, and they come in the form of plants!

Here are 10 outdoor plants that repel mosquitoes naturally:

Citronella Grass (Cymbopogon nardus)

If you've ever used a citronella candle or spray to ward off mosquitoes, you'll be pleased to know that you can plant the real thing in your yard! Citronella grass has a strong lemony scent that is known to repel mosquitoes. This plant grows best in full sun and can reach up to six feet tall.

How to Use

You can crush the leaves of citronella grass to release its oils and use them to make your own mosquito repellent spray. Alternatively, you can place pots of citronella grass around your sitting area to keep mosquitoes at bay.

Lavender (Lavandula angustifolia)

Lavender is a beautiful and fragrant plant that also happens to be an excellent mosquito repellent. Its sweet scent is pleasing to humans but not so much to mosquitoes. Lavender grows best in well-drained soil and full sun.

How to Use

You can crush the flowers of lavender to release its oils and use them to make your own mosquito repellent spray. Alternatively, you can plant lavender around your yard or in pots near your sitting area.

Lemon Balm (Melissa officinalis)

Lemon balm is a member of the mint family and has a sweet lemony scent that mosquitoes find repuve. This plant grows best in partial shade and well-drained soil.

How to Use

You can crush the leaves of lemon balm to release its oils and use them to make your own mosquito repellent spray. Alternatively, you can plant lemon balm around your yard or in pots near your sitting area.

Catnip (Nepeta cataria)

Catnip is a member of the mint family and contains a compound called nepetalactone, which is highly effective at repelling mosquitoes. In fact, studies have shown that catnip is up to ten times more effective than DEET, a chemical insecticide commonly used in commercial mosquito repellents. Catnip grows best in full sun or partial shade.

How to Use

You can crush the leaves of catnip to release its oils and use them to make your own mosquito repellent spray. Alternatively, you can plant catnip around your yard or in pots near your sitting area.

Basil (Ocimum basilicum)

Basil is a delicious herb that is also an excellent mosquito repellent. Its strong scent masks the scent of humans, making it difficult for mosquitoes to locate their prey. Basil grows best in well-drained soil and full sun.

How to Use

You can crush the leaves of basil to release its oils and use them to make your own mosquito repellent spray. Alternatively, you can plant basil around your yard or in pots near your sitting area.

Peppermint (Mentha x piperita)

Peppermint is a refreshing herb that also happens to repel mosquitoes. Its strong scent masks the scent of humans, making it difficult for mosquitoes to locate their prey. Peppermint grows best in full sun or partial shade.

How to Use

You can crush the leaves of peppermint to release its oils and use them to make your own mosquito repellent spray. Alternatively, you can plant peppermint around your yard or in pots near your sitting area.

Lemon Grass (Cymbopogon citratus)

Lemon grass is a popular ingredient in many Asian dishes and also happens to be an excellent mosquito repellent. Its strong lemony scent masks the scent of humans, making it difficult for mosquitoes to locate their prey. Lemon grass grows best in full sun and well-drained soil.

How to Use

You can crush the leaves of lemon grass to release its oils and use them to make your own mosquito repellent spray. Alternatively, you can plant lemon grass around your yard or in pots near your sitting area.

Rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis)

Rosemary is a fragrant herb that is also an effective mosquito repellent. Its strong scent masks the scent of humans, making it difficult for mosquitoes to locate their prey. Rosemary grows best in well-drained soil and full sun.

How to Use

You can crush the leaves of rosemary to release its oils and use them to make your own mosquito repellent spray. Alternatively, you can plant rosemary around your yard or in pots near your sitting area.

Cedar (Cedrus spp.)

Cedar trees and cedarwood oil are both effective at repelling mosquitoes. Cedar has a strong scent that is unpleasant to mosquitoes, making it difficult for them to locate their prey. Cedar trees grow best in full sun and well-drained soil.

How to Use

You can use cedarwood oil to make your own mosquito repellent spray. Alternatively, you can plant cedar trees around your yard or use cedarwood chips in your landscaping.

Eucalyptus (Eucalyptus spp.)

Eucalyptus trees and eucalyptus oil are both effective at repelling mosquitoes. Eucalyptus contains a compound called cineole, which has been shown to repel mosquitoes. Eucalyptus trees grow best in full sun and well-drained soil.

How to Use

You can use eucalyptus oil to make your own mosquito repellent spray. Alternatively, you can plant eucalyptus trees around your yard or use eucalyptus leaves in your landscaping.

Marigold (Tagetes spp.)

Marigolds not only add a pop of color to your yard, but they also happen to be an excellent mosquito repellent. Marigolds contain a compound called pyrethrum, which is commonly used in commercial insecticides. Marigolds grow best in full sun and well-drained soil.

How to Use

You can plant marigolds around your yard or in pots near your sitting area.

FAQs About Mosquito-Repelling Plants

1. Do these plants work on all types of mosquitoes?

While these plants are effective at repelling many types of mosquitoes, there may be some species that are not deterred by them.

2. Do these plants need special care?

Most of these plants are easy to care for and require minimal maintenance.

3. Can I use these plants indoors?

While some of these plants can be grown indoors, they are most effective when grown outdoors.

4. Can I use these plants in combination with other mosquito repellents?

Yes, these plants can be used in combination with other mosquito repellents for added protection.

5. Will planting these plants completely eliminate mosquitoes?

While these plants can help reduce the number of mosquitoes in your yard, they may not completely eliminate them.

In there are many natural solutions available for repelling mosquitoes, and outdoor plants are among the most effective. By incorporating these plants into your landscaping, you can enjoy a mosquito-free summer while also benefiting from their beauty and fragrance.