Plants That Repel Bees and Mosquitoes

Do you love spending time outdoors but hate getting bitten by bees and mosquitoes? These pesky insects can ruin a perfectly good time in the great outdoors. While there are plenty of insect repellents on the market, they often contain harsh chemicals that can be harmful to both people and the environment. Fortunately, nature has provided us with some natural alternatives in the form of plants that repel bees and mosquitoes. In this blog post, we will explore some of the most effective plants for keeping these insects at bay.

The Best Plants for Repelling Bees

Lavender

Lavender is not only a beautiful and fragrant plant, but it also has natural bee-repelling properties. The strong scent of lavender is known to mask the pheromones that bees use to communicate with each other, making it difficult for them to locate their targets.

How to Use Lavender to Repel Bees

Plant lavender around your home and garden to keep bees away. You can also hang dried lavender sachets in areas where you want to discourage bees from visiting.

Mint

Mint is another aromatic plant that bees tend to avoid. The strong scent of mint can be overwhelming to bees, causing them to stay away.

How to Use Mint to Repel Bees

Plant mint around your home and garden to keep bees away. You can also crush fresh mint leaves and rub them on your skin to repel bees.

Geraniums

Geraniums are beautiful flowering plants that have been shown to repel bees. The scent of geraniums is known to be unpleasant to bees, causing them to stay away.

How to Use Geraniums to Repel Bees

Plant geraniums around your home and garden to keep bees away. You can also crush the leaves and rub them on your skin to repel bees.

The Best Plants for Repelling Mosquitoes

Citronella

Citronella is one of the most well-known plants for repelling mosquitoes. It contains a natural oil that is commonly used in candles, sprays, and other mosquito repellent products.

How to Use Citronella to Repel Mosquitoes

Plant citronella around your home and garden to keep mosquitoes away. You can also use citronella candles or essential oil to repel mosquitoes.

Lemon Balm

Lemon balm is another plant that has been shown to repel mosquitoes. The lemony scent of this plant is unpleasant to mosquitoes, making it an effective natural repellent.

How to Use Lemon Balm to Repel Mosquitoes

Plant lemon balm around your home and garden to keep mosquitoes away. You can also crush fresh leaves and rub them on your skin to repel mosquitoes.

Marigolds

Marigolds are beautiful flowering plants that have natural mosquito-repelling properties. They contain a natural compound called pyrethrum, which is commonly used in commercial insect repellents.

How to Use Marigolds to Repel Mosquitoes

Plant marigolds around your home and garden to keep mosquitoes away. You can also crush the leaves and rub them on your skin to repel mosquitoes.

Other Plants That Repel Bees and Mosquitoes

Catnip

Catnip is a plant that is well-known for its ability to attract cats. However, it also has natural mosquito-repelling properties. The active ingredient in catnip, nepetalactone, has been shown to be more effective at repelling mosquitoes than DEET.

How to Use Catnip to Repel Mosquitoes

Plant catnip around your home and garden to keep mosquitoes away. You can also crush fresh leaves and rub them on your skin to repel mosquitoes.

Rosemary

Rosemary is an herb that is commonly used in cooking, but it also has natural insect-repelling properties. The strong scent of rosemary is unpleasant to both bees and mosquitoes.

How to Use Rosemary to Repel Bees and Mosquitoes

Plant rosemary around your home and garden to keep bees and mosquitoes away. You can also crush the leaves and rub them on your skin to repel mosquitoes.

Eucalyptus

Eucalyptus is a tree that is native to Australia, but it is now grown in many parts of the world. The oil from eucalyptus leaves contains a natural compound called cineole, which has been shown to be an effective insect repellent.

How to Use Eucalyptus to Repel Insects

You can use eucalyptus essential oil to repel insects. Mix a few drops of eucalyptus oil with a carrier oil, such as coconut oil or olive oil, and apply it to your skin.

FAQs about Plants That Repel Bees and Mosquitoes

1. Are these plants safe for pets?

Most of the plants on this list are safe for pets. However, some, such as citronella and eucalyptus, can be toxic to dogs and cats in large quantities. If you have pets, it's best to do your research before planting any of these plants.

2. Can I use these plants to repel other insects?

Yes! Many of these plants have natural insect-repelling properties that can be effective against a variety of insects, including flies and ants.

3. Do I need to plant these plants all around my yard to keep bees and mosquitoes away?

No, you don't need to plant these plants all around your yard. Planting them strategically in areas where you spend the most time outdoors, such as near your patio or deck, can be enough to keep bees and mosquitoes away.

4. Can I use these plants instead of commercial insect repellents?

Yes, many people prefer to use natural insect repellents like these plants instead of commercial products that contain harsh chemicals.

5. Do I need to use these plants in combination with other repellents?

It depends on your situation. If you live in an area with a high population of mosquitoes or bees, you may want to use these plants in combination with other repellents, such as mosquito nets or DEET-based sprays.


In there are many plants that can help repel bees and mosquitoes naturally. By planting these plants strategically around your home and garden, you can enjoy spending time outdoors without having to worry about getting stung or bitten. Not only are these plants effective at repelling insects, but they also add beauty and fragrance to your outdoor space. So why not give them a try?