Summer should mean more time outside. Unfortunately, warmer weather also brings mosquitoes, flies, ants, and other unwanted summer bugs. Many homeowners look for natural ways to make their yard less inviting to pests. That often leads to one question.
Which plants actually repel mosquitoes and bugs?
While popular options like citronella, lavender, mint, and rosemary can help deter pests like flies, it is important to recognize their limitations. Simply cultivating a bug-repellent plant will not form an impenetrable barrier across your property. Importantly, the strongest repellent qualities usually come from the plant’s concentrated oils rather than the growing plant itself. Additionally, although live plants can provide mild benefits in localized spots, they work best when integrated into a comprehensive mosquito control plan.
As part of a comprehensive pest control plan, the CDC recommends EPA-registered insect repellents to protect against mosquito bites. The CDC also recommends reducing mosquito breeding areas around your property, such as removing standing water.
Do Mosquito Repelling Plants Really Work?
Some plants naturally produce aromatic compounds that insects dislike. For example, citronella is often used in outdoor products, peppermint oil is a common ingredient in natural pest products, and catnip oil is even an active ingredient in some EPA-registered skin repellents. However, planting one pot of basil next to your patio will not eliminate mosquitoes from your yard.
Think of bug-repelling plants as one layer of protection. Use them with good yard maintenance and proactive steps.
- Remove standing water.
- Trim excessive vegetation.
- Keep gutters clear.
- Consider professional mosquito control services when populations become difficult to manage.
With that in mind, the following mosquito-repelling plants and bug-repelling plants can be useful additions to your yard, patio, or garden.
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Citronella Grass
Citronella is the first plant people think of when they think about natural mosquito control.
Aromatic oils found in citronella grass are a key ingredient in many mosquito-repellent products. Mosquitoes rely on scents to track down people, and citronella’s powerful citrus aroma disrupts that ability. However, growing citronella grass around a patio offers only minimal defense on its own, as it is most effective when the oils are crushed and released or refined into concentrated extracts. For this reason, people often burn citronella oil as fuel in outdoor lamps like tiki torches to deter insects.
Best for mosquitoes and some flying insects.
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Lemongrass
Lemongrass is closely associated with citronella. Its fresh citrus scent makes it popular in gardens and outdoor containers.
Lemongrass contains natural aromatic oils that help deter mosquitoes. Because of its tall growth habit, it works well as a natural border along patio edges or garden beds. Position these plants near outdoor seating and gathering spots, but keep in mind that live plants alone will not eliminate all mosquitoes from the space.
Best for mosquitoes and other flying insects.
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Catnip
Cats may love catnip. Mosquitoes do not share their enthusiasm.
Catnip contains nepetalactone, a naturally occurring chemical compound. The EPA even lists catnip oil as an active ingredient in registered insect repellents designed for skin application. While catnip is simple to cultivate in most garden environments, it can spread quickly. To prevent it from taking over your garden, consider planting it in pots or containers.
Best for mosquitoes and some other insects.
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Lavender
Lavender is one of the most popular plants for patios and gardens. Most people find its scent pleasant. Many insects find the strong aroma less appealing.
It contains aromatic oils often used in natural pest repellents. These oils can deter flies, moths, and mosquitoes in localized outdoor spaces. Position lavender near walkways or seating areas. The plant thrives in well-drained soil in full sun, adds vibrant color, and attracts pollinators to your garden.
Best for mosquitoes, flies, and moths.
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Basil
Basil earns its place in the garden for more than pesto.
With its powerful aroma, basil helps deter flies and mosquitoes from outdoor areas. It is particularly simple to cultivate in pots, making it ideal for patios, decks, and outdoor kitchen spaces. Position containers near seating or entryways to maximize the fragrance where it is needed most. Beyond bug prevention, you can harvest fresh leaves all summer long, which pairs perfectly with fresh mozzarella and tomatoes.
Best for mosquitoes and flies.
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Rosemary
Rosemary provides another useful combination of cooking herb and bug-repelling plant.
This woody herb emits a potent scent that can help deter mosquitoes and other insects. Well-suited for cultivation in container pots or garden beds, rosemary is especially useful when potted for patio use. Potted plants give you the flexibility to move them closer to seating areas as needed. Furthermore, rosemary thrives in drier soil conditions, which works to your advantage since excess moisture in landscaping often attracts mosquito breeding.
Best for mosquitoes and flies.
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Peppermint
Peppermint has an intense scent that many insects tend to avoid.
Peppermint and its oil are widely used in natural pest management products. Peppermint oil is included in the EPA’s list of minimum-risk pesticide ingredients, though the agency points out that exempt items are not evaluated for efficacy. Because mint expands rapidly, growing it straight in garden beds can easily cause it to take over. Potted containers are a far better alternative. Arrange these pots near decks, patios, and outdoor dining spots.
Best for mosquitoes, ants, and some crawling insects.
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Lemon Balm
Lemon balm is part of the mint family. It has a fresh citrus scent, making it another popular choice for outdoor spaces.
Lemon balm, a member of the mint family, features a pleasant citrus fragrance that makes it a favorite addition to outdoor living spaces. Its scented leaves can help keep nearby mosquitoes at bay. Because lemon balm spreads rapidly, much like mint, growing it in containers provides an easy way to control its growth. Placing these potted plants near patios or gathering spots lets you make the most of its insect-repelling scent.
Best for mosquitoes and flying insects.
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Marigolds
Marigolds add bright color to gardens while also producing a distinctive smell.
Often used as companion plants in vegetable beds, marigolds emit a distinctive aroma that can deter pests from infesting nearby vegetation. These resilient, low-maintenance flowers flourish across most of the summer season and make ideal border plantings along walkways, patio edges, and garden perimeters. While marigolds alone won’t create a complete mosquito barrier, they’re a valuable part of a broader natural pest-mitigation strategy.
Best for mosquitoes and some garden pests.
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Scented Geraniums
Scented geraniums are popular patio plants because their leaves produce strong fragrances.
Because their leaves release strong aromas, scented geraniums make excellent patio plants. Certain varieties feature lemon or citrus scents commonly found in mosquito repellents. In fact, the EPA lists geranium oil as an ingredient in select minimum-risk pesticide products. Placing potted scented geraniums around patios, porches, or outdoor seating areas provides natural bug deterrence while adding attractive greenery to decorative planters.
Best for mosquitoes and some flying insects.
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Sage
Sage has a strong herbal scent that may help deter mosquitoes and other insects.
Sage grows exceptionally well when paired with herbs like thyme and rosemary. To thrive, it needs well-draining soil and plenty of sunlight. You can plant sage in containers around your deck or patio and harvest its leaves for culinary use as needed. Adding sage to your yard offers a simple, low-maintenance way to introduce natural pest deterrents.
Best for mosquitoes and moths.
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Thyme
Thyme is another aromatic herb that can help deter unwanted insects.
Because of its potent aroma, thyme can help keep mosquitoes at bay. Some varieties even contain natural chemicals used in botanical pest remedies. Growing close to the ground, it’s an excellent option for lining walkways and garden edges. It also thrives alongside culinary companions such as sage, rosemary, and basil.
Best for mosquitoes and several garden insects.
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Garlic
Garlic has one of the strongest smells in the garden.
Garlic features sulfur-based compounds that can help deter various garden pests, making it a popular choice for companion planting alongside vegetables. Beyond insect management, its strong odor is sometimes used in repellents to keep wildlife away. While garlic won’t eradicate mosquitoes from your property entirely, it’s an effective part of a pest-resilient garden setup.
Best for aphids and other garden pests.
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Chrysanthemums
Chrysanthemums stand apart from many other plants on this list.
Although certain varieties of chrysanthemums naturally produce pyrethrins, or compounds commonly refined for commercial insecticides, simply planting these flowers won’t provide full chemical-grade pest defense. Live blooms serve a different purpose, as effective insect control products rely on extracts processed to precise concentrations. Nevertheless, incorporating chrysanthemums remains an attractive choice for homeowners looking to combine beautiful landscaping with natural pest-deterring plants.
Best for several types of insects.
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Eucalyptus
Eucalyptus produces one of the strongest fragrances on this list.
Compounds derived from eucalyptus are frequently used in bug repellents. However, standard eucalyptus oil should not be confused with oil of lemon eucalyptus (OLE), which is an active ingredient in EPA-registered mosquito repellents. Eucalyptus can be cultivated outdoors or grown in containers, depending on the local climate. Because of its strong fragrance, it’s a popular choice for enhancing gardens and patios.
Best for mosquitoes and other flying insects.
Where Should You Put Bug Repelling Plants?
Strategic placement is key to maximizing the effectiveness of bug-repelling plants. Start with high-use outdoor spaces by placing potted plants around patios, decks, porches, and dining zones. Also, place pest-deterring plants along the edges of garden beds rather than grouping them all in one spot.
Consider these common locations.
- Near patio seating
- Around outdoor dining areas
- Beside doors
- Along walkways
- Around garden borders
- Near decks and porches
- Around pool areas
Combining several plants also adds more variety to your landscaping.
If protecting vegetables and flowers is your main concern, rest assured because there are simple, straightforward tips that can keep bugs away from gardens.
Plants Alone Will Not Solve a Mosquito Problem
Mosquito-repelling plants can support your pest-prevention efforts. They cannot remove an established mosquito population.
The most important step is reducing breeding conditions.
Mosquitoes lay eggs in or near water. The CDC recommends checking your property every week. Empty, scrub, cover, or remove items that collect water. Common trouble spots include buckets, planters, toys, birdbaths, flowerpot saucers and trash containers. Look around your yard for other sources of standing water.
- Clogged gutters
- Pool covers
- Children’s toys
- Wheelbarrows
- Tarps
- Rain barrels
- Birdbaths
- Empty flowerpots
- Low areas with poor drainage
Also, keep your lawn neatly manicured by clearing overgrown weeds and lawn debris. The CDC notes that ongoing yard maintenance plays a key role in eliminating mosquito-friendly habitats on your property. When you can’t drain or cover standing water, applying mosquito larvicides as directed is a helpful alternative. Ultimately, taking these preventive measures offers a more effective strategy for suppressing mosquito populations than relying solely on repellent foliage.
Frequently Asked Questions About Mosquito Repelling Plants
What is the best plant to keep mosquitoes away?
Citronella grass is one of the best-known mosquito repelling plants. Lemongrass, catnip, lavender, basil, and rosemary are also popular choices. Keep in mind that the natural compounds and oils within these plants generally provide more concentrated repellent activity than the plant simply growing nearby.
Do mosquito-repelling plants actually work?
Some plants contain insect-repelling compounds. However, a living plant usually provides limited protection. Mosquito-repelling plants work best alongside standing-water removal, yard maintenance, and proven insect repellents.
What plants keep mosquitoes away from patios?
Citronella grass, lemongrass, lavender, basil, rosemary, mint and scented geraniums are good options for patio containers. Placing several varieties near outdoor seating can also add color and fragrance.
What smell do mosquitoes hate the most?
Strong plant-based scents such as citronella, peppermint and certain eucalyptus compounds are commonly associated with mosquito repellents. Effectiveness depends on the concentration and how you use the ingredient.
Are mosquito repelling plants safe for pets?
Not every plant is safe for every pet. Some plants and essential oils can be harmful if eaten or improperly applied. Check whether a specific plant is appropriate for your pets before adding it to areas they can access.
Can plants replace mosquito spray?
No. If you need protection from mosquito bites, the CDC recommends EPA-registered insect repellents. Plants can complement mosquito prevention, but they should not replace proven personal protection.
How can I naturally reduce mosquitoes in my yard?
Yes, you can help reduce mosquitoes with some active maintenance. Start by removing standing water, keeping gutters clean, emptying containers after rain, and maintaining your lawn and weeding. Add mosquito-repelling plants around frequently used areas to support natural yard maintenance further and make your property less attractive to mosquitoes.
When Do You Need Professional Mosquito Control?
Seeing a few mosquitoes in summer is normal. Constant mosquito activity is different.
You may have a bigger problem if you get bitten every time you walk outside, and professional mosquito extermination and control goes beyond the adult mosquitoes you see.
Eliminate ‘Em technicians can inspect the property for conditions that encourage mosquito activity. This may include stagnant water, wet vegetation, debris, and overgrowth. Treatment can then focus on the areas mosquitoes use to breed and rest.
Homeowners who experience recurring problems can also consider a mosquito treatment plan for ongoing protection throughout mosquito season. Mosquito-repelling plants can be a useful addition to your yard. They can add color, fragrance, and another layer of natural pest prevention.
However, no plant can fix the conditions that allow mosquitoes to reproduce.
If mosquitoes continue taking over your yard, Eliminate ‘Em can help identify the source of the problem. Our licensed professionals provide mosquito control and pest control services for many other common pests.
We can inspect your yard, identify likely breeding areas, and develop a plan that fits your property. Professional treatment can also help reduce mosquito activity throughout the warmer months.
Enjoy your garden for the plants you chose to grow. Not the pests hiding between them.
