Is your backyard your oasis until the mosquitoes come out? Check out these easy to care for plants that repel mosquitoes! You’ll be able to enjoy your yard all summer long with these natural repellents!
Summer is just around the corner meaning mosquito season is almost here, too.
I’m not super keen on dousing myself with bug spray every time we step outside. But when your backyard is surrounded by woods, you have to do something. We’re getting more into container gardening this year so I figured we’d add some plants that repel mosquitoes to our deck and entryways.
Luckily, there are a ton of beautiful and fragrant plants that will help repel mosquitoes from your yard. Take a look at some of the options below.
And if you want to ensure that you’re covered even when you step off your property, I’d recommend using Bug Away Neat. It includes many of the same scents listed below in essential oil form!
Table of Contents
Plants that Repel Mosquitoes
Lavender
Lavender is one of my favorite plants to use for a natural mosquito repellent. It smells great, can be used in cooking/tea, and it repels mosquitoes (as well as moths and flies) – what more can you ask for? Buy now on Amazon.
Geranium
Lemon scented geraniums, or citronella geraniums, are great flowers that repel mosquitoes. Geraniums like sunny, dry climates but can be planted in containers in cooler areas.
Marigolds
Marigolds are also another beautiful smelling plant that repels mosquitoes. They are great for container gardening, but they can also be planted in the ground along pathways or entryways. Marigolds are also used around gardens as they keep away many other pests.
Rosemary
This herb has a bit of a woodsy scent and is great for repelling mosquitoes along with other pests. Rosemary does well in hot, dry climates and thrives in containers. Another bonus of using rosemary is that it can be used for cooking as well.
Rosemary and sage can also be burned in your fire pit to add an extra layer of mosquito protection as long as you stay relatively close to the smoke. Buy it now on Amazon.
Citronella
Citronella is one of the most commonly used plants that repel mosquitoes. Not only is it low-maintenance, but it’s also another great plant for container gardening. It needs lots of sun to thrive.
Basil
Another herb that helps repel mosquitoes. An awesome thing about basil is that nearly all types of this herb that can repel mosquitoes, meaning you can try a variety in your garden (and for cooking!) Keep it damp with good drainage and in the sun. Basil will do well in containers and in a regular garden. Buy it now on Amazon.
Catnip
Catnip is another great plant that repels mosquitoes. It’s abundant and can take over other plants so this plant is another one that may be best for a container garden. Just be careful with this one as you may attract stray cats instead! Buy it now on Amazon.
Lemon Balm
Lemon Balm is a member of the mint family and is a great addition to your mosquito repellant arsenal. Lemon balm is another somewhat invasive species, making container gardening the best option for this plant. Buy it now on Amazon.
Peppermint
Peppermint is another fragrant plant that repels mosquitoes. Its pleasant scent might be enough to plant regardless of its repellant properties, too. One of the best ways to utilize peppermint for its mosquito repellent properties is to crush a few of the leaves when you’re outside so its scent and oils are released. Use the leave in tea, too! Buy it now on Amazon.
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