Stop Mosquitoes from Ruining Your Summer—22 Plants That Actually Repel Them

Nothing wipe out the mode at a backyard hangout faster than a swarm of mosquito . One hour you ’re enjoying a drink , the next you ’re swat at your ankle joint and regretting every inch of exposed peel . hemipteran atomizer helps , certainly — but it ’s not the only option . Some industrial plant actually do a self-coloured job of keeping mosquitoes at bay , and they sense a whole portion just than anything in an aerosol can .

This list is n’t just about sticking a few herbaceous plant in the ground and hop for the best . These 22 plants are known for their mosquito - repelling properties and happen to look and smack good while they ’re at it . From strong - scented herbs to blossom plants that draw two-fold duty , these are saucy , lifelike ways to reclaim your summer evening .

Citronella Grass

have intercourse for its distinct lemony odour , Citronella Gunter Wilhelm Grass is a popular alternative for repelling mosquito . This perennial grass thrives in fond climates and can be planted in your garden or in pots around doorways and patio . Its natural oils are often pull to make citronella candles and sprays . When crushed , the leaves unfreeze a refreshful aroma that mosquitoes find unpleasant . produce Citronella grass not only adds a profuse , tropical vibe to your garden but also provides a natural barrier against these pesky insects .

Lavender

Lavender is more than just a pretty face . Its fragrant purple flowers are not only beautiful but also effective in warding off mosquitoes . Known for its calming properties , lavender ’s cherubic scent is adorable for world but unpleasant for mosquitoes . Whether institute in a garden or used in dried sachets , lavender ’s oils can help make a relaxing , mosquito - free environment . This various plant also attract pollinators like bees and butterfly , summate to the biodiversity of your garden .

Marigold

With vivacious blooms , marigold are not only visually striking but also dish up as a natural mosquito deterrent . Their distinctive odour , stem from compound like pyrethrum , is often used in commercial dirt ball repellent . Plant marigolds around the border of your garden or in pots to keep mosquitoes at bay . Beyond mosquito control , marigold can also protect vegetable garden from other pest . These brave flush are well-fixed to grow and maintain , making them a gardener ’s favorite .

Basil

Basil is not only a culinary delight but also a functional addition to your mosquito - repelling arsenal . Its strong scent is disliked by mosquito , make it an effectual natural repellent . Basil is easy to originate and can be plant in garden beds or containers . Harvest its aromatic leaves for cooking while enjoy a mosquito - free place . variety like lemon basil or cinnamon basil add unique scents and flavors . Whether used refreshed or dry , sweet basil enhances meals and defend your garden .

Catnip

Catnip is famous for its effect on cats , but it ’s also a formidable mosquito repellant . The dynamic ingredient , nepetalactone , is ten times more effective than DEET , the chemical compound found in many insect repellent . Easy to produce , catnip can thrive in a variety of shape , making it a various garden add-on . It is a hardy perennial that returns each year , spread naturally . While it delights felines , its earthy scent keep mosquitoes away , ready outside spaces more enjoyable .

Rosemary

Rosemary is a fragrant herb that doubles as a mosquito repellent . Its woody scent is loved by many , but it dissuade mosquitoes effectively . Often used in cooking , rosemary can also be burned to grow a smoky aroma that drives mosquitoes away . Plant rosemary in gay blot to fly high and enjoy its multiple benefit . This unfearing flora add bodily structure and aroma to your garden while keeping pests at bay . Rosemary ’s versatility give it a valuable gain to any home or garden .

Mint

Mint is a bracing herb that not only tone tea and dishes but also service as a powerful mosquito repellant . Its unattackable menthol scent is unappealing to mosquitoes , making it a hardheaded choice for gardens and planters . spate spread quickly and requires unconstipated pruning to prevent it from overhaul other plants . relish its aromatic leaves in beverage and meal while benefiting from its worm - repelling property . Mint ’s versatility and ease of maturation make it a favorite among gardener .

Sage

salvia is a herbaceous plant with a ample aroma that mosquitoes find hideous . hump for its culinary uses , burning salvia leave produces a fragrant smoke that guard off mosquito during outdoor gatherings . Sage is resilient and can thrive in pots or garden bed . Its beautiful leaf adds grain to gardens , while its insect - repelling property are a natural incentive . salvia ’s ability to deter pests clear it an essential plant for anyone look to enjoy a mosquito - free outdoor experience .

Lemon Balm

Lemon balm , with its tonic lemony smell , is effective in prevent mosquitoes at bay . A member of the mint phratry , it raise easily and can quickly spread in gardens . Lemon balm ’s soothing scent is pleasant for man , yet repulsive to mosquitoes . institute it near terrace or pathways to make a fragrant roadblock . This herb is also used in teas and natural remedies , making it both useable and beneficial . Its luxuriant green folio contribute beauty to any garden landscape painting .

Geranium

Geraniums are not only cosmetic but also serve as an in effect mosquito repellant . Their strong aroma , especially multifariousness like citronella or sweet-smelling geranium , deters mosquitoes . Easy to grow in beds or container , geraniums offer vibrant bloom that heighten any outdoor space . Their rock oil is often used in natural repellents and cd . Apart from their pest - repelling properties , these heyday attract pollinator like bee and butterfly stroke , promoting a healthy garden ecosystem .

Thyme

Thyme is a culinary herbaceous plant with small-scale , fragrant leaves that repel mosquitoes . Its of the essence oils are effective in keeping mosquitoes away when crushed or burned . Thyme thrives in sunny , well - debilitate areas and can be used in cooking to add flavor and aroma . This low - growing plant is pure for borders or rock gardens . Beyond its mosquito - repelling place , thyme draw good insects and adds optic interest group with its lilliputian bloom . Its versatility micturate thyme a garden staple .

Bee Balm

Bee balm , also known as Monarda , is a striking plant with vibrant efflorescence that pull pollinators and repel mosquitoes . Its fragrant leaves comprise all important oils that mosquitoes dislike . Bee balm is perfect for garden borders or wild flower area , adding a stir of colour and grain . Besides its repelling property , bee balm supports the ecosystem by pull bees , butterfly stroke , and hummingbirds . Its showy rosiness and aromatic foliage make it a multifunctional garden addition .

Pennyroyal

Pennyroyal , a member of the mint kin , is a potent mosquito repellant . Its stiff , minty fragrancy is unpleasant to mosquitoes but delightful in the garden . Pennyroyal should be handled with care as its crude are toxic when ingested . engraft it in areas where children and positron emission tomography wo n’t accidentally ingest it . Despite this care , pennyroyal is effective in repelling mosquitoes and other pests . Its exuberant leaf and bantam flower add ravisher while observe a operative purpose in your garden .

Allium

Allium , known for its globe - similar blooms , is both an ornamental plant and a mosquito deterrent . Its strong smell , similar to onion and Allium sativum , is disliked by mosquitoes . Allium thrives in sunny garden and offers hit optical interest with its towering blossom heads . Apart from deter mosquito , allium attracts pollinator , promoting biodiversity . These low - maintenance plant are double-dyed for adding elevation and play to flower beds . Their alone appearing and functional benefits make allium a worthful summation to garden .

Fennel

Fennel is a tall , feathery plant with a distinctive anise - similar aroma that mosquitoes dislike . Its aromatic nature makes it an effective natural repellent . Fennel can be mature in garden beds or containers , adding texture and height to your garden landscape painting . Besides repelling mosquito , Florence fennel attract beneficial insects and can be used in fix for its unique savour . Its bright sensationalistic flowers and feathery leaf create a fragile yet spectacular garden feature .

Garlic

Garlic is not only a kitchen staple but also a raw mosquito repellent . Its pungent aroma , released when crushed , is extremely effective in keep mosquitoes at bay . Plant Allium sativum around garden border or in pots to create a instinctive roadblock . Its warm perfume deters mosquitoes and other garden pest , while its light bulb can be harvest for culinary use . Garlic ’s multifunctional nature makes it an essential flora for both the kitchen and the garden .

Petunias

Petunias are not just decorative ; their elusive fragrance helps dissuade mosquito . These pollyannaish efflorescence hail in a variety of colors and are easy to produce in pots or garden bed . Petunia are often used as instinctive insect repellent , adding beauty while keeping pests at bay . Their vibrant blooms pull in beneficial insects , raise a balanced garden ecosystem . With minimum maintenance , petunias bring home the bacon continuous color and a fragrant mosquito - repelling presence throughout the summer .

Lemongrass

Lemongrass is a tropical works with a brisk lemony odour that mosquitoes recover repulsive . Widely used in Asiatic cuisine , it can be planted in garden or can to create a innate mosquito barrier . lemon grass thrive in sunny locations and adds a vibrant touch to garden landscapes . Its all-important oils are often used in natural worm repellents . Beyond its repelling property , lemongrass provides redolent leaves for cookery , piddle it a versatile addition to any garden .

Tansy

Tansy is an herbaceous flora with bright yellow flowers that repel mosquito and other louse . Its pungent fragrance is unpleasant to mosquito , making it an effective lifelike repellent . Tansy can be planted in garden border or used in dried arrangement to ward off pests . While beautiful , tansy should be handled with caution as its leaves can be toxic if ingested . This plant ’s sheer blooms and functional belongings make it a unique addition to any garden .

Chives

Chives are mild onions with a frail feel that doubles as a mosquito repellant . Their subtle onion scent deters mosquitoes , making them a functional addition to gardens . Chives are easy to uprise and can be used in cook to append flavor and garnish to looker . Their purple flower summate a papa of colouration to garden beds , while their louse - repelling nature helps conserve a balanced ecosystem . cive are a low - maintenance , dual - purpose plant for gardens and kitchens likewise .

Pitcher Plant

The twirler plant is a unique carnivorous plant that traps and digests louse , include mosquito . Its ambrosia - similar aroma lures insect into its tubular leave , where they become trapped . While primarily grow for its unusual beauty , the pitcher industrial plant indirectly reduces mosquito population . It fly high in boggy conditions and adds an exotic touch to garden landscapes . The pitcher works ’s challenging appearance and insect - catch abilities make it a fascinating addition to gardens .

Wormwood (Artemisia absinthium)

With a storeyed history as a key ingredient in absinthe , Wormwood ( Artemisia absinthium ) offers more than just its intoxicate reputation . Its aromatic silver - green foliage emit a aroma that mosquitoes detest .

conceive of your garden edged with these feathery leaves , make a natural barrier against pests . Wormwood expand in well - debilitate soil and full Dominicus , making it a hardy increase to your outdoor sanctuary .

inquisitively , its historical use extend beyond strong drink to medicinal concoction . However , cautiousness is advised if take in . Embrace Wormwood ’s protective charm and delight mosquito - free evenings on your patio .

Stop Mosquitoes from Ruining Your Summer—22 Plants That Actually Repel Them