13 Plants That Repel Mosquitoes, According to Experts

Allium flowers keeping mosquitoes out of the yard — Credit:
hmproudlove / GETTY IMAGES

One downside of warmer weather is an influx of insects, specifically mosquitoes. Not only are their bites itchy and uncomfortable, but mosquitoes can also be vectors of disease. If your yard seems like a hub for these pests, you may be searching for natural remedies to keep them at bay.

Believe it or not, there are plenty of plants you can grow right in your garden that keep mosquitoes from invading in the first place. Many of them emit odors or contain oils that mosquitoes dislike. We spoke to plant and insect specialists for advice on which plants are best to keep mosquitoes away. Whether you grow them in the ground or in containers, keep these plants near entryways and seating areas to increase their effectiveness.

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Catnip

Mosquitoes hate catnip (Nepeta cataria), the very same plant that your cats love. Also known as catmint, this herbaceous perennial emits a chemical that acts as a natural insect repellent. "It's a fast and aggressive grower with a square stem and gray-green leaves bearing small white flowers with a purple dot in the center," says Shannon Harlow-Ellis, ACE, technical specialist for Mosquito Joe, a Neighborly company.

Zones: 3 to 7
Size: 2 to 3 feet tall x 3 to 3 feet wide
Growing conditions: full sun; loamy, sandy, well-drained soil

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Citronella

One of the best-known mosquito-repelling plants, citronella (Cymbopogon nardus), produces a strong, citrus-like scent that mosquitoes don't like. It's the same smell that's used in candles to keep insects at bay. Citronella plants, which are a type of scented geranium, can be grown in your garden or as a container plant.

Zones: 9 to 11
Size: 12 to 24 inches tall x 12 to 24 inches wide
Growing conditions: full sun; well-drained soil

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Lavender

Lavender (Lavandula) is a low-maintenance, drought-tolerant plant beloved by many home gardeners. Not only is it easy to grow, but lavender also produces an oil that is effective as a mosquito repellent. "Lavender is a plant that will thrive in the dry heat of summer," says Linda Vater, plant expert for Southern Living Plant Collection. "The scent is amazing in the garden and repels mosquitoes while the purple blooms attract pollinators."

Zones: 5 to 9
Size: 24 to 30 inches tall x 24 to 30 inches wide
Growing conditions: full sun; well-drained soil amended with sand

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Mint

Mint (Mentha piperita L.) emits a refreshing scent that humans enjoy, but mosquitoes don't. The plant spreads rapidly, so just one can provide enough mosquito control for the season. "Peppermint has such a potent scent that it is an effective natural insect repellent," says Carrie Spoonemore of Park Seed. Because it is such a prolific grower, it's best to plant mint in containers rather than in your garden.

Zones: 4 to 9
Size: 3 feet tall x 2 feet wide
Growing conditions: part shade to full sun; well-drained soil

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Basil

Another herb with a pungent, off-putting smell to mosquitoes is basil (Ocimum basilicum). For a variety with an exceptionally strong scent, try cinnamon basil. "Basil leaves can be crushed to release the scent or made into a repellent spray," says Spoonemore. "As a bonus, basil will also repel other pests in the garden."

Zones: 4 to 9
Size: 18 to 30 inches tall x 36 inches wide.
Growing conditions: full sun; well-drained soil

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Marigolds

marigold flowers — wulingyun / GETTY IMAGES

Marigolds (Tagetes) are commonly grown in the garden as a way to deter insects and other pests. French varieties, like Durango Mixture French marigold, are the most effective at repelling mosquitoes from mid-spring through late summer. "Marigolds are low-maintenance plants, but pinching spent blooms can encourage and prolong flowering," says Spoonemore.

Zones: 2 to 8
Size: 10 to 12 inches tall x 6 to 8 inches wide
Growing conditions: full sun; loamy, well-drained soil

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Lemongrass

The citronella oil found in lemongrass (Cymbopogon citratus) is nearly as effective as a bug repellent, especially if you crush up the leaves and rub them on your skin. "Lemongrass is an easy-care plant that is attractive enough to grow simply as an ornamental in patio pots or the landscape," says Spoonemore.

Zones: 4 to 8
Size: 3 to 5 feet tall x 2 to 3 feet wide
Growing conditions: full sun; moist, well-drained soil

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Sage

A hardy perennial that flowers in the spring, sage (Salvia officinalis) is another aromatic herb that is great for repelling mosquitoes. "This long-lived perennial is easy to grow and a mainstay for the garden or containers," says Spoonemore. You can also grow it alongside vegetables that are at risk of being ravaged by animals, as sage is a great companion plant.

Zones: 4 to 8
Size: 3 to 5 feet tall x 2 to 3 feet wide
Growing conditions: full sun; loamy, well-drained soil

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Rosemary

The lovely scent of rosemary (Salvia rosmarinus) pulls double duty—it welcomes pollinators, but is off-putting to mosquitoes. Chef's Choice Culinary Rosemary has a higher essential oil content than other varieties and can be more effective at repelling mosquitoes. "This compact variety of rosemary makes a charming porch planting or an attractive, low-maintenance scented border," says Vater.

Zones: 8 to 10
Size: 18 to 24 inches tall x 18 to 24 inches wide
Growing conditions: full sun; loamy, well-drained soil

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Allium

Many allium species start blooming in spring, before mosquito season is in full swing. Known for its strong smell, onions, garlic, leeks, and shallots are all in the allium family. "Allium cultivars can be planted in succession to ensure a full season of blooms and mosquito repellent," says PeggyAnne Montgomery, horticulturist for Flowerbulbs.com. "They are also easy to grow and require little maintenance."

Zones: 3 to 9
Size: depends on the variety
Growing conditions: full sun; well-drained soil

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Geraniums

Scented geraniums (Pelargonium) have a lemony scent similar to citronella that can effectively keep mosquitoes away from your yard. Grow this flowering plant in containers and keep it next to your patio or walkway.

Zones: 3 to 9
Size: 4 to 48 inches tall x 6 to 36 inches wide
Growing conditions: full sun to part shade; well-drained soil

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Lemon Balm

Lemon balm (Melissa officinalis L.) is a perennial plant with a lemony, minty scent, making it a perfect natural option for repelling mosquitoes. What's more, in the summer it boasts beautiful white flowers that attract pollinators such as bees and butterflies.

Zones: 4 to 9
Size: 24 to 36 feet tall x 18 to 24 inches wide
Growing conditions: full sun; rich, humus-filled, well-draining soil

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Bee Balm

As the name suggests, bees and other pollinators love bee balm (Monarda spp.), also known as wild bergamot. However, mosquitoes hate the scent this vibrant plant releases, making it the perfect solution to your pest problem (it's even deer-resistant!). A member of the mint family, this summertime bloom comes in red, white, purple, and pink and is very low-maintenance.