Keep Mosquitoes Away Naturally: 7 Best Mosquito Repellent Plants for Your Yard & Patio
Mosquitoes are the uninvited guests that can quickly ruin a pleasant evening outdoors in the United States. While bug sprays and citronella candles are common solutions, many people are seeking natural, plant-based alternatives to deter these biting pests. The good news is that certain plants contain natural oils and compounds with strong scents that repel mosquitoes.
Planting these mosquito repellent plants strategically around your patio, deck, garden, or entryway can help create a more enjoyable, bite-free zone. This guide explores the 7 best and easiest-to-grow mosquito repellent plants that thrive in various US climates.
1. Citronella Grass (Cymbopogon nardus)
Why it Works: This is the plant behind the famous citronella oil used in countless repellent products. Its strong, distinct lemony scent effectively masks the carbon dioxide and lactic acid scents that attract mosquitoes to humans.
- How to Grow: Citronella grass is a perennial in warmer climates (USDA Zones 9-11) but is often grown as an annual in cooler regions. It loves full sun and well-draining soil. It gets quite large (up to 5-6 feet), making it ideal for large containers or garden beds near your patio.
- Effectiveness: The live plant offers some protection, but crushing a few leaves releases the potent oil more effectively.
2. Lemongrass (Cymbopogon citratus)
Why it Works: A close relative of Citronella, Lemongrass also contains high levels of citronellal oil, giving it a powerful lemony fragrance that mosquitoes dislike.
- How to Grow: Similar to Citronella – full sun, good drainage. It grows in attractive clumps (3-5 feet tall). Treat it as an annual in colder zones or bring pots indoors for the winter.
- Bonus: A key ingredient in Southeast Asian cuisine, perfect for adding fresh flavor to your cooking.
3. Marigolds (Tagetes spp.)
Why it Works: These bright, cheerful annual flowers contain Pyrethrum, a natural insecticide found in many commercial bug sprays. Their unique, pungent scent deters mosquitoes, aphids, and even some garden pests like nematodes and rabbits.
- How to Grow: Marigolds are incredibly easy to grow from seed or starter plants. They thrive in full sun and bloom all summer long. Plant them generously in pots on your deck, along walkways, or near vegetable gardens.
- Varieties: French Marigolds tend to have a stronger scent than the larger African varieties.
4. Lavender (Lavandula angustifolia)
Why it Works: We adore the calming scent of lavender, but mosquitoes, flies, and moths can’t stand it. The essential oil contains compounds like linalool, a known insect repellent.
- How to Grow: Lavender demands full sun (6+ hours) and excellent drainage. It’s drought-tolerant once established and prefers less humidity. English Lavender varieties are generally more cold-hardy (Zones 5-8). Grow it in pots or well-drained garden spots.
- Bonus: Attracts beneficial pollinators like bees and butterflies, and the dried flowers have numerous uses.
5. Basil (Ocimum basilicum)
Why it Works: This popular culinary herb emits a strong aroma from its essential oils that is unpleasant to mosquitoes and houseflies.
- How to Grow: Basil is an easy-to-grow annual that loves heat and sun. Plant it in containers near your kitchen door or patio seating areas. Keep the soil consistently moist.
- Bonus: Provides a ready supply of fresh leaves for your favorite Italian dishes, pesto, and salads. Lemon Basil and Cinnamon Basil varieties are said to have even stronger repellent properties.
6. Mint (Mentha spp.)
Why it Works: The potent, fresh scent of mint, particularly Peppermint, is another effective natural mosquito deterrent.
- How to Grow: Mint is extremely vigorous and can become invasive in garden beds. It’s strongly recommended to grow it in containers to keep its spreading roots contained. It tolerates some shade and likes moist soil.
- Bonus: Perfect for making refreshing mint tea, mojitos, or adding to fruit salads.
7. Rosemary (Salvia rosmarinus)
Why it Works: Rosemary’s distinctive woody, pine-like fragrance is effective at repelling mosquitoes, cabbage moths, and other garden pests. Its scent is strongest when the leaves are crushed or when burned (try tossing a few sprigs onto your barbecue coals).
- How to Grow: Rosemary is a perennial shrub in warmer zones (Zones 7-10) but can be grown as an annual or overwintered indoors in colder climates. It needs full sun and extremely well-draining, sandy soil. It’s very drought-tolerant.
- Bonus: A fantastic culinary herb for grilling meats and vegetables.
How to Maximize the Repellent Effect
Simply having these plants nearby helps, but their oils need to be released for maximum impact.
- Location, Location, Location: Plant them where people congregate – around patios, decks, entryways, and open windows. Use them as border plants or group pots together.
- Bruise the Leaves: Gently crushing or brushing against the leaves releases the essential oils and their scent more strongly into the air.
- Use Cuttings: Place cuttings of herbs like mint, basil, or rosemary in vases on your outdoor table.
Where to Buy in the United States
You can find seeds or starter plants for most of these varieties at:
- Local Garden Centers and Nurseries: Offer the best selection and expert advice.
- Big Box Stores: Retailers like The Home Depot, Lowe’s, and Walmart have large garden centers, especially in the spring and summer.
- Online Retailers: Many online nurseries ship plants directly to your home.
By incorporating these beautiful and functional mosquito repellent plants into your landscaping, you can create a more enjoyable outdoor living space and rely less on chemical sprays, making your yard a haven for family and friends, but not for mosquitoes.