Powerful Plants to Repel Mosquitoes

Have you ever noticed that bugs, rabbits, and other critters don’t usually eat your lavender plant? It’s because of the nice smell it gives off, which comes from the oils on its leaves. Some people say that lavender oil can even stop mosquitoes from smelling you! This plant is tough and can handle dry spells once it’s grown, and it likes lots of sunlight and soil that drains well. It can grow in many different climates, but it really loves warmer weather.

Marigolds are simple flowers that grow every year and they have a smell that keeps mosquitoes away. You can grow them in pots and put them close to your patio or front door to keep bugs from coming inside. Marigolds are also great for lining paths or growing in vegetable gardens. According to NYBG, they not only keep mosquitoes away but also stop other pests like aphids, thrips, whiteflies, Mexican bean beetles, squash bugs, and tomato hornworms.

Citronella grass, also known as lemon grass, has a strong smell that mosquitoes don’t like. It’s often used in natural bug sprays. The Brooklyn Botanic Garden suggests using lemon-scented plants like citronella grass to keep mosquitoes away. The best part is that having the plant alive works the best at keeping pests away. This plant is easy to take care of but it’s sensitive to cold, so it’s better to grow it in big pots. In warmer places, you can plant it directly in sunny spots in the ground.

Catnip, also known as catmint, grows really well almost anywhere. It’s part of the mint family and can be found growing a lot, both on purpose and by accident. It’s super easy to look after, but it might start spreading to other parts of your garden if you’re not careful. However, if you don’t mind that, it’s a fantastic way to keep mosquitoes away and it’s recommended by the BBG. A study at Iowa State University showed that catmint is ten times better at keeping bugs away than DEET, which is what most bug sprays use.

Rosemary is another excellent way to keep mosquitoes at bay. Both the New York Botanical Garden and PlantShed recommend this plant. Rosemary is an herb that many of us know well, and its woody smell is what repels mosquitoes, cabbage moths, and carrot flies. They do best in hot and dry places and grow well in pots, which is great for places with cold winters.

Basil is another herb that can keep bugs away. The strong smell of basil leaves is what does the trick. Different types of basil can work against flies and mosquitoes, so you can try out different kinds in your garden. Basil likes to stay moist, needs good drainage, and loves sunlight. You can plant basil in pots or in the ground, either by itself or with other plants that have the same needs.

Scented geraniums are another great plant to keep mosquitoes away. PlantShed, BBG, and NYBG all recommend them. Lemon-scented geraniums are especially popular because they smell like citronella grass. Their strong scent repels many pests. These plants grow quickly and prefer warm, sunny, and dry weather. If you live in a cold area, you can grow them in pots and trim them regularly.

citronella torches can be effective in repelling mosquitoes. Citronella oil, which is often used in these torches, has natural mosquito-repelling properties. When burned, the citronella oil releases a scent that mosquitoes find unpleasant, helping to deter them from the area.