I was so sick of mosquitoes ruining our backyard fun.
Bug spray is expensive and smells awful, plus I hate using chemicals around my kids.
That’s when I started looking into plants that naturally keep mosquitoes away.
These plants have been a total life-saver for our family, and I can’t wait to share them with you!
Top Mosquito-Repelling Plants
1. Sage
This amazing herb has become my secret weapon against mosquitoes.
I love crushing the leaves and rubbing them on my clothes before heading outdoors.
For our family bonfires, I toss in some sage bundles – the smoke creates a natural mosquito barrier that keeps everyone comfortable.
When I’m not burning it, I let sage bundles smolder on a fire-safe dish near our seating area.
2. Bee Balm
I discovered bee balm by accident, but it’s now one of my favorite garden additions.
Unlike other repellent plants, bee balm doesn’t need crushing to work its magic – it naturally emits mosquito-deterring fragrances while growing.
My Balmy Rose Monarda variety grows perfectly along my garden path, maxing out at about a foot tall.
The bonus? It attracts all the good visitors – bees, butterflies, and even hummingbirds!
3. Marigolds
I plant these cheerful flowers everywhere in my garden – they’re my secret weapon against mosquitoes.
Their bright blooms aren’t just pretty; they contain natural insecticides that keep pests away.
I’ve placed them in pots all around our patio, and they’ve made such a difference during our evening gatherings.
4. Lavender
The Provence and Grosso varieties have become staples in my garden’s mosquito defense system.
On sunny days, these beautiful plants release their protective oils naturally, creating an invisible shield against mosquitoes.
I often crush a few flower buds between my fingers and dab the oils on my wrists and neck – nature’s perfume with a purpose!
5. Scented Geraniums
These aren’t your grandmother’s regular geraniums – they’re mosquito-fighting powerhouses!
I especially love the lemon-scented varieties, which seem to work best at keeping the bugs at bay.
During winter, I bring my potted geraniums inside, where they continue to provide their lovely fragrance.
6. Catmint
This hardy plant has become one of my garden’s MVPs with its gorgeous gray-green foliage.
The minty fragrance does double duty – it makes my garden smell amazing while keeping mosquitoes away.
I’ve planted it along our walkway, and it’s thrived with minimal attention, blooming continuously through summer.
7. Mums (Chrysanthemums)
My Painted Daisy and Dalmatian Daisy varieties work overtime in the garden.
They don’t just repel mosquitoes – they help control fleas, ants, and ticks too!
These perennial champions provide natural pest control while adding beautiful pops of color to my flower beds.
8. Thyme
This versatile herb has earned its place in both my kitchen and mosquito-control arsenal.
I’ve created a lovely border of thyme around our patio, which releases its protective oils whenever we brush past.
For extra protection during outdoor gatherings, I burn a few sprigs – it provides amazing protection for about 90 minutes.
9. Eucalyptus
This fast-growing plant has transformed our backyard’s mosquito situation.
I keep fresh cuttings in vases around our outdoor seating areas for natural protection.
The refreshing scent is an added bonus that makes our outdoor space feel like a spa retreat.
10. Lantana
On hot summer days, these sturdy plants really shine in my garden.
They love the sun, and that’s when they release their mosquito-deterring compounds most effectively.
I’ve noticed about 30-40% fewer mosquitoes in areas where I’ve planted Lantana.
11. Hummingbird Mint
The licorice scent of this plant has become one of my favorite natural repellents.
I’ve planted it near our outdoor dining area, where it pulls triple duty – repelling mosquitoes, attracting beneficial insects, and providing herbs for my tea.
It’s thrived in my zone 6 garden, coming back stronger each year.
12. Basil
This kitchen essential has become my go-to for both cooking and mosquito control.
I keep several pots near our patio furniture, moving them around as needed.
Brushing against the leaves releases that wonderful aroma that mosquitoes just can’t stand.
13. Rosemary
This Mediterranean herb has proven to be incredibly low-maintenance in my garden.
Its strong scent naturally deters mosquitoes while providing fresh herbs for cooking.
I’ve planted it in both ground beds and containers, and it thrives with minimal care.
14. Ageratum
These fluffy blue flowers aren’t just pretty faces in my garden.
They contain coumarin, the same compound found in many commercial repellents.
I’ve lined my flower beds with them, creating a beautiful and effective mosquito barrier.
15. Citronella Grass
I’ve saved the most famous mosquito-repelling plant for last!
This grass has earned its reputation – it masks the scents that attract mosquitoes to our outdoor spaces.
I keep several large pots of it around our patio, moving them closer to seating areas during outdoor gatherings.