Warm weather brings plenty of perks: longer days, backyard barbecues, and lazy evenings under the stars. Unfortunately, mosquitoes always seem to show up uninvited. These pesky insects can turn any outdoor gathering into a battle of swatting and scratching, which is why so many people look for ways to keep them at away. While there are plenty of chemical-based mosquito repellents out there, many gardeners prefer a more natural solution.
Luckily, nature has a few tricks up its sleeve. Yep, you heard that right! Some herbs and flowers are known for their strong scents, which may help discourage mosquitoes (and other bugs) from hanging around your outdoor spaces.
As expert Jarrod Reed of ClearDefense Pest Control explains, “Some plants with highly scented foliage may help discourage mosquitoes in your garden.” But while these herbs and flowers can be a helpful part of your mosquito-control strategy, they're not a complete solution.
That’s because, as Reed notes, “Standing water in flower pots, clogged gutters, and damp areas around landscaping can still support mosquito breeding close to your home. Without reducing those conditions, mosquito activity can continue even in heavily planted yards.”
Placement matters, too. “Mosquito activity tends to concentrate in shaded, sheltered areas of your yard,” Reed says. “Positioning mosquito-repelling plants along patios, walkways, and seating areas can help create a less inviting environment.”
So if you’d like to enjoy al fresco dining or relaxing evenings on the front porch with fewer buzzing interruptions, keep your yard well maintained and consider planting some of the herbs and flowers on this list. Bonus: They can help beautify your home while supporting a more comfortable outdoor space.
Stay pest free with these other ideas:
Lemongrass
Lemongrass is a natural overachiever. Its citronella oil—yes, the same ingredient found in many mosquito sprays and candles—can help deter mosquitoes, while its tall green blades and bright citrus scent add beauty to the garden. Better yet, you can snip it for use in soups, teas, and other recipes. Give it a sunny, warm spot, and watch it thrive.
Plant type: Typically grown as an annual
Zones: 9-11
Allium
You may know allium as ornamental onion—and yes, it's related to onions, garlic, and chives. That family connection gives it a scent that many pests find unappealing. In spring, these hardy bulbs produce striking globe-shaped blooms in shades of purple, pink, yellow, and white. Plant them in well-drained soil with full sun to partial shade, and enjoy a colorful display that may help discourage mosquitoes, too.
Plant type: Perennial
Zones: 3-9, depending on variety
Bloom time: Late spring to early summer
Citronella Grass
Citronella grass, sometimes called mosquito grass, may sound familiar to you! That's because extracts from the plant are a go-to ingredient for many commercial repellents (including citronella candles). The perennial grass will grow well in filtered sunlight, but if you live in an area with intense afternoon heat, make sure it gets some shade. You'll also want to make sure you have room for this plant as it can grow up to six feet tall and six feet wide.
Plant type: Typically grown as an annual
Zones: 10-12
Lavender
While many of us love the smooth and clean scent of lavender, mosquitoes just don't feel the same. Actually, the linalool odor is detestable to mosquitos, moths, flies, fleas, and other flying insects, too. Wondering how to grow lavender? Well, this pretty plant thrives in well-drained soil and full sun. Whether you place it in raised beds, in-ground gardens or pots, just make sure it gets eight to ten hours of direct sunlight each day.
Plant type: Perennial
Zones: 5-11, depending on type
Bloom time: Summer to fall
Marigolds
The gorgeous golden blooms of marigolds are much more than just a pretty addition to your garden. Their distinct scent repels mosquitoes and other garden pests, including aphids, squash bugs, and tomato worms. Actually, they contain a natural compound used in many insect repellents! After any risk of frost has passed, plant your marigolds in beds or pots that get full sun to partial shade and have fertile soil with adequate drainage.
Plant type: Annual
Zones: 2-11
Bloom time: Late spring until frost
Mint
Imagine this: You pluck off a leaf of mint to drop in your tea, then have a nice and relaxing evening spent on the porch—without the incessant buzz of flying critters. Yup, the tasty garnish is good for many things! All types of mint plants (including spearmint and peppermint) have a repelling scent. If you don't plant it in a pot, you'll want to segregate it from your other herbs. Either way, mint does best in moist but well-drained soil in full sun to partial shade.
Plant type: Perennial
Zones: 3a-11b
Bloom time: Late spring to summer
Eucalyptus
Another scent beloved by us and hated by pesky critters? Eucalyptus! The plant produces chemicals like linalool and geraniol that send mosquitoes flying in the other direction. You can even find eucalyptus oil in many commercial repellants. To grow it yourself, make sure you plant it with sufficient time for the plant to establish before the colder months. It needs fertile, well-drained soil and plenty of sunlight.
Plant type: Typically grown as an annual
Zones: 7-11
Bloom time: Spring to fall
Bee Balm
These vibrant flowers will add fireworks of color to your raised beds or garden while inviting many pollinators like hummingbirds, bees, and butterflies. Despite all the critters that enjoy it, bee balm has a strong smell that keeps mosquitoes from coming around. You'll want to plant it in the spring or fall in well-drained soil in an area that gets full sun. Note: It'll do best when put straight in the ground (not in a container).
Plant type: Perennial
Zones: 3-9
Bloom time: Mid-summer to early fall
Basil
Not only does basil bring us tasty pesto sauce, but it also keeps away pesky pests such as mosquitoes and houseflies thanks to an essential oil called eucalyptol that naturally repels bugs. Plant in the spring or summer in fertile, well-drained soil. It's perfect for raised garden beds, containers, and in-ground gardens as long as it gets ample sun. Bonus: Research shows that basil is toxic to mosquito larvae. That means you can put it near standing water to deter mosquitoes from laying eggs.
Plant type: Typically grown as an annual
Zones: 9-11
Bloom time: Summer to frost
Catnip
Though our feline friends love it, mosquitoes hate it! A whiff of catnip can have mosquitoes buzzing off—and it's all thanks to a chemical called nepetalactone which is both a cat attractant and an insect repellant. How nifty! The herb should be planted in the spring after the threat of frost is over and grows best in well-draining soil where it can receive as much sunlight as possible.
Plant type: Perennial
Zones: 3-9
Bloom time: Late spring to early fall
Macie Reynolds is the assistant editor of E-Commerce and SEO for The Pioneer Woman.
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