Stop Buying Spray: 7 Plants That Repel Mosquitoes Naturally

Oh, sweetheart, there is absolutely nothing worse than trying to enjoy a beautiful, warm summer evening on the porch, only to be chased indoors by those pesky, buzzing little biters. If you are tired of slathering your skin and your precious grandbabies in sticky, smelly chemical sprays, you are in the right place today. Over my seventy years on this green earth, I have learned that Mother Nature always provides the best solutions, and today I want to share my absolute favorite plants that repel mosquitoes naturally so you can reclaim your backyard peace.

Every spring, my late husband and I would plant these beautiful green helpers right by our back steps and patio chairs. Not only did they keep our skin bite-free, but they also filled the evening air with the most heavenly scents. You don't need a green thumb to grow these, honey. They are wonderfully forgiving and will save you a pretty penny on those store-bought bug repellents.

Your Guide to Natural Mosquito-Busting Herbs

Before we look at each plant individually, I made this handy little table for you to keep on your fridge. It shows you exactly what each plant needs to thrive, so you can choose the ones that fit your garden best.

Plant Name	Scent Profile	Sunlight Needed	Best Placement
Lavender	Sweet & Floral	Full Sun	Patio Pots & Walkways
Citronella Grass	Strong Lemon	Full Sun	Garden Borders
Rosemary	Woody & Herbal	Full Sun	Near the BBQ Grill
Peppermint	Sharp & Cool	Partial Shade	Potted Containers Only
Marigolds	Pungent & Musky	Full Sun	Vegetable Garden Edges

The 7 Best Plants That Repel Mosquitoes Naturally

Now, let's talk about these wonderful plants and how they work. These are the exact ones I have grown for decades, and they never let me down.

1. Lavender

Oh, lovely lavender! This is my absolute favorite plant in the whole world, dear. Did you know that the essential oils in lavender actually hinder a mosquito's ability to smell? Since they find us by our scent, a nice block of lavender leaves them completely confused. It thrives in hot, dry weather, so don't overwater it. Plant it right along your walkways so that when you brush past it, the wonderful oils release into the air.

2. Citronella Grass

You have probably bought those yellow citronella candles in the past, but the living plant is so much better for your garden. This grass can grow quite tall—up to six feet in some places! It has a beautiful, bright grassy look and smells strongly of lemon. If you want to put this in your yard, make sure you buy the true variety, *Cymbopogon nardus*, and not the "citronella geranium," which isn't quite as strong. For more detailed advice on arranging these in your yard, I have written down more tips on plants that repel mosquitoes naturally to help you plan your landscape.

3. Sweet Basil

Not only does basil make the best pesto you've ever tasted, but it also keeps the bugs away. The pungent smell of basil leaves is highly offensive to mosquitoes and flies. I like to keep a few small pots of basil directly on our outdoor dining table. If a mosquito gets too close, I just pinch off a leaf, crush it between my fingers, and rub the oils right onto my ankles and wrists.

4. Rosemary

Rosemary is a hardy, woody herb that loves the hot summer sun. While we love the earthy smell on our roasted potatoes, mosquitoes absolutely detest it. If you are planning a backyard bonfire or a barbecue, try throwing a few sprigs of fresh rosemary directly onto the hot coals. The scented smoke will create a natural shield that keeps the bugs far away from your party guests.

5. Marigolds

These cheerful little yellow and orange flowers are a gardener’s best friend. Marigolds contain a natural compound called pyrethrum, which is actually used in many commercial bug sprays! They have a distinct, sharp smell that bugs hate. Plant them around your tomato plants to keep garden pests away, or tuck them into decorative pots around your deck.

6. Peppermint

If you love a refreshing cup of tea, peppermint is a must-have. Mosquitoes hate the strong, crisp scent of mint. But here is a vital piece of advice from Grandma: always plant mint in pots! If you put it directly into the ground, it will spread like wildfire and take over your entire yard before you know it. Keep it contained, and it will be your best friend all summer long.

7. Catnip

Your feline friends will adore this one, but the bugs certainly won't! Research actually shows that catnip is incredibly effective at warding off insects. In fact, some studies mentioned in this excellent guide on companion planting from The Spruce show that catnip might be even more effective than some synthetic chemicals. Just be prepared for a few happy neighborhood cats visiting your garden!

Grandma’s Easy DIY Herb Rub

If you want to step outside and need a quick bit of protection, you can make a simple, skin-safe herbal rub using the plants from your garden. Here is how I do it:

• Step 1: Gather a handful of fresh lavender, rosemary, and basil leaves.
• Step 2: Place them in a small bowl and crush them gently with the back of a spoon until they bruise and look wet.
• Step 3: Rub the crushed herb mixture directly onto your warm skin, especially around your wrists and ankles.
• Step 4: Reapply every hour or two for sweet-smelling, chemical-free protection.

If you are looking for even more ways to protect your family and create a peaceful, bug-free outdoor living area, don't worry, honey. I have saved more tips on plants that repel mosquitoes naturally so you can keep your garden healthy and your family happy all season long.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do these plants work just by sitting in the garden?

They do help quite a bit just by growing, sweetie, but they work best when their leaves are slightly bruised or crushed to release those aromatic oils. Walking past them, letting the wind ruffle them, or gently brushing them with your hands will make them work much better.

Are these plants safe for dogs and cats?

That is a wonderful question to ask! While lavender, rosemary, and catnip are generally very safe around our furry friends, marigolds and citronella grass can upset their little tummies if they chew on them. Keep those specific plants out of reach of curious puppies.

Can I grow these repelling plants indoors?

You absolutely can! Herbs like basil, rosemary, and peppermint do beautifully on a bright, sunny windowsill. Not only will they keep your kitchen smelling fresh, but they will also help deter those tiny gnats and flies that love to buzz around the fruit bowl.

How often should I water my repellent plants?

Most of these plants, especially lavender and rosemary, love dry feet. This means you should let the soil dry out completely between waterings. If you water them too much, their roots will rot, and they won't be able to produce those lovely oils that keep the bugs away.