10 Plants for Your Garden to Finally Banish Pesky Mosquitoes (and Other Bugs)!

Oh, that annoying mosquito season! Those tiny, blood-sucking insects can turn your outdoor haven into a buzzing nightmare. While there are countless mosquito repellent products available on the market, not everyone likes chemical-laden sprays. The good news is that nature gives us a solution right in our backyards. Let’s talk about using plants to keep mosquitos away!

In this blog post, you’ll find ten garden plants that not only beautify your outdoor space but also act as natural mosquito repellents. Say goodbye to those irritating mosquito bites and welcome a more enjoyable outdoor experience.

1. Lavender (Lavandula)

Lavender is a wonderful addition to any garden. It has beautiful, fragrant blooms and offers a soothing effect. Not only do humans find its scent pleasant, but it also acts as a natural mosquito repellent.

Planting lavender around your garden or patio can help keep these insects away. Additionally, you can harvest the flowers and create your own lavender sachets to hang around your outdoor seating areas for added protection.

2. Get Rid of Mosquitos with Citronella Grass (Cymbopogon nardus) Plants

Citronella is a popular and effective natural mosquito repellent. It is commonly used in various forms like candles and sprays. This grassy plant thrives in warm climates and emits a strong lemony fragrance when crushed or brushed against.

3. Marigolds (Tagetes)

Marigolds are a beautiful and colorful addition to your garden. Not only do they add vibrancy, but they also serve as an effective mosquito repellent.

Their strong aroma naturally deters mosquitoes and other garden pests. For optimal results, consider planting marigolds near entrances or around seating areas to create a natural barrier against these pesky bugs.

4. Basil (Ocimum basilicum) is Another Plant to Keep Mosquitos Away

Basil is a versatile herb with many culinary uses, and it also acts as a natural mosquito repellent. The strong scent of basil plants can confuse and drive away mosquitoes.

Try planting basil near your kitchen garden or outdoor dining area to maximize its benefits. It’s also a great herb in pasta sauces and other recipes.

5. Rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis)

Rosemary is a wonderful herb that mosquitoes don’t like. It grows well in warm climates and adds great flavor to your food while keeping pesky insects away. Consider planting rosemary in pots or near areas where people gather to create a mosquito-free zone.

6. Peppermint (Mentha piperita)

Peppermint has a delightful scent that humans love, but mosquitoes hate. You can effectively repel these annoying insects by planting peppermint in your garden or placing pots of peppermint around your outdoor seating areas.

An added bonus is that you’ll have fresh mint leaves for teas and cocktails. I was surprised at how easy it is to make mint tea using the fragrant leaves!

7. Catnip (Nepeta cataria)

Cats love catnip, but mosquitoes definitely don’t. Its natural mosquito-repelling properties make catnip a favorite choice for those who prefer chemical-free solutions. If you have cats, planting catnip in your garden may attract some furry visitors.

8. Keep the Mosquitos Away with Lemon Balm (Melissa officinalis) Plants

As you might guess, lemon balm has a lovely lemony scent that mosquitoes hate. It belongs to the mint family and can spread quickly, so it’s a good idea to plant it in pots. For extra protection, crush the leaves and rub them on your skin.

9. Chrysanthemums (Chrysanthemum)

Chrysanthemums, also known as mums, naturally contain an insecticide called pyrethrum. It is a common ingredient used in mosquito sprays and repellents by pest control companies. Planting chrysanthemums in your garden can help keep away not just mosquitoes but other pests as well.

10. Lemon Verbena (Aloysia citrodora)

Lemon verbena is a lovely herb with a delightful lemon scent that mosquitoes can’t stand. It’s a wonderful addition to your garden, and you can use it to make herbal teas or give your culinary dishes an extra touch of flavor.

For the best results, plant lemon verbena near places you often sit outside. If you notice fewer mosquitos, let me know!

Concluding Words on Using Plants to Keep Mosquitos Away

By ensuring preventative pest control solutions and strategically planting some of these plants, you can naturally banish pesky bugs and enjoy a more relaxing outdoor space. From the soothing aroma of lavender to the zesty scent of lemon verbena, these plants protect you from mosquitoes and enhance the beauty and fragrance of your garden.

So, roll up your sleeves, get your gardening gloves on, and let nature help you reclaim your outdoor haven from those buzzing intruders. Your garden will thank you, and so will your skin.

If this seems like way too much of an effort or if you simply don’t have the time, you know you can contact a mosquito spray company to help you out with other solutions. What are you using to keep the mosquitos away around your house?