Mosquitoes are more than just a nuisance; they can also carry diseases and ruin your outdoor fun. Instead of relying solely on chemical repellents, why not let nature do some of the work for you? Certain plants are known for their mosquito-repelling properties, and they can be a beautiful and functional addition to your garden. Here are the top 10 mosquito-repelling plants you need in your backyard.
Citronella Grass
Citronella is perhaps the most well-known mosquito-repelling plant. Its strong lemon-like scent is what repels mosquitoes, and it’s a common ingredient in many insect-repelling products.
How to Use: Plant citronella grass in pots or directly in the ground in a sunny area of your garden. You can also crush the leaves to release more of the citronella oil for stronger protection.
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Lavender
Lavender is not only a beautiful and fragrant plant, but it’s also highly effective at repelling mosquitoes. The strong scent of lavender flowers deters mosquitoes and other insects, while also adding a pleasant aroma to your backyard.
How to Use: Plant lavender along walkways or near seating areas to keep mosquitoes at bay. You can also dry the flowers and hang them in your home for additional insect protection.
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Marigolds
Marigolds are bright, cheerful flowers that do double duty as mosquito repellents. They contain pyrethrum, a compound used in many insect repellents. Marigolds can also repel other pests like aphids and whiteflies.
How to Use: Plant marigolds around the perimeter of your garden, or in pots near windows and doors to keep mosquitoes from entering your home.
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Basil
Basil is not only a kitchen staple but also a powerful mosquito repellent. The aromatic oils in basil plants are effective at keeping mosquitoes away, making it a great choice for your garden.
How to Use: Plant basil in pots or in your garden near outdoor seating areas. You can also crush the leaves and rub them on your skin for a natural mosquito repellent.
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Rosemary
Rosemary is another herb that can help keep mosquitoes at bay. Its strong scent deters mosquitoes, and it’s also a great addition to your kitchen garden for cooking.
How to Use: Plant rosemary in sunny spots around your garden or in containers on your patio. You can also burn dried rosemary sprigs to create a mosquito-repelling smoke.
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Mint
Mint is a fast-growing plant with a strong aroma that mosquitoes dislike. The scent of mint leaves can be enough to deter mosquitoes from hanging around.
How to Use: Plant mint in pots to prevent it from spreading too aggressively in your garden. Place the pots around seating areas or near windows to keep mosquitoes away.
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Lemon Balm
Lemon balm, a member of the mint family, has a strong lemony scent that mosquitoes find unappealing. It’s easy to grow and can even be used to make a soothing tea.
How to Use: Plant lemon balm in a sunny spot in your garden. Crush the leaves and rub them on your skin for extra protection when you’re outside.
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Catnip
Catnip isn’t just for cats; it’s also a potent mosquito repellent. Studies have shown that catnip can be even more effective than DEET at repelling mosquitoes.
How to Use: Plant catnip around your garden or in pots near outdoor seating. If you have cats, they’ll likely enjoy playing with the plant as well.
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Sage
Sage is another herb that mosquitoes dislike. When you burn sage leaves, the aromatic smoke acts as a natural mosquito repellent, making it perfect for summer evenings by the fire pit.
How to Use: Plant sage in your garden or in containers. Burn the dried leaves in your fire pit or barbecue to keep mosquitoes away while you enjoy your time outdoors.
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Geraniums
Scented geraniums, particularly those with a lemon scent, are effective at repelling mosquitoes. They’re also beautiful, adding a splash of color to your garden.
How to Use: Plant geraniums in pots around your patio, or in garden beds near seating areas. The scent of the leaves will help keep mosquitoes at bay, and you can also crush the leaves to release more of the fragrance.
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