14 Plants That Repel Mosquitoes, 4 That Attract Them Instead

Are there any plants that repel mosquitoes? The short answer is ‘Yes’ and continue reading for the details. Don’t want to spray harmful chemicals around your garden just to keep mosquitoes away? Well, you may not need to. There are natural ways to keep the annoying pests away. Besides using certain home remedies for mosquitoes, you can grow plants that the pests hate.

Let’s be honest, mosquitoes are one of the most annoying insects to encounter on a fine evening. They’re very small so hard to catch, and they also spread fatal diseases like malaria and dengue fever. Not to mention, they can drive you crazy with their buzzing and constant consumption of your blood.

Thankfully, there are plants that repel and kill mosquitoes. Keep reading to learn more about these plants.

Plants that Repel Mosquitoes

So, are you ready to keep mosquitoes at bay naturally? The plants on this list are both beautiful, useful, and above all, they are good at keeping the pesky pests at bay.

1. Lemongrass

best plants that repel mosquitoes

If you have a lemon tree and a patch of grass, then you are already halfway to having a lemongrass plant! Lemongrass is a tall grass with a very lemony scent, and is a natural mosquito repellent as well! This plant is very easy to grow, and you can just cut a stalk when you need it. Lemongrass is also very useful in healing and treating many ailments.

2. Catnip

herbs that repel mosquitoes

Catnip, which is a perennial herb, is a popular addition to gardens because it deters aphids, cabbage worms, and cabbage loopers. It can be found in catalogs and garden centers, but a word of warning: It can be toxic to cats! According to the University of California, catnip also works as a mosquito repellent.

3. Lavender

which plants repel mosquitoes

Lavender, a fragrant herb, is commonly grown in gardens and can be planted in pots, too. It is a natural repellent of mosquitoes, ants, flies, moths, and other pests. It works well in a garden or a flower border and is also a popular addition to sachets and potpourri.

4. Lemon Balm

plants that repel bugs

Lemon balm is a perennial herb that can be grown in a garden or in a pot. It is also known as “melissa” and “bee balm.” It is a natural mosquito repellent that works well to keep fleas and ticks out of your garden.

5. Citronella

natural ways to repel mosquitoes

Citronella is a perennial grass that is commonly used in commercial bug sprays. It can be grown in a garden or in a pot. It is also a common ingredient in many candles and room sprays.

6. Plants that Repel Mosquitoes: Garlic

garden plants that keep mosquitoes away

Garlic is a great mosquito repellent that is also very healthy. It can be planted in a flower garden or in a vegetable garden and it will keep the mosquitoes away. The plants are very hardy and grow in many different climates. They need full sun and well-drained soil and they will send up beautiful yellow flowers.

7. Marigolds

flowering plants that keep mosquitoes at bay

Marigolds are another great mosquito repellent that is very hardy and have many uses. They have a sharp, citrusy smell that is offensive to the little bloodsuckers. It also helps that the flowers are brightly colored and can serve as a good deterrent. These plants can thrive in many different climates and can be planted in large masses to create a beautiful garden that also repels mosquitoes.

8. Basil

basil to keep insects away

Basil is a wonderful herb that can repel mosquitoes and also smells delicious. The plant is usually grown in herb gardens because it is so versatile, and the leaves and stems can be used in cooking. It is also very easy to grow and can grow in full sun or partial shade. It is an annual plant, so you will need to replant each year, but the bugs will stay away while you have it.

9. Scented Geraniums

best plants to keep bugs away

Scented geraniums are also very fragrant, having a slightly different scent than lavender but similar in their ability to ward off mosquitoes. It is also very effective at repelling flies and other insects. The plant itself is very beautiful, with small purple flowers and crinkly, dark green leaves. It does best in humid climates and requires full sun and moist, well-drained soil. It is also quite drought-resistant.

10. Plants that Repel Mosquitoes: Mint

mint to repel garden bugs

Mint is another herb that can help repel mosquitoes. It can be used to make tea or added to a salad. It has a very strong flavor, so use it sparingly. Mint is also a fast-growing herb, so be sure to keep it well-watered. It is also a very attractive plant, with its medium green leaves and white and purple flowers. The plant loves mild and cool weather like spring and fall.

11. Lemon Thyme

lemon thyme to keep bugs away

This herb is very common in gardens, and many people like its leaves for cooking. But did you know that mosquitoes do not like it? In fact, they are repelled by the scent of this herb. Lemon thyme is hardy, so it is also easily grown in your garden or on your porch. It also requires full sun and good drainage.

12. Floss Flower

floss flower for mosquitoes

Another great mosquito repellent is the floss flower or spider flower. These plants, which have beautiful white blossoms, have been known to keep mosquitoes at bay. They prefer moist soil and full sun.

13. Onion

does onion repel mosquitoes

Another plant that has long been used to repel mosquitoes and other biting insects is the Onion plant. The smell of the onion plant is due to a sulfuric oil that has a very strong odor to it. This plant is quite easy to grow and can be used fresh or dried for storing. It does well in the summer and will need some shade during the hotter months.

14. Plants that Repel Mosquitoes: Allium

best plants against mosquitoes

This is another plant that is known to repel mosquitoes. It has a pungent odor that will keep the pests at bay. This plant is also edible and can be used in many ways. It can be used as a companion plant or planted in the garden to make a great border. It is easy to grow and thrives in full sun to partial shade.

Related: Why Mosquitoes Might be Choosing You in Particular

Plants that Attract Mosquitoes

Not all plants repel mosquitoes and other bugs. There are plants and herbs that attract them instead. Such herbs are generally the ones that need stagnant water to flourish and have strong scent of nectar, fruit, or seeds. They are also delicious to these insects.

Many gardeners and farmers grow these plants to attract the bugs and then trap them in other ways. They can also create a bug-free zone around their house by planting the right herbs in the right place in the garden.

Depending upon your particular strategy, you may or may not want to grow these plants around your house.

Here are some of the herbs that attract mosquitoes:

  • Water lilies.
  • Hyacinths.
  • Water lettuce.
  • Taro, or papyrus

Do you know other natural ways to repel mosquitoes and other bugs? We would love you to know your ideas.

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