12 Magical Plants to Keep Mosquitoes Away

Aug 23, 2024

12 Plantes Magiques pour Éloigner les Moustiques

Most insect repellent plants naturally repel mosquitoes with their fragrances, which not only keep these pesky pests away but also bring wonderful scents to your garden.
If you don't want to cover yourself with chemical sprays or spray your garden with them, you can grow some of these plants to repel mosquitoes naturally.
Plant these plants in areas where your guests frequently hang out, such as near a seating area or at the entrance to the house.

Here are 12 plants to grow to naturally repel mosquitoes:

1- Lavender 🌿

Have you ever noticed that insects, rabbits and other animals have never ravaged your lavender plant? This is thanks to its captivating scent, which comes from the essential oils present on the leaves of the plant.
Lavender oil is even said to disrupt mosquitoes' ability to smell! Once established, this plant is very drought tolerant and only requires full sun and good drainage.
Although it can withstand many climates, lavender particularly thrives in warmer regions.

Type de plante : Vivace
Areas: Regions with moderately cold to mild winters
Flowering period: From summer to autumn

2- Concern 🌼

Marigold, an easy-to-grow annual flower, gives off an odor that repels mosquitoes. Plant them in pots and place them near your terrace or at the entrance to your house to keep insects away.
Marigolds are also very popular in borders and vegetable gardens. According to the New York Botanical Garden (NYBG), in addition to repelling mosquitoes, they also deter aphids, thrips, whiteflies, Mexican bean beetles, squash bugs and tomato caterpillars. Find out more about marigold cultivation.

Type of plant: Annual
Flowering period: From late spring until the first frost

3- Lemongrass (Lemon Grass) 🍋

Known for its distinct scent, lemongrass (or lemon grass) is the most common natural ingredient used in mosquito repellents.
The Brooklyn Botanic Garden also recommends plants with a lemony aroma, such as lemongrass, to keep mosquitoes away.
The good news is that the living plant is the most effective at repelling pests. This easy-to-maintain plant does best in large pots, as it cannot tolerate frost.
However, in warmer climates, it can be planted directly in the ground, in a sunny location.

Type of plant: Usually grown as an annual
Zones: Regions with a mild and warm climate (free of frost)

4- Catnip 🌱

Catnip (or catnip) is a hardy plant that grows almost anywhere. A member of the mint family, it grows abundantly, whether as a cultivated plant or as a weed.
It is very easy to maintain and may even start to take over other parts of your garden. However, if you are willing to tolerate its invasive nature, catnip is an excellent mosquito repellent, recommended by the Brooklyn Botanic Garden (BBG).
An Iowa State University study found that catnip is ten times more effective than DEET, a chemical used in most insect repellents.

Type de plante : Vivace
Areas: Regions with cold to moderately cold winters
Flowering period: From early summer to fall

5- Rosemary 🌿

Rosemary is another excellent mosquito repellent, recommended by the New York Botanical Garden and PlantShed. This herb, well known to many of us, gives off a woody scent that repels not only mosquitoes, but also cabbage flies and carrot flies.
Rosemary grows particularly well in hot, dry climates, and thrives in pots, which is ideal for areas with harsh winters.
It can also be trimmed into different shapes and sizes, making it a great option for borders or decorations.
In addition to repelling pests, you can enjoy its captivating scent and use it to season your dishes.

Type of plant: Perennial herb
Areas: Regions with a mild climate (frost-free)

6- Basil 🌱

Basil is another herb that can also serve as a pest repellent. The strong smell that basil leaves give off is what keeps pests away.
And since all types of basil are effective at repelling flies and mosquitoes, don't hesitate to explore and choose the varieties that will fit best in your garden.
This grass appreciates being kept moist, requires good drainage and likes a lot of sun.
You can plant basil in pots or directly in the garden, alone or with other flowers, as long as the plants share the same needs.

Type of plant: Usually grown as an annual
Areas: Very warm regions (free of frost)
Flowering period: From summer until the first frost

7- Citronella-Scented Geranium 🌸

Scented geraniums are also popular plants for repelling mosquitoes. Recommended by PlantShed, BBG, and NYBG, the favorite scent seems to be lemon, reminiscent of the smell of lemongrass.
Their powerful fragrance repels several types of pests. These fast-growing plants like warm, sunny, dry climates, but if you live in an area with a cold climate, they can be grown in pots with regular pruning.

Plant type: Typically grown as an annual
Areas: Very warm regions (free of frost)
Flowering period: From spring to autumn

8- Monarda (Bee Balm) 🌺

Do you want to attract good insects like bees and butterflies, while repelling pests? Then monarda, also known as bee balm or horsemint, is the plant for you.
Simply crush its leaves to release the fragrant oils. In addition to its repellent effect, you will benefit from its colorful flowers, available in red, pink, lavender, white or purple, all summer long.

Type de plante : Vivace
Areas: Regions with moderate to cold winters
Blooming time: Mid to late summer

9- Mint 🍃

Mint is a great non-toxic option for repelling mosquitoes, flies, and even ants. The more powerful its aroma, the fewer pests you will have.
Plant it in pots on your patio so it's easily accessible if you want to add a leaf or two to your afternoon tea.
You can even dry the leaves and use them inside your home as a natural method of insect control.

Type of plant: Perennial herb
Areas: Regions with cold to moderate winters

10- Agerate (Ageratum) 🌸

This pretty annual flower is ideal for beds or pots. Agerate contains coumarin, a chemical compound that helps repel mosquitoes, but also makes it toxic if ingested by pets or humans.

Type of plant: Usually grown as an annual
Areas: Warm regions (frost-free)
Flowering period: From planting until the first frost

11- Sage 🌿

If you enjoy gathering around a fire pit in your backyard, plant sage nearby.
Throw a few leaves into the flames, and its earthy scent will keep insects away.
Sage can also be dried and used to make homemade bug spray.

Type de plante : Vivace
Areas: Regions with moderate to cold winters

12- Garlic 🌷

These bulbs, which include garlic and onions, give off a strong scent that mosquitoes don't like.
You'll enjoy the globe-shaped flowers of alliums, which appear to float atop long, slender stems.

Plant Type: Bulb
Zones: Regions with cold to moderate winters (depending on variety)
Flowering period: From planting until the first frost