If you’re tired of slapping away mosquitoes every time you step outside, you’re not alone. These buzzing pests can ruin even the most relaxing backyard moments. The good news? There’s a natural way to fight back—with plants!
In this updated 2025 guide, we’ll walk you through the best mosquito repellent plants that not only add beauty to your garden or patio but also help keep mosquitoes at bay. These powerhouse plants release natural oils and scents that mosquitoes can’t stand—making them your new best friends in outdoor pest control.
Whether you’re curating a full garden, sprucing up a balcony, or simply adding a few pots around your seating area, these 15 plants offer a beautiful and effective way to reclaim your outdoor space—no harsh chemicals needed.
1. Lavender (Lavandula)
Elegant, fragrant, and mosquito-repelling
Lavender isn’t just a visual delight with its soft purple blooms—it’s also a natural mosquito deterrent. The plant’s soothing scent, which we humans love, is overpowering for mosquitoes. Its essential oils disrupt a mosquito’s sense of smell, making it harder for them to find their next meal.
- Best spot: Full sun with well-drained soil
- Extra tip: Crush a few leaves and rub them on your skin (do a patch test first) for a light natural repellent
Lavender’s drought resistance and versatility make it ideal for borders, containers, or rock gardens—plus, it attracts bees and butterflies!
2. Marigold (Tagetes)
Bright blooms that pack a pest-fighting punch
With their fiery petals and earthy scent, marigolds are more than just a cheerful border flower. They release compounds like pyrethrum, a natural insect repellent often used in eco-friendly bug sprays.
- Best spot: Plant near entryways, patios, or vegetable gardens
- Why it works: Mosquitoes can’t stand the pungent aroma of marigolds
These hardy annuals love full sun and are also known to repel aphids and whiteflies—double win for gardeners!
3. Lemongrass (Cymbopogon citratus)
The go-to plant behind citronella oil
This tall, tropical-looking grass is more than just a culinary favorite—it’s the source of citronella, one of the most popular natural mosquito repellents on the market.
- Best spot: Warm, sunny areas in containers or garden beds
- Caution: Not frost-tolerant—bring indoors or overwinter in pots if needed
Its citrusy scent masks the carbon dioxide and lactic acid that attract mosquitoes. Plus, it adds a refreshing vibe to any modern outdoor space.
4. Rosemary (Salvia rosmarinus)
A fragrant herb with more than just flavor
Rosemary isn’t just for roast chicken—its strong, woodsy scent doubles as a mosquito deterrent. When the oils are released (especially when burned), it creates a natural barrier insects dislike.
- Best spot: Sunny spots with sandy, well-drained soil
- Pro tip: Throw a few sprigs on the BBQ or fire pit to repel mosquitoes with smoke
It’s perfect for Mediterranean-style gardens or container arrangements, and it thrives with minimal water.
5. Catmint (Nepeta)
Pretty, pollinator-friendly, and ten times more effective than DEET?
Yes, you read that right. Studies have shown that catmint—a relative of catnip—can be even more effective than DEET in repelling mosquitoes. Its pungent scent confuses their sensory system, keeping them away.
- Best spot: Almost anywhere—it’s very hardy and drought-tolerant
- Bonus: Attracts bees and butterflies, deters ants and aphids
With soft lavender-blue flowers and silvery foliage, catmint makes a stunning (and functional) border plant.
6. Bee Balm (Monarda)
A pollinator magnet that mosquitoes can’t stand
Bee balm, also known as horsemint or Monarda, is a summer showstopper with bright, firework-like blooms. While it draws in bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds, it does the opposite for mosquitoes—thanks to its aromatic oils released when the leaves are crushed.
- Best spot: Sunny garden beds with moist, well-drained soil
- Bonus: Long blooming period adds color from mid to late summer
This native North American plant combines beauty with functionality and makes an excellent choice for wildlife-friendly gardens.
7. Basil (Ocimum basilicum)
Culinary herb with powerful pest-fighting perks
Basil isn’t just for pesto—it’s one of the few herbs that naturally repels mosquitoes without needing to be crushed to release its oils. Its strong scent creates a barrier against insects, making it a perfect choice for pots near patios and windows.
- Best spot: Full sun with regular watering
- Pro tip: Plant Thai or lemon basil varieties for extra mosquito-repelling power
Add basil to your kitchen garden, or grow it in containers to keep fresh leaves within arm’s reach all summer.
8. Mint (Mentha spp.)
Versatile and refreshing—indoors and out
Mint is a fast-growing herb known for its clean, invigorating scent. Mosquitoes, flies, and even ants avoid it, making mint a great multitasking plant for pest control.
- Best spot: Pots or containers (it spreads aggressively!)
- Extra use: Tuck sprigs into pockets or table bouquets to deter bugs during outdoor dining
Whether you grow spearmint, peppermint, or chocolate mint, this herb adds flavor and function to any garden setup.
9. Sage (Salvia officinalis)
A fire pit favorite with earthy, smoky charm
If you enjoy backyard bonfires or cookouts, sage is your secret weapon against mosquitoes. When its leaves are tossed into flames, they release a fragrant smoke that keeps bugs away naturally.
- Best spot: Sunny areas with well-drained soil
- DIY idea: Dry leaves for homemade bug sprays or sachets
It’s also a fantastic companion plant that repels cabbage moths and carrot flies—perfect for veggie gardens!
10. Allium (Allium spp.)
A garden bulb with a bold scent and big benefits
A cousin to garlic and onions, allium emits a pungent aroma that mosquitoes and other insects avoid. Plus, its globe-shaped blooms add drama and texture to flower beds.
- Best spot: Sunny, well-drained soil—plant in clusters for full effect
- Garden bonus: Also repels aphids, slugs, and carrot flies
These striking ornamental flowers are long-lasting and low-maintenance, making them a savvy pick for both beauty and bug control.
11. Eucalyptus (Eucalyptus spp.)
Silvery foliage + strong scent = mosquito defense
Known for its clean, invigorating scent, eucalyptus is a natural source of terpenes—compounds that mosquitoes avoid like the plague. Its oils are commonly found in natural insect repellents, but having the live plant in your garden works wonders, too.
- Best spot: Full sun in containers or in-ground if you’re in a warm zone
- Pro tip: Gently warm or rub the leaves to release more of its mosquito-repelling scent
Its silvery-blue leaves make it a striking ornamental feature as well.
12. Lantana (Lantana camara)
Colorful blooms that pull double duty
Lantana is loved for its vibrant, multi-colored flowers—but did you know it also deters mosquitoes? As the sun warms the leaves, they release natural oils that repel flying insects.
- Best spot: Full sun, especially near patios or lounging areas
- Bonus: Attracts butterflies and hummingbirds, while keeping mosquitoes away
Ideal for hanging baskets or garden borders, lantana thrives in hot, dry conditions and blooms from spring through fall.
13. Creeping Thyme (Thymus serpyllum)
Step on it to activate its mosquito-fighting oils
Low-growing and lovely, creeping thyme makes an excellent groundcover between pavers, garden paths, or around raised beds. Its real magic? The mosquito-repelling oils released when the foliage is stepped on.
- Best spot: Full sun, well-draining soil
- Extra perk: Tolerates foot traffic and drought conditions
Functional and fragrant, this tough little herb adds charm while keeping your feet and garden bug-free.
14. Scented Geraniums (Pelargonium spp.)
Fragrant, floral, and functional
Not all geraniums repel bugs—but scented geraniums, particularly lemon-scented varieties, do! These leafy beauties emit a citrus-like fragrance that mosquitoes dislike.
- Best spot: Containers you can move near doors, decks, and windows
- Seasonal tip: Overwinter indoors if you’re in a colder climate
They’re easy to grow, beautiful to display, and practical for keeping pests off the porch.
15. Pennyroyal (Mentha pulegium)
The lesser-known but powerful mosquito plant
Pennyroyal, a mint family member, may not be as famous as basil or lavender, but it’s incredibly effective. When the leaves are crushed or brushed, they release a strong aroma that mosquitoes hate.
- Best spot: Groundcover in shady or partly sunny areas
- Caution: Not edible—avoid ingestion, especially by pets and children
Its creeping habit makes it ideal for borders or planting between stepping stones, where its bug-repelling powers are most easily activated.
🧪 Conclusion
If you’re looking to enjoy your garden without the constant swatting, these 15 mosquito-repellent plants offer a beautiful, natural solution. From the calming scent of lavender to the bold presence of eucalyptus and the cheerful blooms of marigold and lantana, each of these plants helps you reclaim your outdoor space—without relying on synthetic chemicals.
By planting strategically around patios, doors, and outdoor seating areas, you can create a green, fragrant shield that protects you from pesky intruders while enhancing the overall aesthetic of your space.