This post may contain affiliate links. Please read my disclosure.
Mosquitoes can be very annoying, especially if you get bit constantly like myself. I try to avoid using bug sprays and repellents because they are full of toxic chemicals. Luckily, there plants that repel mosquitoes you can plant around your house and yard to keep these bugs away.
I always avoid using chemical based bug sprays as they contain the chemical permethrin, which can kill brain cells. The chemical DEET in brands such as OFF! can have adverse effects on cell function in the nervous system. I’ve found my natural DIY bug mosquito repellent to help from getting bit, but were still surround by mosquitoes in our backyard.
I love using these 5 plants that repel mosquitoes because they really brighten up the area around my patio space, and everything is all natural. I also like that I do not have to worry about what chemicals I’m exposing myself and my family to. There is no longer a need for store bought bug spray.
How Plants Repel Mosquitoes Naturally:
Certain plants can help repel mosquitoes naturally because of their natural fragrances they emit. Luckily, the plants that repel mosquitoes actually have a really nice scent.
By adding these plants to your backyard, around your porch or even on your deck, you can help keep mosquitoes away.
How to Use these Plants in Your Yard:
To get the most mosquito repelling effect, you should put these plants as close to the areas you frequent most. For example, if you want to keep mosquitoes away from your back deck. You should add these plants in pots to your deck or around your deck.
You want the scent to be strongest in the area you want to keep mosquitoes away.
These plants can be grown in pots or directly in the dirt. Both ways work great for repelling mosquitoes.
5 Plants that Repel Mosquitoes Naturally
1. Citronella grass is great for repelling mosquitoes. Citronella oil is the highly common ingredient in most brand name bug sprays. It is often added to bug sprays and scented candles because it’s excellent at repelling mosquitoes! Citronella grass can be planted around a patio or yard to ward off the mosquitoes. If you need extra repellent, citronella grass can be crushed up and rubbed directly on the skin.
2. Lemon balm is a great plant to have outside where you want to keep the bugs away. It contains a lot of citronella and gives off a citrusy smell to keep the mosquitoes far away. This plant is also safe to crush up and rub on the skin for extra repellent.
3. Catnip is not only great at entertaining your feline friends, but it is great at keeping mosquitoes at bay. Research shows that catnip may be more effective at repelling mosquitoes than DEET! It is also safe enough to rub directly onto the skin for extra protection. Catnip can be grown indoors or outdoors. If you have a cat beware that they will want to play with it, so be sure to use caution.
4. Lavender is my favorite out of all these plants that repel mosquitoes. It looks beautiful and it smells great! But more importantly it keeps the mosquitoes away. Lavender is a great addition to an outdoor patio or just as a houseplant.
5. Peppermint is another great plant to repel mosquitoes. I really enjoy this one because it is not nearly as intense as citronella grass or lemon balm. Peppermint can be planted indoors or outdoors, although I love keeping some inside and outside. Peppermint leaves can even soothe mosquito bites. If you get bit, you can crush it up and apply it topically. This will soothe the bite and help prevent any more! Peppermint is my second favorite out of the 5 plants that repel mosquitoes. 
Very useful information, thank you. Previously used only the usual methods of protection: spray, mosquito nets, etc.. Now be sure to try catnip or lavender, which is in my garden.
I am with you — re these plants! I have all of them. I find that any of the lemon-scented plants have similar effects, so you can included lemon thyme + lemon verbena in your list. There are more. Each year I grow a few lemon herbs in pots.. lemony scented pots are delightful and do help I believe.
Great article. Thanks for sharing!
Thanks Carol!
Hey Lori,
I must say Its a beautiful article. The way you have described everything is phenomenal. And, I will definitely going to plant these so that I can conquer mosquitoes. BTW Thanks for sharing it!
Thank you!