15 Plants That Keep Mosquitoes Out of Your Yard

I don’t know about you, but mosquitoes make me want to pack up and head inside the second I get comfortable outdoors. And if you’re like me and don’t love soaking yourself in bug spray every evening, planting the right greenery can make a real difference.

Over the years, I’ve found that some plants actually pull their weight when it comes to keeping those pests away. They don’t solve the problem entirely, but they sure help. If you’re looking for a natural way to cut down on bites, these plants are worth adding to your yard.

Citronella Grass

This one’s probably the most talked-about plant for repelling mosquitoes—and for good reason. Citronella oil is a common ingredient in bug sprays. The live plant has a strong lemony scent that keeps mosquitoes from hanging around.

It grows best in warm climates and full sun. If you’re up north, keep it in a pot so you can bring it inside for winter. It gets big—like 4 to 6 feet—so give it room.

Lavender

Lavender smells great to us but mosquitoes can’t stand it. It’s got natural oils that work as a deterrent, and bonus—it brings in pollinators like bees and butterflies.

Stick it somewhere sunny with well-drained soil. It doesn’t like soggy roots, so make sure your drainage is solid. Once it’s going, it’s pretty hands-off and drought-tolerant.

Marigolds

These bright flowers do more than look good. They contain a compound called pyrethrum, which is used in natural insect repellents. Mosquitoes steer clear of them.

Plant marigolds near doorways, patios, or garden edges. They’re easy to grow from seed and don’t need much attention. Deadheading them keeps the blooms coming longer.

Basil

Here’s a two-for-one: basil repels mosquitoes, and it’s great in the kitchen. It gives off a strong scent that bugs hate, especially varieties like lemon basil and cinnamon basil.

Grow it in full sun, water it regularly, and pinch the tops to keep it bushy. Keep a pot near the grill or back door to help keep the bugs away while you’re cooking.

Peppermint

Mosquitoes aren’t fans of peppermint’s strong smell, and if you crush the leaves, the oil inside is even more effective. It can also help soothe bites if you end up getting nipped.

It spreads fast, so it’s best grown in pots unless you want it taking over. Give it partial shade to full sun and keep the soil moist. Easy to grow and useful all over the yard.

Catnip

Believe it or not, catnip is more effective at repelling mosquitoes than DEET in some studies. It’s in the mint family and grows like crazy once established.

It does best in full sun and well-drained soil. Be ready for neighborhood cats to pay you a visit, though—they love the stuff. Cut it back after flowering to keep it tidy.

Rosemary

This woody herb packs a punch when it comes to repelling mosquitoes. The strong scent works especially well when the leaves are brushed or burned.

It needs lots of sunlight and well-drained soil. Rosemary does great in raised beds or containers. Plus, it’s great to have around for cooking—especially on the grill.

Scented Geraniums

Look for citronella-scented geraniums, which release a lemony smell mosquitoes don’t like. They’re easy to move around in pots, which makes them great for decks and patios.

They do best with full sun and regular watering but don’t like soggy soil. Pinch off dead blooms to keep them looking tidy and encourage more flowers.

Lemon Balm

Lemon balm smells fresh, but mosquitoes want nothing to do with it. It’s another one in the mint family, so it’ll spread if you let it.

It’s easy to grow in part shade or full sun and does fine in average soil. Cut it back a few times a year to keep it under control. Makes a good tea too, if you’re into that.

Allium

These are part of the onion family, and their strong smell keeps mosquitoes and other pests away. You’ll recognize them by their big globe-shaped blooms.

Plant the bulbs in fall for spring blooms. They do best in sunny spots with decent drainage. Once they’re in, they don’t need much—just enjoy the show and pest protection.

Bee Balm

Bee balm brings in bees and butterflies, but not mosquitoes. The strong minty scent keeps the biting bugs at bay.

It likes full sun and rich, moist soil. It’ll spread, so divide it every couple of years. Let it grow tall in the back of flower beds or near sitting areas to keep pests from crashing your party.

Sage

Tossing sage into a fire pit or grill can help drive off mosquitoes with the smoke, but the live plant has its own benefits too.

It likes full sun and doesn’t need a ton of water once it’s established. Keep it trimmed and use it fresh or dried. Good plant to have around for both bug control and seasoning.

Thyme

Thyme is small but mighty. Creeping thyme works well between stepping stones and gives off a strong scent when walked on—something mosquitoes hate.

Plant it in full sun and well-drained soil. It’s drought-tolerant and grows low, so it fills in gaps nicely without much fuss.

Lemongrass

This plant contains citronella oil naturally and grows in tall clumps. It’s a solid choice for pots around patios and walkways.

Give it full sun and regular watering. In warm zones, it can grow as a perennial. Up north, treat it as an annual or bring it inside when temps drop.

Pennyroyal

This one’s a strong mosquito repellent, but use caution—it’s toxic to pets and people if ingested. Stick to using it ornamentally and in spots animals can’t reach.

It likes moist soil and partial shade. Use it as ground cover or edge a walkway with it, but keep an eye on where it spreads.

*This article was developed with AI-powered tools and has been carefully reviewed by our editors.