15 Plants That Can Help Control Mosquitoes

Nothing ruins a unadulterated summer eventide quicker than the incessant buzz — and bit — of mosquito . I know how frustrating it is to slather on chemical repellents only to find sticky and still get bit ! fortuitously , your garden can be part of the resolution : by incorporating the right industrial plant , you’re able to create a fragrant barrier that deter mosquitoes while draw in good wildlife .

In this templet , we ’ll explore 15 botanical friend — presented in a randomised order — that release raw compound mosquitoes detest . For each , you ’ll learn about its disgustful belongings , aboriginal origin , self‑seeding or invasive tendencies , and how it supports pollinator or nesting insects . allow ’s turn your outdoor distance into a mosquito‑unfriendly seaport !

Pennyroyal (Mentha pulegium)

Pennyroyal ’s impregnable , mint‑like odor issue forth from pulegone — a chemical compound mosquito detest . Crush fresh leaf between your fingers and rub them on exposed skin ( test a small patch first ! ) , or rapier sprig into potted displays around patios for uninterrupted repellent action . Its thick size of it makes it unadulterated for edging footpath where mosquito dawdle .

Native to Europe , northerly Africa , and parts of Asia , pennyroyal can self‑seed if you allow its tiny flowers to coiffe seed , but it seldom becomes invasive . Bees and hoverflies call in its lavender‑blue blooms , and its low , dense foliage offers shelter for ground‑nesting unfrequented bees . I always leave a barren patch of grime nearby so those little mineworker can set up home !

Chrysanthemum (Chrysanthemum indicium)

Chrysanthemums contain pyrethrins — born insect powder that impair mosquito unquiet system on contact . engraft them in decorative container around seating areas , and when the flowers grow , their pollen and petals can be dry and made into homemade nebulizer or sachets for a more virile barrier !

Originally from East Asia , ornamental mums are n’t encroaching in most home gardens . Their late‑season blooms supply nectar for butterflies and bees when other flowers are fading , and the sturdy stem provide perches for predatory insects like ladybugs . I have sex how chrysanthemum brighten the porch while keeping pesky biters at bay !

Catnip (Nepeta cataria)

Catnip ’s nepetalactone is so effectual that studies show it can be up to ten times more yucky than DEET ! Grow catmint in clusters near doorway and window , or harvest impertinent stem turn to brew into a mosquito‑repelling tea . spray the afternoon tea around outside seats region produce a nontoxic shield that keeps mosquitoes on the move .

aboriginal to Europe and parts of Asia , catnip self‑sows smartly but seldom becomes a nuisance if you deadhead spent flowers . Its tubelike bloom pull in bumblebees , honeybees , and hummingbird , while the dense leaf offers cover version for predatory ground mallet . Honest moment : I once underestimate its vigor and terminate up pulling dozens of Tennessean — but every blooming brought a bombilation of beneficial insects !

Lemon Balm (Melissa officinalis)

Lemon balm ’s citrusy scent , thanks to high citral and citronellal subject matter , masque human odors and confuses mosquitoes . Rub a few leave on your radiocarpal joint or mortise joint area for a quick personal repellant , or let lemon balm fall over the edges of containers to scent the melodic line around your deck of cards !

Native to southerly Europe , lemon balm spread via runners but is not consider invasive in most climate . Its pale white flower tip bee and syrphid fly front , and the tangle of stems beneath provides safe havens for juvenile pollinators and little amphibian . I find its upbeat lemon yellow scent also lifts my mood — win‑win for gardener and Edgar Albert Guest likewise !

Bee Balm (Monarda didyma)

One of my favourite aboriginal perennials , bee balm ’s potent essential oils discourage mosquitoes while drawing in hummingbirds and bees to its vibrant red or pinkish flower . Plant it in multitude near induct areas for both a ocular statement and a nonpoisonous mosquito screen !

aboriginal to easterly North America , bee balm self‑seeds middling but seldom becomes aggressive . Its tubelike flowers are perfect for long‑tongued pollinators , and the hollow stalk eventually become nesting burrow for mason bees . I always pull up stakes a few seed heads in place over winter , know they ’ll sustain goldfinches and sparrows arrive spring thaw .

Citronella Grass (Cymbopogon nardus)

Citronella grass is the source of the classic “ mosquito‑repellent candle ” perfume , thanks to citronellal and geraniol . Grow clip-clop patch in bombastic planters or beds , and break down the leaves softly before lead outside to turn a burst of repellent crude oil straight under your nose .

Native to Southeast Asia , citronella dope is not trespassing but thrives in warm , humid mood — container growing is best in cooler zone . Its feathery plumes also attract butterflies and good predatory wasps that feed on garden pests . I discover watching that dual action — mosquitoes hold at alcove while lacewing patrol — is endlessly rewarding !

Basil (Ocimum basilicum)

Sweet basil ’s sweet‑spicy aroma comes from linalool and eugenol , which mosquitoes dislike . works sweet basil pots around doorway , windows , and seating areas , and trim fresh branchlet for pasta tonight — your basil‑scented breeze is a dual - purpose delectation , warding off biter and temper your sauce !

Originating in tropical Asia , sweet basil is n’t incursive but boom in warm , sunny spots with well‑drained soil . Its purple and blanched blossom draw bee and small butterflies , and the seed‑heads later bung finches . I always allow one or two plant life rosiness each summer just to support those late‑season foragers !

Rosemary (Salvia rosmarinus)

Rosemary ’s pine‑like fragrance , full-bodied in cineole and camphor , confuses mosquito olfactory sensory receptor . Plant it in sun‑baked beds or container near lounging daub , and copse by the foliation for an instant repellent boost . Dried sprigs can also be bundle and hung as decorative , fragrant mosquito‑deterrent wand !

aboriginal to the Mediterranean , rosemary is not invasive but appreciates sharp drain and full Sunday . Its blue bloom are resistless to bees and other pollinator , and the woody stems offer perch situation for predatory louse such as predatory wasps . I aver , every clip I prune for cooking , I ’m also giving my garden a mosquito‑fighting haircut !

Sage (Salvia officinalis)

Garden sage ’s camphor and thujone compound make it a foeman of biting insects . Burn dried sage leaves as a “ smudge stick ” around campfire circle or sit areas to drive off mosquitoes , or plant sage along borders to keep the garden circumference less inviting to pests .

aboriginal to the Mediterranean , sage is n’t trespassing but casual volunteer seedling appear if you let blossom mature . Those violet‑blue blooms sop up humblebee and aboriginal solitary bees , and the blue mats of foliage create sanctuary for lady beetles and ground beetles . I find sage ’s silver leaf also adds year‑round grain that mosquitoes simply ca n’t crash !

Lavender (Lavandula angustifolia)

Lavender ’s soothe scent comes from linalyl acetate rayon and linalool — redolent compounds that homo adore but mosquitoes abhor ! fence seating area with lavender moulding or tuck a few peck on your terrace , and you ’ll bask restful evenings costless from bites and fulfil with bee visits !

Native to the Mediterranean , lavender is n’t invasive but appreciate thin , well‑drained soil and full sun . Its fragrant spikes are top magnets for honeybees and butterflies , and nesting Freemason bee use hollow stems or sententious stalks for brood chamber . I always deadhead spent blooms to prolong the show and keep those stems attractive to nesting insect !

Lemongrass (Cymbopogon citratus)

Like its full cousin citronella , lemongrass carries high levels of citronellal and geraniol — powerful mosquito repellents . mature dense clod in sun‑soaked borders or pots , and cut leaves into tea , soups , or stovetop simmer pot that scent the integral patio and keep barbed insect at embayment !

aboriginal to India and Southeast Asia , lemon grass is not invasive but spreads via rhizomes , so containerize in cooler climate is wise . Its tall , arching leaves also offer up refuge for minor lizards and predatory insects like footing beetles . I love that every sentence I harvest straw for cookery , I ’m also harvest peace of mind outside !

Marigold (Tagetes spp.)

Marigolds emit limonene and Chrysanthemum coccineum - same compound from their foliage and root that deter mosquitoes and nematode worm alike . Scatter marigold annuals liberally around veg layer and room access , and their pungent scent will assist guard both your salad super acid and your summer BBQ .

aboriginal to Mexico and Central America , marigolds self‑seed modestly but rarely outstay their welcome . Their bright orange and yellowed blooms attract hoverflies , predatory wasps , and butterfly , and the low‑growing habit offers ground‑nesting bee easy memory access to nest sites . Plus , their pollyannaish people of colour always brightens my mood — pungency prevention and beauty , all in one !

Peppermint (Mentha × piperita)

Peppermint ’s menthol mental object not only cool you down but also drive off biting mosquitoes . infatuation fresh peppermint leaf in your mitt to liberate an straightaway refreshing repellent , or wind mint into your garden paths so every step trounce leaves and scents the air !

A hybrid of watermint and Mentha spicata , peppermint originates from Europe but can spread smartly via ball carrier , so comprise it in pots or confine bed . Its purple flower spike beckon bees and butterflies , and the thick vegetation underfoot shelters petite toads and amphibians that feed on mosquito larvae . I always preserve a few mint clippings to tally to summer potable — my own mint ginmill that repels pests and enrapture guests !

Eucalyptus (Eucalyptus spp.)

Eucalyptus leaves are rich in eucalyptol ( cineole ) , a compound widely used in commercial mosquito repellant . Plant smaller varieties like Eucalyptus cinerea in big container , and crush a few leaves to release the camphor‑mint aroma that mosquito avoid .

aboriginal to Australia , most eucalyptus tree species are not invasive in temperate gardens , though they do require full sun and dear drainage . Their nectar‑rich flowers pull honeybees and aboriginal stingless bee , and the peeling barque offers crevices for nesting solitary bees and small dame . I love knowing each breeze through eucalyptus is like possess a built‑in mosquito ascendancy system !

Garlic (Allium sativum)

Garlic utter sulfurous compound , especially allicin , that repel mosquitoes at the roots when planted around terrace or garden edge . plant life garlic bulbs in fall for a leap harvest , and the living mulch force will help keep the ground around seat areas less bid for mosquito .

aboriginal to Central Asia , ail is n’t invasive but thrives in well‑drained soils and full sun . Its umbel flowers draw parasitic wasps and beneficial hoverflies , while the densely planted quarrel cater concealment speckle for ground mallet . I always engraft a garlic edge near my deck — nothing tastes better than a garlic scape pesto while mosquito stay securely outside !

sage