Mosquitoes can be annoying when you’re trying to enjoy some time outdoors, and they keep buzzing around and trying to nibble on you. Luckily, nature has its way of taking care of these annoying little critters. Here are some of the best plants to keep in your garden if you want to keep those pesky mosquitoes away.
1. Lemongrass
This tropical plant is well-known for its citrus scent and does quite the job of keeping mosquitoes away. Its essential oil contains active compounds such as citronellal, citronellol, and geraniol, which are highly effective in deterring mosquitoes. These bioactive components repel adult mosquitoes and exhibit larvicidal properties against mosquito larvae, making lemongrass a versatile solution for pest control.
Their leaves are also great for your kitchen, adding to their appeal as a functional and eco-friendly addition to any home or outdoor space. Lemongrass thrives in sunny areas and warm climates but struggles in freezing temperatures. Plant it in pots or directly in the ground for best results, and crush its leaves occasionally to release its potent aroma.
2. Basil
Sweet basil is one of the best mosquito repellents, making it a great addition to your garden. Its essential oils contain compounds like citronella, limonene, estragole, and nerolidol, which are known to disrupt mosquitoes’ sensory mechanisms, effectively deterring them. While the plant emits a mild repellent effect, its potency increases when the oils are extracted or the leaves are crushed, burned, or steamed. Basil oil applied topically has shown 100% effectiveness in lab tests for up to 70 minutes.
These plants can be planted next to standing water to help prevent mosquitoes from breeding further. They can also protect vegetable gardens against unwanted pests.
3. Rosemary
This herb is great for spicing kitchen dishes and is an excellent mosquito repellent. Its essential oil contains potent compounds like cineole, camphor, and limonene, which disrupt mosquitoes’ sensory receptors and repel them effectively. Scientific studies have demonstrated that rosemary oil solutions can provide up to 100% protection against mosquitoes for several hours, making it a reliable alternative to chemical repellents.
There are so many different ways to incorporate rosemary into your home, such as candles, sprays, or diffused as essential oil. Rosemary thrives in hot, dry climates and can be grown in containers for easy placement near outdoor seating areas.
4. Marigolds
These flowers aren’t just great for mosquitoes; they also make a beautiful addition to your garden. These plants emit a strong aroma due to compounds like pyrethrum and thiophenes, which are particularly unpleasant to mosquitoes and other pests. These chemicals are released during the plant’s biological processes, creating a natural barrier that deters mosquitoes from approaching.
Marigold essential oil, often called tagetes oil, can be extracted to amplify its mosquito-repelling properties, though it should be used cautiously due to photosensitivity. Marigolds are easy to grow in gardens or pots, thriving in full sun and well-drained soil.
5. Neem
Neem is quite popular in India and is often called the “Village Pharmacy.” Its oil, extracted from seeds, contains active compounds like azadirachtin, knimbin, and salannin, which are highly effective against mosquitoes at various life cycle stages. Neem oil has been shown to provide up to 96-100% protection against certain mosquito species when mixed with coconut oil and applied to the skin.
Neem-based products act as larvicides, ovicides, and repellents by disrupting mosquito development and deterring egg-laying in breeding sites. Unlike synthetic repellents, neem products are eco-friendly and less likely to cause resistance due to their complex chemical composition. Neem trees thrive in hot climates, making them ideal for regions like southern Florida or California.
6. Geraniums
These delicate flowers can spice up your garden with color while keeping your home mosquito-free. Geraniums have the essential oils geraniol and citronellol, which disrupt mosquitoes’ sensory receptors. Their oils are often used in sprays, candles, and misters and can provide up to eight hours of protection when applied at a 20% concentration.
Geraniums thrive in warm climates but can be grown in planters with regular pruning in colder regions. These plants are great for keeping mosquitoes at bay, and they help keep other pets and beetles away, making them ideal for planting next to vegetable gardens.
7. Citronella Grass
These plants are also called Mosquito Grasses because they are effective in repelling mosquitoes. This tall grass, which can grow up to 5-6 feet in height and 3-4 feet in width, contains essential oils with active compounds like citronellal, citronellol, and geraniol. While the plant may not significantly repel mosquitoes in your yard, its extracted oil has shown promising results in laboratory studies.
Citronella grows well in sunny areas and can be planted near patios or seating areas for maximum effect; just having these plants in your garden won’t be enough to keep these pesky insects away, but their oil can.
8. Catnip
It’s a well-known fact that cats are crazy about catnip, but they are also great for keeping mosquitoes away. Nepetalactone, the active compound in catnip, has been shown to repel mosquitoes more effectively than DEET, the chemical found in most commercial insect repellents. Nepetalactone works by activating the TRPA1 receptor in mosquitoes, which triggers sensations of irritation and drives them away.
Studies have demonstrated that catnip oil at concentrations as low as 2% can repel over 70% of Aedes aegypti mosquitoes for up to four hours. Catnip can be grown quickly in pots or gardens, but they might attract some feline friends from the neighborhood.
9. Pennyroyal
These delicate flower-like plants have a minty aroma derived from the active compound pulegone and are highly effective at deterring mosquitoes and other pests like fleas, ticks, and ants. Pennyroyal can be used to keep mosquitoes away in many ways, such as rubbing crushed leaves on the skin, burning sprigs to release insect-repelling smoke, or creating sprays from leaf infusions.
It’s important to note that pennyroyal can be toxic to infants and pregnant women when ingested or misused. It grows best in moist, rich soil that is amended with organic matter, such as compost or manure, to ensure adequate nutrients.
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