She Strengthens

Natural Mosquito Repellents: 13 Plants to Keep Those Pesky Insects at Bay

Mosquitoes can be a nuisance, spreading diseases and leaving behind itchy, red bumps. But did you know that certain plants can help repel these unwanted visitors? Surrounding yourself with the right plants can be an effective way to keep mosquitoes at bay.

The Power of Plants

Mosquitoes are finicky creatures, and they tend to dislike the scents or oils produced by certain plants. Some plants, like basil, are even toxic to mosquitoes or their larvae. To unleash the mosquito-repelling powers of these plants, you may need to cut, crush, or chop them to release their oils and scents.

13 Mosquito-Repellent Plants to Try

From citronella grass to garlic, here are 13 plants that can help keep mosquitoes away:

Citronella Grass

This low-maintenance plant is a popular ingredient in many insect repellents. Its lemony fresh scent is a natural mosquito deterrent, making it an excellent choice for busy folks or those without a green thumb.

Catnip

Catnip does more than drive your feline friends wild – it can also repel mosquitoes. Researchers have found that catnip is 10 times more effective at repelling mosquitoes than DEET, a popular chemical bug repellent.

Lavender

The calming scent of lavender is not only soothing for humans, but it’s also a natural mosquito repellent. Lavender contains the terpene alcohol linalool, which is known to repel insects.

Scented Geraniums

These beautiful blooms give off a lemony scent that many pests, including mosquitoes, tend to shy away from. Scented geraniums prefer warm, dry, sunny climates and can thrive as potted plants.

Bee Balm

Want to attract beneficial insects while repelling mosquitoes? Bee balm’s sweet aroma attracts bees and hummingbirds, while its natural oils repel mosquitoes and other pests.

Chrysanthemums

These popular perennials contain pyrethrum, a natural insecticide that can kill mosquitoes, fleas, flies, and moths. Chrysanthemums bloom in the fall, making them an excellent choice for late-mosquito-season protection.

Sage

This herb is not only great for cooking, but it’s also a natural mosquito repellent. Sage contains caryophyllene, a common terpene found in cannabis, which helps keep bugs away.

Rosemary

Rosemary is another popular herb that’s effective at repelling mosquitoes. Its savory scent contains rosmarinic acid, a natural mosquito deterrent.

Lemon Balm

Like lavender, lemon balm is known for its stress-busting abilities and is also a natural mosquito repellent. Regularly trimming or cutting lemon balm can release its mosquito-repelling oils.

Basil

Basil’s strong aroma attracts humans but repels mosquitoes. Because its scent is so potent, basil doesn’t need to be crushed or chopped to do its job.

Mint

Mint is a super effective repellent, especially the peppermint variety. One study found that applying essential oil from peppermint plants to your skin offers protection from bug bites for over 2 hours.

Garlic

Garlic may not be the most pleasant-smelling ingredient, but it’s a natural mosquito repellent. Adding fresh garlic to your meals before heading outside can provide some protection from the inside out.

Marigold

These beautiful blooms contain pyrethrum, a natural insect repellent. Marigolds are annual flowers that are often planted around garden borders to keep mosquitoes and other pests away.

Tips for Repelling Mosquitoes Naturally

To get the most out of your mosquito-repelling plants, remember to:

• Crush or cut the plants to release their natural oils and scents.
• Place the plants where you need protection the most, whether indoors or outdoors.
• Consider the seasons and choose plants that will be at peak performance when you need them most.
• If you’re not a green thumb, don’t worry! Essential oils derived from these plants can also be an effective way to keep bugs away.