- How Plants Repel Mosquitoes<\/a><\/li>
- 13 Plants That Repel Mosquitoes<\/a>
- 1. Basil (Ocimum basilicum)<\/a><\/li>
- 2. Lavender (Lavandula)<\/a><\/li>
- 3. Marigold (Tagetes)<\/a><\/li>
- 4. Rosemary (Salvia rosmarinus)<\/a><\/li>
- 5. Catnip or Catmint (Nepeta cataria)<\/a><\/li>
- 6. Lemongrass (Cymbopogon citratus)<\/a><\/li>
- 7. Peppermint (Mentha x piperita)<\/a><\/li>
- 8. Lemon Balm (Melissa officinalis)<\/a><\/li>
- 9. Citronella Grass (Cymbopogon nardus)<\/a><\/li>
- 10. Lantana (Lantana camara)<\/a><\/li>
- 11. Scented Geranium (Pelargonium ssp.)<\/a><\/li>
- 12. Mums (Chrysanthemums)<\/a><\/li>
- 13. Thyme (Thymus)<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li>
- FAQ<\/a><\/li><\/ul> \t\t\t<\/div> \t\t<\/div><\/div>
How Plants Repel Mosquitoes<\/h2>
Some plants contain natural oils that can repel mosquitoes. However, there\u2019s not enough evidence that plants themselves provide effective protection against them (1)*. To get the most out of a plant’s repelling properties, you need to crush (or bruise) the leaves or withdraw the oil. <\/p>
With that in mind, you can add such plants to your garden as an easy-to-reach source for repellent oils. Combine these plants with other effective strategies to get rid of mosquitoes in your yard<\/a>, such as eliminating standing water<\/a>, for the best protection against bites.\u00a0<\/p>
Note:<\/strong> In case you need professional help, book a mosquito lawn treatment<\/a> with one of our lawn care pros.<\/p>
*Numerals refer to corresponding articles in the Sources list at the end.<\/em><\/p>
13 Plants That Repel Mosquitoes<\/h2>
1. Basil (Ocimum basilicum<\/em>)<\/h3>
![\"closeup](\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/Basil.jpg?wsr\")
Photo Credit: PxHere<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure> Basil oils contain linalool and estragol, which are repellent and toxic against mosquitoes (2). Additionally, studies show that basil leaf extract can kill mosquito larvae (3), prevent female mosquitoes from laying eggs, and even prevent the eggs from hatching if applied after the eggs have been laid (4).<\/p>
Besides being used to flavor all kinds of foods, you can crush basil leaves to release the oil and rub them on your clothes, burn them, or set up a vase or bowl of water containing the bruised herb. <\/p>
Sun: <\/strong>Full sun
Soil: <\/strong>Moist, well-drained soils
Duration:<\/strong> Annual or perennial, depending on the climate
Bloom time: <\/strong>Summer
Water needs: <\/strong>Average
USDA Hardiness Zone: <\/strong>3 to 11\u00a0<\/p>2. Lavender (Lavandula<\/em>)<\/h3>
![\"closeup](\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/Lavender.jpg?wsr\")
Photo Credit: Sanja565658<\/a> \/ Wikimedia Commons \/ CC BY-SA 3.0<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure> Used as a medicinal plant to reduce stress, lavender can also help reduce your stress by keeping mosquitoes and bugs away. A relative of the mint family, lavender has high linalool concentration, and its oil has been shown to repel a mosquito species from the Anopheles<\/em> genus for up to 8 hours (5).<\/p>
Sun: <\/strong>Full sun to partial shade (needs protection from the hot afternoon sun)
Soil: <\/strong>Well-drained
Duration: <\/strong>Perennial
Bloom time: <\/strong>Summer
Water needs: <\/strong>Low
USDA Hardiness Zone: <\/strong>5a to 9b<\/p>3. Marigold (Tagetes<\/em>)<\/h3>
![\"closeup](\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/Marigold.jpg?wsr\")
Photo Credit: Sarbast.T.Hameed<\/a> \/ Wikimedia Commons \/ CC BY-SA 4.0<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure> Yes, marigolds can also help keep mosquitoes away. Known for their bright gold and\/or yellow colors, marigolds\u2019 distinctive scent makes mosquitoes go the other direction. According to one study, for 50% essential oil of marigold the protection time was just over 2 hours compared to 6.2 hours for N,N-diethyl-3-methylbenzamide (DEET) 25% (6).<\/p>
Sun: <\/strong>Full sun
Soil: <\/strong>Well-drained
Duration: <\/strong>Annual
Bloom time: <\/strong>Summer
Water needs: <\/strong>Moderate
USDA Hardiness Zone: <\/strong>2a to 11b<\/p>4. Rosemary (Salvia<\/em> rosmarinus)<\/em><\/h3>
![\"closeup](\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/Rosemary.jpg?wsr\")
Photo Credit: Loadmaster (David R. Tribble)<\/a> \/ Wikimedia Commons \/ CC BY-SA 3.0<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure> In addition to its delightful taste, rosemary also helps keep bugs away (including the skeeters). In one study, a 20% solution of rosemary gave 100% protection against mosquitoes for 8 hours; in another, lower concentrations of rosemary repelled these insects for up to 1.5 hours (5). <\/p>
Naturally aromatic as well as mosquito-repellent, rosemary works best when you crush or burn the leaves. This herb can be grown as a perennial in USDA Hardiness Zones 8 and higher; for other climates, it can be grown in pots and taken inside during the winter.<\/p>
Sun: <\/strong>Full sun
Soil: <\/strong>Well-drained, dry, and slightly acidic soils\u00a0
Duration: <\/strong>Perennial
Bloom time: <\/strong>Spring and summer
Water needs: <\/strong>Low to moderate
USDA Hardiness Zone: <\/strong>8a to 10b<\/p>5. Catnip or Catmint (Nepeta cataria<\/em>)<\/h3>
![\"closeup](\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/Catnip.jpg?wsr\")
Photo Credit: Matt Lavin<\/a> \/ Flickr \/ CC BY-SA 2.0<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure> One of the reasons cats love catnip is because they also use it as a bug repellent. Similarly, catnip can also be used in humans to fend off mosquitoes (7). Catnip works by triggering TRPA, a chemical receptor, pushing back the mosquitoes (8). <\/p>
In fact, catnip may be as effective as DEET, and the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved catnip oil as an insect repellent (9).<\/p>
Sun: <\/strong>Full sun to partial shade
Soil: <\/strong>Well-drained, dry soil
Duration: <\/strong>Perennial
Bloom time: <\/strong>Fall, spring, and summer
Water needs: <\/strong>Moderate
USDA Hardiness Zone: <\/strong>3a to 9b<\/p>6. Lemongrass (Cymbopogon citratus<\/em>)<\/h3>
![\"closeup](\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/Lemongrass.jpg?wsr\")
Photo Credit: Mokkie<\/a> \/ Wikimedia Commons \/ CC BY-SA 4.0<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure> In one study, concentrations of 10% lemongrass oil repelled 100% of mosquitoes within 24 hours of exposure, similar to the results for citronella oil (10). Gardeners in USDA Hardiness Zones 10 and 11 can grow lemongrass year-round, but it needs to be brought inside in Zones 9 or below when nighttime temperatures drop below 45 degrees F.<\/p>
Note: <\/strong>The plant itself can be toxic to dogs if they eat it in large quantities. See our article on Plants Poisonous to Dogs<\/a> if you have a pet to protect.<\/p>
Sun: <\/strong>Full sun
Soil: <\/strong>Well-drained, moist soil
Duration: <\/strong>Perennial
Water needs: <\/strong>Moderate
USDA Hardiness Zone: <\/strong>8b to 11b<\/p>7. Peppermint (Mentha x piperita<\/em>)<\/h3>
![\"closeup](\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/Peppermint.jpg?wsr\")
Photo Credit: Rillke<\/a> \/ Wikimedia Commons \/ CC BY-SA 3.0<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure> Peppermint oil fully protected against mosquitoes for 2.5 hours in one study (11). After the next 30 minutes, researchers recorded only one or two bites compared with 8 or 9 bites on arms without the oil. A shade plant that repels mosquitoes, you\u2019ll need to grow peppermint in its own pot to keep it from spreading all over your garden.<\/p>
Sun: <\/strong>Prefers partial shade but tolerates full sun
Soil: <\/strong>Rich, moist soil
Duration: <\/strong>Perennial
Bloom time: <\/strong>Flowers bloom in summer
Water needs: <\/strong>Moderate to high
USDA Hardiness Zone: <\/strong>5a to 9b<\/p>8. Lemon Balm (Melissa officinalis<\/em>)<\/h3>
![\"closeup](\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/Lemon-Balm.jpg?wsr\")
Photo Credit: I, KENPEI<\/a> \/ Wikimedia Commons \/ CC BY-SA 3.0<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure> Lemon balm has a component of citronella (citronellal) that acts as a mosquito repellent. Some evidence even suggests it can be useful to treat Alzheimer\u2019s (12). Originating in the Mediterranean to western and central Asia, lemon balm can remain outdoors in USDA Hardiness Zones 3 to 7 but can always be planted in indoor pots. <\/p>
Sun:<\/strong> Full sun to partial shade
Soil: <\/strong>Well-drained, occasionally dry soils
Duration: <\/strong>Perennial
Bloom time: <\/strong>Summer and fall
Water needs: <\/strong>Low to moderate
USDA Hardiness Zone: <\/strong>3a to 7b<\/p>9. Citronella Grass (Cymbopogon nardus<\/em>)<\/h3>
![\"closeup](\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/Citronella-Grass.jpg?wsr\")
Photo Credit: James Steakley<\/a> \/ Wikimedia Commons \/ CC BY-SA 3.0<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure> Commonly burned outdoors to ward off mosquitoes, burning citronella is more effective when the wind is calm. Or you can also take the crushed leaves and rub them on your clothes. One study found that citronella oil consistently drives away mosquitoes (13) but not as long as DEET does, as another study showed (14). <\/p>
The perennial grass grows in USDA hardiness zones 10-12, but potted grass can be brought indoors during the winter. Use on children younger than 6 months only under the advice of a physician.<\/p>
Sun: <\/strong>Full sun to partial shade
Soil: <\/strong>Moist but well-drained soil
Duration: <\/strong>Perennial
Water needs: <\/strong>Moderate
USDA Hardiness Zone: <\/strong>10 to 12<\/p>10. Lantana (Lantana camara<\/em>)<\/h3>
![\"closeup](\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/Lantana.jpg?wsr\")
Photo Credit: Alvesgaspar<\/a> \/ Wikimedia Commons \/ CC BY-SA 3.0<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure> Considered invasive in a couple of national parks and a few states (17), a study showed that lantana can repel Anopheles<\/em> mosquitoes (18). Another study found that lantana flower extract mixed in coconut oil provided protection from Aedes<\/em> mosquitoes (19).<\/p>
Note: <\/strong>The American Society of Prevention of Cruelty to Animals considers lantana toxic to cats<\/a>, dogs, horses, and livestock (20).<\/p>
Sun: <\/strong>Full sun
Soil: <\/strong>Moist, but well-drained soil
Duration: <\/strong>Can be cultivated as annual or perennial
Bloom time: <\/strong>Summer and fall
Water needs: <\/strong>Moderate
USDA Hardiness Zone: <\/strong>7a to 11b<\/p>11. Scented Geranium (Pelargonium<\/em> ssp.)<\/h3>
![\"closeup](\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/Scented-Geranium.jpg?wsr\")
Photo Credit: Captain-tucker<\/a> \/ Wikimedia Commons \/ CC BY-SA 3.0<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure> A great option as a house plant or outdoors in landscaping beds, scented geraniums release a pleasant fragrance for us humans, but a terrible smell for mosquitoes and other insects. There are several varieties of scented geraniums, each varying in fragrance, with some having a lemony or peppery scent, for example.<\/p>
If you live in hardiness zones 8 and below, bring your geraniums indoors in fall to protect them from winter temperatures or buy new plants next year. <\/p>
Sun:<\/strong> Full sun
Soil: <\/strong>Fertile, well-drained soil
Duration: <\/strong>Annual in most climates; perennial in Zones 9-11
Bloom time: <\/strong>Spring to fall, depending on the variety
Water needs: <\/strong>Moderate
USDA Hardiness Zone: <\/strong>9 to 11<\/p>12. Mums (Chrysanthemums<\/em>)<\/h3>
![\"Colorful](\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/11\/flower-blossom-bloom-chrysanthemum-white-pink-1598666-pxhere.com-1.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Pxhere<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure> Mums or chrysanthemums are flowers that repel mosquitoes and provide one the oldest insecticides known to man. Cultivated for over 2,500 years around the world, crushed flowers of Dalmatian chrysanthemums (Chrysantemum cinerariaefolium<\/em>) and Persian chrysanthemums (Chrysanthemum coccineum<\/em>) contain pyrethrins, natural insecticides that repel biting insects.<\/p>
Sun:<\/strong> Full sun but tolerates partial shade
Soil: <\/strong>High in organic matter and well-drained soil
Duration: <\/strong>Can be cultivated as annual or perennial
Bloom time: <\/strong>Summer and fall
Water needs: <\/strong>Moderate
USDA Hardiness Zone: <\/strong>3a to 9b<\/p>Pro Tip:<\/strong> American beautyberry is a native plant across the Southeast in states like Florida<\/a>, Louisiana<\/a>, Mississippi<\/a>, Missouri<\/a>, South Carolina<\/a>, and Tennessee<\/a>.<\/p>
13. Thyme (Thymus<\/em>)<\/h3>
![\"A](\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/11\/blossom-plant-meadow-flower-bloom-herb-1121381-pxhere.com_-1.jpg?wsr\")
Photo Credit: Pxhere<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure> Thyme, as well as sage and rosemary, is a member of the mint family (Lamiaceae<\/em>) and contains thymol and carvacrol, compounds that are known for their repellent (25) and larvicidal effects against mosquitoes (26).<\/p>
- 2. Lavender (Lavandula)<\/a><\/li>
- 13 Plants That Repel Mosquitoes<\/a>