Plants That Repel Mosquitoes and Insects: Natural Bug Deterrents for Your Garden

How It Works

Mosquitoes and other insects locate hosts by odors (CO₂, sweat, etc.). Fragrances from certain plants—mint, fruit, chocolate—can block insect receptors, reducing attraction. Planting these around your yard or in pots on the deck may help, though it won't create a bug-free zone.

Effective Insect-Repelling Plants

Citrus Scents

• Lemongrass: Source of citronella oil. Tropical; grow in pots and bring indoors for winter.
• Lemon-scented geraniums, lemon thyme, lemon balm: Strong citrus fragrance repels bugs. Lemon balm (mint family) spreads aggressively—confine to pots.

Herbs and Flowers

• Lavender: Repels moths, flies, fleas, mosquitoes. Use fresh or dried in sachets.
• Garlic: Repels mosquitoes and cabbage moths.
• Rosemary: Deters flies and mosquitoes. Throw sprigs on grill for aromatic smoke.
• Basil: Repels flies and mosquitoes.
• Peppermint: Strong fragrance repels ants, mosquitoes, mice. Grow in pots to contain spread.
• Pennyroyal: Groundcover repelling mosquitoes, gnats, ticks, flies. Crush to release fragrance.
• Catmints (including catnip): More effective than DEET for mosquitoes and ants. Plant away from delicate plants that cats might roll on.

Marigolds

Classic companion plant repelling squash bugs, aphids, tomato hornworms, and mosquitoes.

Additional Mosquito Control

Eliminate standing water where mosquitoes breed—the single most effective step.