What plants can you plant in your yard to help deter mosquitoes?

Did you know there are several types of outdoor plants you can plant around your yard that can help deter mosquitoes? Not only can they help deter pesky mosquitoes, but they can also enhance the beauty of your yard by adding bright colors and their natural fragrance can introduce wonderful scents throughout your garden.  If you don’t want to douse yourself or your garden in some form of bug spray, you can grow some of these plants to help keep mosquitoes away naturally. Plant these plants in areas where guests will be often such as by a seating area, play area, walking paths, and/or doorways.

8 Plants to Use as a Natural Mosquito Repellent

Lavender – It has been argued that lavender oil hinders a mosquito’s ability to smell, which is how mosquitoes find their prey. This plant is very tough and drought-resistant once established, and only needs full sun and good drainage.

Marigolds – These are easy-to-grow annual flowers that emit a smell that deters mosquitoes. Grow them in pots and place them near your patio or entrance to your home to keep bugs out. Marigolds are also a popular addition to borders and vegetable gardens, and they can also help dissuade aphids, thrips, whiteflies, squash bugs, and tomato hornworms.

Bee Balm – Want to attract good bugs like bees and butterflies, while deterring the bad ones? Bee Balm, also known as Monarda or horsemint, is the plant for you. You can crush its leaves to release the fragrant oils. You can also enjoy this colorful flower in shades of red, pink, lavender, white, or purple, all summer long.

Rosemary – Another great mosquito repellant is rosemary. Rosemary is an herb that many of us are very familiar with and their woody scent is exactly what keeps mosquitoes as well as cabbage moths and carrot flies away. They do best in hot and dry climates and thrive in containers, which may be ideal for areas with winters. They can also be pruned into all sorts of shapes and sizes and make great borders or decorations. While the pests stay away you can enjoy the herb’s scent and also use it to season your cooking.

Citronella Grass – Known for its distinct smell, citronella grass (or lemon grass) is the most commonly used natural ingredient in mosquito repellants. In fact, lemon-scented plants such as citronella grass, are highly recommended to keep mosquitoes at bay. This living plant is one of the most effective at repelling pests. This low-maintenance plant does best in large planters because it cannot withstand frost, but in warmer climates, can be planted directly a sunny area in the ground.

Sage – If you love gathering around a fire pit in your backyard, then plant some sage nearby.  You can toss some of the plant into the flames and its earthy smell will ward off bugs. Sage can also be dried and used to make homemade bug spray.

Mint – Mint is an excellent nontoxic option for keeping mosquitoes, flies and even ants away. The more pungent the aroma, the less bugs you’ll have.  You can grow mint in small pots on your patio, and you can even dry the leaves to use inside your home as a natural pest control method.

Basil – Basil is another herb that can also double as a pest repellent. The pungent smell the basil leaves give off are what keep pests at bay. ALL kinds of basil work to keep flies and mosquitoes at bay, so feel free to explore and find the right types of basil to mix into your garden. This herb likes to be kept damp, needs good drainage, and enjoys lots of sun. You can plant basil in containers or in the garden, alone or with other flowers, as long as both plants meet the same requirements.

If you need help in eliminating these pesky biting insects from your yard, our Houston, Texas Team here at MosquitoNix® is here to help!