40+ Plants that Keep Mosquitoes Away

What are mosquito repelling plants?

Mosquito repelling plants have inherent characteristic of producing strong smell or fragrance that are unpleasant for mosquitoes. These are natural plants that keep mosquitoes away, because of special essential oils present in them which have exclusive mosquito repelling properties.

These mosquito repelling plants are natural alternatives for chemical based mosquito repellents. We can either plant them in our garden and outdoor spaces to restrict mosquitoes entering our homes or hang them indoors with the help of pots. Or else we can crush them and rub on our skin and clothing which gives excellent mosquito protection along with pleasant smell.

But, the scent or strong aroma of these plants are not at all attractive for mosquitoes. The scent also interferes with their smelling senses by which they get confused and it becomes difficult for them to find their hosts.

These mosquito repelling plants that keep mosquitoes away are grown in garden or placed near the entry ways and doorways, near patio, or outdoor sitting areas. Perennial mosquito repelling plants are the best with low maintenance and being cost effective alternative, and a natural mosquito protection method for your surrounding.

What plants can be used as mosquito repellent?

The following is a list of best plants to repel mosquitoes. They are known for having mosquito repelling properties, and can be used in our garden or lawn, as outdoor mosquito repellent plants. Or they can be used as indoor hanging plants to repel mosquitoes, placed on walls and ceiling:

List of plants that keep mosquitoes away

Sr. No.	Mosquito repelling plant – Botanical Name	Class
1.	Citronella Grass – Cymbopogon nardus	Liliopsida
2.	Lemongrass – Cymbopogon citratus	Liliopsida
3.	Eucalyptus – Eucalyptus globulus	Magnoliopsida
4.	Lavender – Lavandula	Magnoliopsida
5.	Peppermint – Mentha piperita	Magnoliopsida
6.	Rosemary – Salvia rosmarinus	Magnoliopsida
7.	Marigold – Tagetes	Magnoliopsida
8.	Basil – Ocimum basilicum	Magnoliopsida
9.	Tea Tree – Melaleuca alternifolia	Magnoliopsida
10.	Catnip – Nepeta cataria	Magnoliopsida
11.	Mint – Mentha	Magnoliopsida
12.	Lemon Balm – Melissa officinalis	Magnoliopsida
13.	Lemon Thyme – Thymus citriodorus	Magnoliopsida
14.	Bee Balm – Monarda	Magnoliopsida
15.	Cedarwood – Cedrus	Pinopsida
16.	Geranium – Pelargonium graveolens	Magnoliopsida
17.	Cinnamon – Cinnamomum verum	Magnoliopsida
18.	Sage – Salvia	Magnoliopsida
19.	Garlic – Allium sattivum	Liliopsida
20.	Thyme – Thymus vulgaris	Magnoliopsida
21.	Bay leaves – Laurus nobilis	Magnoliopsida
22.	Fennel – Foeniculum vulgare	Magnoliopsida
23.	Clove Basil – Ocimum gratissimum	Magnoliopsida
24.	Jasmine – Jasminum	Magnoliopsida
25.	Oregano – Origanum vulgare	Magnoliopsida
26.	Clove – Syzygium aromaticum	Magnoliopsida
27.	Rue – Ruta graveolens	Magnoliopsida
28.	Wormwood – Artemisia absinthium	Magnoliopsida
29.	Tansy – Tanacetum vulgare	Magnoliopsida
30.	Allspice – Pimenta dioica	Magnoliopsida
31.	Sweet Woodruff – Galium odoratum	Magnoliopsida
32.	Pitcher Plant – Nepenthes	Magnoliopsida
33.	Chrysanthemums – Chrysanthemum	Magnoliopsida
34.	Pennyroyal – Mentha pulegium	Magnoliopsida
35.	Pine – Pinus	Pinopsida
36.	Mugwort – Artemisia vulgaris	Magnoliopsida
37.	Coriander – Coriandrum sativum	Magnoliopsida
38.	Lantana – Lantana	Magnoliopsida
39.	Floss Flower – Ageratum houstonianum	Magnoliopsida
40.	Horsemint – Monarda punctata	Magnoliopsida
41.	Lemon Verbena – Aloysia citrodora	Magnoliopsida
42.	Indian Borage – Plectranthus amboinicus	Magnoliopsida

Best mosquito repellent plants to use in garden and lawn (Outdoor mosquito repellent plants)

The following are the most effective plants that repel mosquitoes. They can be grown in garden, lawn, etc. or placed in pots around entry points and doorways, or around sitting areas and patio, etc. Most of them are perennial plants that repel mosquitoes, and therefore cost effective.

1. Citronella Grass

Genus: Cymbopogon Nardus | Family: Poaceae | Type: Perennial

• Citronella grass is native to tropical regions and found particularly in Southeast Asia.
• It has strong lemon like scent that effectively repels mosquitoes.
• Its essential oil is widely used in natural mosquito and insect repellents. Its a perennial plant and it needs warm and sunny climates to grow, and it may also require some protection from winter’s harsh cold.
• It can be grown in gardens or pots where it requires minimum maintenance, moderate watering and well drained soil.
• It can grow up to its full height of 5-6 feet in 4 to 6 months.
• Its essential oil is used in many other commercial products related to personal care, aromatherapy, etc.
• It also contributes towards prevention of soil erosion.

2. Lemon Grass

Genus: Cymbopogon Citratus | Family: Poaceae | Type: Perennial

• Lemon grass is native to tropical regions and found particularly in tropical regions of Asia.
• It is similar to Citronella grass having strong lemon like scent that effectively repels mosquitoes.
• Its essential oil is widely used in making commercial products like natural mosquito and insect repellents. Its a perennial plant and it needs warm and sunny climates to grow.
• It can be grown in gardens or pots where it requires minimum maintenance, and regular watering and well drained soil.
• It can grow up to its full height of 3-5 feet in just around 4 months.
• Its essential oil has culinary and medicinal properties and used in many home based remedies for its therapeutic properties.
• Lemon grass tea is one of the popular healthy drink, while it is used in many dishes for garnishing also.

3. Eucalyptus

Genus: Eucalyptus spp. | Family: Myrtaceae | Type: Perennial

• Eucalyptus is native to Australia and now it is being cultivated worldwide due to its effective insect repelling properties.
• It is the most effective natural mosquito repellent plant that is also grown for its essential oil to make commercial mosquito repellent products.
• It is perennial and grow in form of short trees or shrubs, requires sufficient sunlight and well drained soil for its growth.
• They take around 3 to 7 years to become a fully grown mature tree, based on the species.
• It also helps in air purifying
• It has medicinal uses like treating respiratory issues.

4. Basil

Genus: Ocimum basilicum | Family: Lamiaceae | Type: Annual

• It is mainly found in Asia and Africa.
• It is an annual herb means it has life cycle of 1 year. It can lasts for more than a year if the climate is sufficiently warm.
• Basil has a pungent aroma due to estragole which is an active compound which is responsible for its mosquito repelling properties.
• It needs full sunlight and a well drained soil to grow and it can mature quickly in 60 to 90 days.
• It is rich in many anti oxidants and vitamins, and therefore has many culinary uses.
• it is a valuable addition to your garden if you are keen towards consuming natural herbs that are great for health.

5. Catnip

Genus: Nepeta Cataria | Family: Lamiaceae | Type: Perennial

• It is mainly found in Europe and Asia
• It is popularly known to attract cats.
• It has nepetaloctone as active compound which is very effective in repelling mosquitoes.
• It needs low maintenance, partial to full sunlight and a well drained soil to grow.
• It grows quickly and can mature in just 12 weeks.
• It is very easy to grow with low maintenance and its perennial, therefore very cost effective.
• It has medicinal uses as it has calming, soothing and relaxing benefits.

6. Lemon Balm

Genus: Melissa officinalis | Family: Lamiaceae | Type: Perennial

• It is mainly found in Europe and Central Asia
• It has strong lemony like citrus scent which make sit a strong mosquito repelling plant.
• It needs partial shade, not much sunlight and a well drained soil to grow.
• It takes around 90 to 120 days to mature.
• It is also used in herbal teas due to many health benefits.
• It is also plays a supporting role for pollinators like bees.
• Its scent spreads quickly and thus making it a suitable option for backyard mosquito control.
• Being perennial with low maintenance and health benefits, it can be a useful and cost effective addition to your garden.

7. Marigold

Genus: Tagetes spp. | Family: Asteraceae | Type: Annual

• It is native to America.
• They contains the effective mosquito repelling compound “pyrethrum”, which is also used in many commercial insect repellents.
• They are easy to grow preferable in sunny regions and needs well drained soil for its growth.
• They are annual plants as their life cycle is of 1 year.
• It matures within 2 to 3 months.
• Not only mosquitoes they also helps in repelling other pests and insects and therefore very useful in vegetable gardens and backyard farms, where people grow fruits and vegetables.
• The bright colored flowers attracts many pollinators and ladybugs, which eats other pests and thus helpful for the plant ecosystem.

8. Rosemary

Genus: Salvia rosmarinus | Family: Lamiaceae | Type: Perennial

• They mainly originates from the Mediterranean regions.
• Their essential oil contains aromatic compounds that has mosquito repelling properties.
• It releases strong aromatic scent when its leaves are crushed, and this provides mosquito protection with a pleasant smell.
• It is grown in warm and sunny climate and needs well drained soil.
• It can take around 6 to 12 months to mature and grow to its full size.
• It has medicinal uses as it helps in digestion and improving memory.
• It is low maintenance and perennial and therefore cost effective.

9. Lavender

Genus: Lavandula spp. | Family: Lamiaceae | Type: Perennial

• It is native to the Mediterranean regions.
• It has a very calming and pleasant smell that also keeps insects and mosquitoes away.
• It needs full sunlight and well drained soil to grow.
• It takes almost 2 to 3 years to grow and fully mature.
• It has many other uses like in perfumes for its soothing fragrance, medicinal uses, aromatherapy, etc.
• Its vivid and bright colored flowers attracts pollinators like bees and butterflies.
• It gives a pleasant aesthetic to your garden with its purple blooming flowers.

10. Tea Tree

Genus: Melaleuca alternifolia | Family: Mytraceae | Type: Perennial

• It is native to Australia.
• Its main active compound terpinen-4-ol is very effective against repelling mosquitoes.
• These are perennial small trees or shrubs and always remain evergreen.
• They require full sun light and a well drained soil.
• They are perennial and take 1 to 2 years to grow and fully mature.
• Tea tree essential oil is included with anti fungal and anti bacterial properties and therefore has many medicinal uses.
• They can be pruned into appropriate shapes to maintain the look and feel of the garden.
• It helps in soil drainage as well.

11. Peppermint

Genus: Mentha piperita | Family: Lamiaceae | Type: Perennial

• It is a hybrid plant and mainly found in Europe and the Middle East.
• Due to high content of menthol it has minty aroma that repels mosquitoes.
• It needs partial to full sunlight with well drained and moist soil to grow.
• It takes up to 90 days to mature.
• Besides its usage as a natural mosquito repelling plant, it is also used in herbal teas and culinary dishes for garnishing purposes.
• It is popularly used in medicines and home based remedies for soothing digestion.
• It has invasive nature, it can spread widely across, and therefore preferred to grow in pots or containers to control its spread.

12. Lemon Thyme

Genus: Thymus citriodorous | Family: Lamiaceae | Type: Perennial

• It is native to the Mediterranean regions.
• It has citronellal an active compound that effectively repels mosquitoes.
• It has a citrus smell and it releases a calming scent when its leaves are crushed.
• It is a perennial herb that requires full sunlight and well drained soil.
• It takes 90 days to grow and mature.
• When added while cooking, it gives a citrusy flavor to dishes.
• These are short herbs and therefore planted in gardens around bordering areas.
• They attracts bees for pollination.

13. Jasmine

Genus: Jasminum spp. | Family: Oliaceae | Type: Perennial

• Jasmine is native to tropical and sub tropical regions only.
• Its main species called Spanish jasmine has mosquito repelling properties.
• It has white colored fragrant flowers that are used in decorations and grooming purposes in many parts of South Asia.
• It needs a warm climate and well drained soil to grow.
• Jasmine has many other uses specially in perfumes, aromatherapy, herbal teas, and traditional medicines.
• It can enhance the feel and ambience of your garden with its sweet pleasant smell and can grow densely, giving adequate mosquito protection.

14. Cedar

Genus: Cedrus spp. | Family: Pinaceae | Type: Perennial

• They are found mainly in mountainous regions specially Atlas mountain ranges in North Africa, near the Mediterranean, and in Himalayas.
• The cedar wood essential oil extracted from its bark has mosquito repelling properties.
• Cedar wood are evergreen varieties of coniferous trees, means they are perennial and grows in well drained soil with full sunlight.
• They are very slow growing and may take many years to mature. They grow 12 to 24 inches in a year and they have a quiet long lifespan of about 20 to 30 years. There are certain species like Eastern Red cedar which can last 100 to 300 years.
• Their wood is used in making insect repelling products like cedar chests, cedar trunks, furniture etc.
• Apart from this, they provide shelter to birds and animals.

15. Chrysanthemum

Genus: Chrysanthemum spp. | Family: Asteraceae | Type: Perennial

• These are native to Asia and Northeastern Europe.
• Its main active compound called Pyrethrin is an efficient pest and mosquito repellent.
• These are perennial plants and needs warmer and sunny locations, full sunlight with well drained soil to grow.
• The beautiful chrysanthemum flowers bloom in fall.
• They take around 4 to 6 months to mature.
• Due to their beautiful, colorful and vivid flowers they are used in garden ornamentals and other decoration purposes. Hence, they are found and available in all nurseries.
• They attracts ladybugs which feed on pests like aphids and thus protects other vegetation.

16. Sage

Genus: Salvia officinalis | Family: Lamiaceae | Type: Perennial

• It is native to Mediterranean regions.
• Its main active compounds, camphor and thujone, are responsible for its mosquito repelling action.
• They are more effective when burned, specially in fire pits where dried leaves of sage can be burned to keep mosquitoes away.
• It needs full sunlight and well drained soil to grow.
• It is a perennial herb that takes around 1 to 2 years to grow fully and mature.
• It has also got culinary and medicinal uses, and taken through teas and tinctures.
• It has silver shining green foliage and purple flowers.

17. Bee Balm

Genus: Monarda spp. | Family: Lamiaceae | Type: Perennial

• It is native to North America.
• Its main active compound is thymol, which is responsible for its strong mosquito repelling action.
• It grows in sunny locations with full sunlight, moist and well drained soil.
• It is a perennial plant and takes 1 to 2 years to mature.
• Their flowers bloom in mid to late summer.
• Bee balm attracts pollinators like bees, butterflies and even hummingbirds and therefore very much suitable for large life-like gardens with wild life.
• They are also used in herbal teas and many home based remedies.

18. Floss Flower

Genus: Ageratum spp. | Family: Asteraceae | Type: Annual

• It is native to Central America.
• Its main active compound is coumarin, which is responsible for its strong mosquito repelling action and also used in commercial products.
• It needs full sunlight, regular watering with well drained soil to grow. Moderate maintenance may be necessary to keep them blooming.
• It is an annual plant and takes around 2 to 3 months to mature.
• It has purple to blue flowers with white blooms that are used to make decorating borders and beautiful flower beds.
• It also attracts pollinators like bees and butterflies and thus adds value to your garden ecosystem.

19. Lantana

Genus: Lantana camara | Family: Verbenaceae | Type: Perennial

• It is native to tropical regions of America and Africa.
• Its leaves contain active compounds that are responsible for repelling mosquitoes and pests.
• It grows in sunny locations, needs full sunlight, well drained soil.
• Its a perennial shrub that takes around 6 to 12 months to grow.
• It also has clusters of tiny colorful flowers that attracts bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds.
• It requires proper care and monitoring, as it has invasive nature.
• They are resistant to drought and require low to moderate maintenance.

20. Lemon Verbena

Genus: Aloysia citrodora | Family: Verbenaceae | Type: Perennial

• It is native to South America.
• It contains active compounds citral and geraniol, which are responsible for its mosquito repelling action.
• It has a strong lemony scent which keeps mosquitoes away.
• It needs full sunlight and well drained soil to grow.
• It is a perennial shrub and grows within 6 to 12 months.
• Its strong lemon scent adds lemon flavor to teas and it is also used in perfumes and many herbal remedies.
• It is best suited indoor mosquito repellent plant, that can be added to a pot of hanging plants that keeps mosquitoes away.

21. Thyme

Genus: Thymus vulgaris | Family: Lamiaceae | Type: Perennial

• It is native to Mediterranean regions.
• It contains active compound called thymol, which makes it strong competitor against chemical based mosquito repellents.
• They are very effective against repelling mosquitoes, when they are dried and burned in fire pits.
• It needs full sunlight, dry and well drained soil to grow.
• Its a perennial herb which grows and mature in around 90 days.
• Thyme is also used in cooking mainly in Mediterranean cuisines.
• It also has many health benefits like boosting immunity, due to its richness in Vitamin A and C, that gives good vision, healthy mucus membranes, and healthier skin.
• It attracts pollinators and provides green cover to your garden.

22. Indian Borage

Genus: Plectranthus amboinicus | Family: Lamiaceae | Type: Perennial

• It is native to southern and eastern Africa.
• It is also called as Cuban Oregano or Mexican Mint.
• It has a strong menthol like fragrance, which helps in deterring mosquitoes away.
• It needs partial shade and well drained soil to grow.
• It is a perennial herb with small and thick leaves, that takes around 6 months to mature.
• It has culinary as well as medicinal uses and used to treat respiratory issues.
• It needs low maintenance as they can be grown in pots or containers.

23. Geranium

Genus: Pelargonium spp. | Family: Geraniaceae | Type: Perennial

• It is native to South Africa.
• Specific species like citronella geraniums, only has got mosquito repelling properties as they contains active compounds like citronellol and geraniol.
• It requires full sunlight and well drained soil to grow.
• These are perennial plants which takes around 6 to 12 months to mature.
• Due to their pleasant fragrance and colorful flowers, they are used in garden ornamentation and decoration, etc.
• They are easy to grow in pots and containers and can be used indoors with hanging baskets.

24. Mint

Genus: Mentha spp. | Family: Lamiaceae | Type: Perennial

• It is found widely across Europe, Asia and North America.
• It has a strong mosquito repelling compound, menthol; which helps in repelling mosquitoes away.
• It needs partial to full sunlight, with moist and well drained soil to grow.
• It takes around 90 days to mature.
• It helps to ease digestion and calm down digestive issues.
• It is also used in cooking and garnishing dishes, and in herbal teas.
• It has invasive nature and therefore preferably grown in separate containers to avoid overtaking other plants.

The above exhaustive list of indoors as well as outdoor plants that keep mosquitoes away, may not be sufficient enough when planted scarcely, and if the mosquito population is high enough in your surrounding.

So, the final effectiveness of mosquito repellent plants depends on many factors that is prevailing in your surroundings.

List of best mosquito repellent plants

The following are the best mosquito repelling plants that are most effective in keeping mosquitoes away, indoors as well as outdoors. These plants to repel mosquitoes provides a natural alternative to prevent mosquito bites and protect our pets like dogs, cats and chickens and also us to have quality time at outdoors.

Given below is the list of natural mosquito repelling plants that keep mosquitoes away, and are easy to grow, low maintenance, and most effective against repelling mosquitoes.

Sr. No.	Mosquito Repellent Plants		Sr. No.	Mosquito Repellent Plants
1.	Citronella Grass		8.	Rosemary
2.	Lavender		9.	Catnip
3.	Basil		10.	Bee Balm
4.	Peppermint		11.	Thyme
5.	Lemon Grass		12.	Eucalyptus
6.	Marigold		13.	Jasmine
7.	Geranium		14.	Cedar

How effective are mosquito repellent plants

The effectiveness of these mosquito repellent plants depends on many factors as given below, and their resulting impact on mosquitoes varies surprisingly.

• Limited range: The plants release scent or aroma that covers the immediate area around the plants, and therefore their impact remains within a short range. You have to grow these plants or place them in strategic locations and in sufficient quantities to get the required degree of impact against mosquitoes.
• Effectiveness of individual plants: Each plant has a different active compound and a completely different scent or aroma. Although their essential oils will be way more effective as they are distilled to a more higher concentrated versions, but the plants themselves may not release the same amount of aroma.
• External factors: The quality and freshness of the aromatic oils and scents released by the plants may also varies due to external and environmental conditions like wind, rain, heat, humidity, soil nutrition, maintenance, etc. This affects the potential of individual plants in open spaces.
• Required complimentary support: The amount and number of plants need to be high enough and their positions and placements should be well organized. And it must be complimented with additional measures and control methods, to create a nearly mosquito free zone.
• Species specific plants: There are plants that may not be effective against certain species of mosquitoes and more effective to some other species. Therefore, you must try and apply by using a mix of plants to get most effective results.

Their effectiveness may be limited to certain extent, and may require extra cost and maintenance in case if the plants are not perennial. However, they can be used along with other effective mosquito control methods to give best overall result.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)