Let’s be honest — mosquitoes are the absolute worst.
You’re out there on a beautiful summer evening, with a drink in hand. Maybe a little string light action is going on, and what happens?
You become the buffet.
And if you’re like me, you’ve probably tried everything from citronella candles to those questionable bug zappers that sound like they’re frying tiny demons every five minutes.
But what if I told you there’s a prettier, more natural way to keep those little pests away?
Yep — plants.
Good old-fashioned potted plants that not only look great on your patio but also help repel mosquitoes. And no, you don’t need to be a gardening pro to keep these alive.
19 Plants That Repel Mosquitoes Backed by Studies
1. Lavender
Okay, I know this one sounds a little too dreamy to be true, but lavender isn’t just for calming pillow sprays. It turns out mosquitoes can’t stand the stuff.
According to a study published in the Journal of Vector Ecology, lavender oil was found to repel adult mosquitoes effectively. Plus, it smells amazing and looks like something out of a Pinterest board.
Pro tip: Put it in a sunny spot because lavender loves the heat. I’ve got a couple of pots near my patio chairs, and I swear I get bitten way less when I sit by them. Here’s how you can grow lavender in pots.
2. Citronella
You’ve definitely heard of citronella candles, but the actual plant is even better. It smells like lemony goodness, and mosquitoes hate it.
The best part?
It’s a hardy little thing, so it’s hard to kill (a big win in my book).
However, you’ll want to get Cymbopogon nardus or Cymbopogon winterianus — those are the real-deal mosquito-repelling varieties. Not those decorative “citronella” geraniums they sometimes try to pass off at big box stores.
3. Basil
Image credit: Leyla via Substack
Yes, the same basil you throw on your pizza or in a caprese salad. Turns out it’s also a natural mosquito repellent.
A study in the Malaria Journal showed that basil essential oil has mosquito-repelling properties. And if science says so, who are we to argue?
Bonus: It’s super easy to grow in pots, and you can just snip a little off for cooking whenever you need it. Dual-purpose plants are my favorite kind of plants.
4. Mint
Another kitchen staple that doubles as a mosquito deterrent.
Mint grows like crazy (seriously, don’t plant it directly in your garden unless you want it to take over your life), and it’s great in a container. Mosquitoes aren’t fans of their sharp scent, so placing a few pots around your hangout spot can help keep them away.
Pro tip: Mint likes partial shade and regular watering. And you’ll love it in mojitos.
5. Marigolds
These cheerful little flowers might remind you of your grandma’s garden, but they pack a punch in the bug-repelling department. Marigolds contain pyrethrum, a natural compound often used in insect repellents.
They’re easy to grow in pots, and the bright blooms add some nice color to your patio setup. Plus, they repel other pests like aphids and whiteflies, too. It’s like hiring tiny floral bodyguards.
6. Rosemary
Ah, rosemary. Looks good, smells amazing, repels mosquitoes, and makes your grilled chicken taste like it came from a fancy bistro. What’s not to love?
You can grow rosemary in a pot on your patio, and if you’re feeling fancy, toss a few sprigs on the grill — the smoke helps chase mosquitoes away, too.
7. Lemongrass
This one’s a must-have.
Lemongrass contains citronella oil, and mosquitoes loathe it. It grows tall and grassy, making it perfect for adding a little privacy around your patio.
If you’re wondering if lemongrass does repel mosquitoes, here’s what the research says.
Besides, lemongrass loves heat and sun, so give it a bright spot and well-drained soil. Bonus — you can snip a stalk or two for your homemade Thai curry.
8. Catnip
Fun fact: Catnip doesn’t just drive your cat wild, it also repels mosquitoes like a champ.
According to research from Iowa State University, catnip is ten times more effective than DEET at repelling mosquitoes. Wild, right?
Warning: If you have neighborhood cats, be prepared for a few extra visitors.
9. Bee Balm
Also called Monarda, bee balm attracts pollinators like bees and butterflies, but sends mosquitoes packing. Its spicy, minty scent isn’t their thing.
Plus, those bright, shaggy flowers are total showstoppers.
Pro tip: Keep it in a sunny spot, and deadhead the blooms for even more flowers.
10. Scented Geraniums
These aren’t your grandma’s houseplants.
Certain varieties of scented geraniums (especially the lemon-scented ones) have mosquito-repelling properties thanks to their strong fragrance.
Pro Tip: They thrive in pots, love full sun, and you can crush a few leaves in your hands to release even more of that lemony goodness.
11. Pennyroyal
This lesser-known herb is part of the mint family and has a strong scent that mosquitoes hate. It’s a low-growing plant, so it’s great for filling in around taller pots.
Caution: Pennyroyal can be toxic to pets if eaten, so steer clear if you’ve got curious furry friends.
12. Thyme
Specifically, lemon thyme is a solid choice for mosquito control. It releases a citrusy scent that bugs can’t stand. And honestly, it looks adorable spilling over the sides of a clay pot.
Moreover, it’s another one you can cook with. Summer grilled veggies, anyone?
13. Allium
Yep — those big, globe-shaped purple flowers are part of the onion family, and mosquitoes can’t deal with their smell. Alliums look dramatic in a pot and pull double duty in pest control.
You can start with potted garlic and continue experimenting with other members of the allium family.
As a bonus, they also repel aphids and other annoying garden pests.
14. Wormwood
This silvery, feathery-leaved plant is a favorite of cottage gardens and happens to be a natural mosquito deterrent, too. Its scent and bitter taste are totally unappealing to mosquitoes.
Pro tip: It likes dry, well-drained soil, so it’s perfect if you’re prone to over-forgetting your watering can.
15. Bay Laurel
You probably have a jar of dried bay leaves in your spice rack, but the plant itself makes a gorgeous patio addition. And mosquitoes hate the smell.
Bonus: Pluck a few fresh leaves for soups and stews when the weather turns chilly.
16. Pitcher Plants
Here’s a wild card — pitcher plants are carnivorous, meaning they eat bugs. Mosquitoes included. They’re a little trickier to care for since they like humid conditions and distilled water, but they’re totally fascinating.
Note that these plants are not huge deterrents alone, but a cool addition to your anti-mosquito squad.
17. Tansy
Tansy has cheerful yellow button-like flowers and a strong camphor scent that keeps mosquitoes at bay. It’s a bit old-school, but it’s made a comeback with gardeners looking for natural pest control.
Like pennyroyal, tansy can be toxic if ingested, so keep it out of reach of pets and small kids.
18. Dwarf Eucalyptus
Eucalyptus is famous for its clean, menthol-like scent. While some varieties grow into giant trees, you can find dwarf or potted varieties that thrive outdoors in summer.
Pro tip: Crush a few leaves between your fingers for an extra mosquito-repelling boost.
19. Feverfew
Last but not least, feverfew is an old-fashioned herb with small daisy-like flowers and a strong scent. Bonus: It’s been traditionally used to treat headaches, though you’ll want to research that one before testing it out.
It’s a hardy little thing in terms of growing, perfect for pots and flower boxes.
A Few Quick Tips for Success
- Group your plants around your seating area for a little natural forcefield effect.
- Pinch or crush a few leaves now and then to release more of their natural oils. That’s what mosquitoes really hate.
- Make sure your pots drain well because standing water is basically a mosquito spa.
Conclusion
Listen, I’m not saying potted plants alone will turn your patio into a mosquito-free utopia.
But paired with a fan (mosquitoes are weak fliers — fun fact) and maybe a strategic citronella candle or two, it makes a noticeable difference. Plus, your outdoor space will look and smell incredible.
If you’ve got a favorite mosquito-repelling plant I didn’t mention, let me know! I’m always on the lookout for new plant friends. Because honestly, I’ll take any excuse to buy more plants.
Here’s to mosquito-free evenings and patios full of pretty, hardworking plants.