9 Mosquito-Repelling Plants You Need in Your Backyard

1. Rosemary

Rosemary is a versatile plant known for stimulating hair growth, enhancing bathroom products, and flavoring dishes. Its blue flowers are attractive, and it repels mosquitoes and other pests.

2. Lemongrass

Lemongrass contains citronella oil, a powerful mosquito repellent. Its strong lemony scent also deters mice and rats. Grow it in hot, sunny environments, or use extracted oil as a direct deterrent.

3. Marigolds

Marigolds, with their vibrant blooms, repel mosquitoes due to the compound limonene. They attract beneficial insects like butterflies and ladybirds.

4. Lavender

Lavender s fragrance is widely used in household products and has stress-relieving properties. Mosquitoes, flies, ants, and rodents dislike its smell. It s easy to grow indoors or outdoors

5. Floss Flower

Floss flower, or Ageratum, contains coumarin, a mosquito-repelling chemical. Its vibrant blooms attract butterflies and bees but deter mosquitoes. 

6. Catnip

Catnip contains Nepeta Cataria, which repels mosquitoes, flies, and roaches. It s more effective than DEET and can be applied directly to the skin. 

7. Sage

Sage enriches dishes and repels mosquitoes when dried and burnt. It grows well indoors or outdoors in sunny spots with well-drained soil. Sage is non-toxic to pets and thrives in temperatures around 60-70°F.

8. Basil

Basil, especially clove basil, repels mosquitoes with its strong aroma. It can grow up to 6 feet tall, providing a potent scent barrier. Suitable for garden or indoor pots, it can also be used as essential oil.

9. Garlic

Garlic s sulfonic acid content gives it a pungent smell that repels mosquitoes. Common in kitchens, garlic can be planted to create a mosquito barrier. It's versatile in cooking.