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Picture this: You're having the best summer night outside on your upgraded backyard patio, dining alfresco and then watching the stars after the party. But then you hear a buzz. You feel a pinch—and then a horrible itch. Ugh, mosquitoes. Mosquitos are one of the few horrible things about warm weather; add a few abundant summer storms, and they can run rampant. But rather than hole up indoors or within the confines of your citronella candle's wafts, why not optimize your summer-ready outdoor space to repel the insects before they can bite? Plants that repel mosquitoes are more common than you may realize, and they're a great, natural way to keep pests at bay without harsh chemical sprays. Plus, mosquito repellant plants are much more pleasant than a sticky spray that you'll notice for hours after application.
The best mosquito repellent plants are basil, citronella, and catnip. And yes, they really work. Mosquitoes' noses are highly sensitive, so the way these plants keep the bugs away is through their scent. The smell may seem subtle to us, but it's overwhelming to the little buggers. In addition to growing plants that repel mosquitoes, the best way to keep mosquitos away is to eliminate any standing water in your yard. That includes puddles, bird baths, and any small reservoirs—mosquitos love to lay their eggs in the water.
Ahead, we highlight 12 of the best mosquito repellant plants that will keep you comfortable outdoors all summer. Many of them also double as delicious kitchen essentials and smell great in your garden, so make the most of them in your summer cooking and flower arrangements.
Grow basil near your outdoor dining area to keep mosquitos away from you during mealtime. As a bonus, you can pluck and tear a fresh garnish for your pizza.
Bonnie Plants Bonnie Plants 25 oz. Lavender Herb Plant (2-Pack)
Bonnie Plants Bonnie Plants 25 oz. Lavender Herb Plant (2-Pack)
Lavender is a stunning (and sweet smelling) way to line a front walkway and protect your guests from pests as they're coming and going.
David's Garden Seeds Flower Marigold Giant Orange
Marigolds are a colorful and long-lasting addition to your backyard landscaping. Plant them in pots so you can easily move them closer to seating areas during the summer months.
Grow sweet-smelling (and useful) sage in your kitchen windowsill to repel mosquitoes if you're one who prefers to leave the windows open all summer long.
Hudson Valley Seed Hardneck Garlic Variety Pack
Hudson Valley Seed Hardneck Garlic Variety Pack
Garlic plants are not only great vegetable patch companions, but they can also be planted around flowers and herbs to repel mosquitos and keep rabbits out of your beloved landscaping.
Floss flowers grow tall and love ample shade, which makes them a beautiful addition to porch planters.
Bonnie Plants Bonnie Plants 19 oz. Sweet Mint Herb Plant (2-Pack)
Bonnie Plants Bonnie Plants 19 oz. Sweet Mint Herb Plant (2-Pack)
Plant mint near your back steps for an aromatic and pest-free entry. You'll also love being able to walk out and pluck a couple of leaves when you need them for drinks or desserts.
Spring Hill Nursery Gladiator Allium
Alliums grow tall and wide, which makes them ideal for accompanying a mailbox or on either side of your front or back doors. We love how they bring dimension, whimsy, and color to flower beds.
Bonnie Plants Bonnie Plants 2-Pack Catnip in 19.3-oz Pot | 202009
Bonnie Plants Bonnie Plants 2-Pack Catnip in 19.3-oz Pot | 202009
Use catnip as a garden filler or in smaller pots nestled in with your other houseplants to keep mosquitos subtly at bay. If you have cats, you can dry the leaves to give them a treat.
Rosemary does great when planted in small pots along a porch ledge, dinner table, or windowsill for easy access while cooking. As a bonus, it'll create a natural mosquito barrier.
Generic Lemongrass Plants Live Rooted Stalks Include (3) Plants from 6'' Tall Perennial Ornament Garden
Generic Lemongrass Plants Live Rooted Stalks Include (3) Plants from 6'' Tall Perennial Ornament Garden
Ideal for larger yards, lemongrass is an effective mosquito deterrent for your entire yard.
Bonnie Plants Bonnie Plants 2.32 qt. Citronella Plant
Bonnie Plants Bonnie Plants 2.32 qt. Citronella Plant
Citronella, the classic mosquito repelling plant, is great when grown in individual pots near doorways or in porch corners to create a border around gathering areas.
Kate McGregor is House Beautiful’s SEO Editor. She has covered everything from curated decor round-ups and shopping guides, to glimpses into the home lives of inspiring creatives, for publications such as ELLE Decor, Domino, and Architectural Digest’s Clever.
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