In many regions mosquitos quickly claim your backyard as their own. Having recently moved to Georgia, I have found that mosquitos are already out in swarms and at the time of writing this, it is only February. I, like I’m sure many of you, want to enjoy your backyard as this beautiful weather continues to roll in. So, in the process of researching this myself, here are the plants I have found that you can add to your garden and landscaping to repel mosquitos.

Citronella

I am sure we have likely all heard of Citronella whether it be the plant or the candles you can burn. This plant is frequently referred to as the mosquito plant. The plant produces a lemon scent and can be easily planted anywhere whether it be a garden, your landscaping, or even just a container on a deck or patio. From what I have found, if you are buying this plant primarily for its mosquito repellent properties, then you will want to buy Cybopogon nardus or Citronella winterianus as these have the best mosquito repellent properties. Additionally, citronella is a perennial plant that is hardy from zones 10-12 for those who may live there, otherwise this wonderful mosquito repellent will need to be planted yearly for the rest of us.

Lemongrass

My first advice with this plant, it to be mindful of where you plant it as it can grow 3-6 feet tall. As the name suggests, it also emits a strong lemon scent. This is because lemongrass also contains citronella and thus works well to repel mosquitos. This plant is a perennial in zones 10-11 but for the rest of us, it is an annual.

Rosemary

While I primarily think of rosemary for its culinary uses, it turns out it is also wonderful at repelling mosquitos, wasps, and many other insects. While you could certainly add this plant into your landscaping, it could just as easily be added to a small containers and pot surrounding your most frequently used outdoor areas to repel insects. Rosemary is a perennial for zones 8 and up, but otherwise it is an annual.

Basil

Much like rosemary, you really get your money’s worth with basil as it has both culinary and mosquito repellent properties. Another fun fact and use for basil is that if you happened to be bit by a mosquito, basil is said to have anti-inflammatory properties in that if you were to crush up basil with a mortar and pestle it would aid with the itching sensation. Basil is only a perennial in zones 10-11, but otherwise it is an annual.

Pyrethrum

If you are looking more for a flowing plant, pyrethrum helps to repel mosquitos and so many other bugs including ticks. Another note for those with a vegetable garden, it also helps to repel aphids which we obvious don’t want in the garden as they spread plant diseases and in general feed on your crops. These large daisies are perennials in zones 8-10 and an annual in zones 1-10.

Lavendar

While lavender doesn’t have too many culinary uses to boast about, it is wonderful at repelling mosquitos. Then after the season is over, you can dry the lavender out and place in into sachets to place in clothes drawers and linen closets to impart a delightful scent. Lavendar is a perennial in zones 5-10 generally.

Peppermint

Peppermint is yet another wonderful herb that also doubles a mosquito repellent. Truly is seems as though this plant is just an all-around goldmine as it can be used for culinary purposes and seems to be an all-around insect repellent not just a mosquito repellent which is a win in my book. It is generally a perennial in zones 5-9.

Geranium

This is another flower with a beautiful bloom. These beauties come in many vibrant colors while their scent is effective at warding away mosquitoes. Geraniums are perennials in zones 10 and 11 but otherwise are an annual.

Marigolds

Much like pyrethrum and geranium, marigold add a nice touch of color to your garden and landscaping. Marigolds are generally yellow or orange and tend to have a rather noticeable smell. The oils in this flower are also effective at warding away mosquitoes. Marigolds tend to be perennials in zones 8-10, but otherwise are annuals.

Garlic

Tuns our garlic is a wonderful repellant for the vampires of the insect world. While garlic has many nutritional health benefits, it is also great insect repellant. This is a great option for those of us that would like to repel mosquitoes while working in the garden. Then towards the end of the season we can pull up and use it for cooking.

I hope these plants help you to take back your garden and outdoors areas from the mosquitoes. Being outdoors even for just 10 minutes a day is known to have dramatic health benefits, so get to planting and take back your yard. Not only will these plants help to protect you and your family, but unless you live in a place where you frequently get rain, you will occasionally have to get outside and water these plants which will improve both your health and mood. Heck, you won’t even have to get outside to have a mood boost as some of these blooms are just so beautiful that you will get a little serotonin hit just from seeing them outside your windows.

As always, I hope you are having a happy and wholesome day!