Repel Mosquitoes with Plants

Did you know that you can naturally repel mosquitoes with plants? It just so happens that we sell many of the seeds and plants that are natural mosquito repellents!

Below is a list of plants that repel mosquitoes.

Ageratum

Ageratum is a pretty bluish-purple flowering plant that is also known as Flossflower. It contains coumarin which is used in commercial insect repellents and the mosquitoes hate the smell of it.

You can purchase Ageratum here.

Basil

Enjoy delicious pesto dishes, and keep mosquitoes at bay, with this insect-repelling herb. Basil is one of the few herbs in which you don't have to crush the leaves to reap its benefits. Lemon basil and cinnamon basil are the best varieties to prevent unwanted pests.

You can purchase Basil here.

Bee Balm

Bee balm also repels mosquitoes. Also known as horsemint, bee balm does well in dry, sandy soil and can be found near beach front property. The smell it gives off seems to confuse mosquitoes. As a side benefit, the flowers it produces will attract bees and butterflies to your garden.

You can purchase Bee Balm here.

Catmint

Catmint is not for cats but you will love it! Deer and rabbits don't like it but butterflies love this plant.

Catmint leaves and new shoots are perfect for adding to sauces and soups for human consumption.

Catmint flowers and leaves can be made into tea that relieves menstrual cramps, coughing, and congestion.

You can purchase catmint here.

Catnip

Do you have a cat? If so, maybe you have catnip in your home or yard. This cat treat plant is hated by mosquitoes so feel free to plant as much of it as you like.

Catnip has been found to be ten times more effective at repelling mosquitoes than the chemical DEET.

You can purchase Catnip here.

Lemon Balm

Lemon balm is good for flavoring your tea. It can also be used in recipes as a substitute for lemon peel. It is pretty easy to grow and loves sun.  For a quick mosquito repellent, simply crush a handful of lemon balm leaves in your hand and rub them on your exposed skin. Grow the plants near your backdoor or in your garden, where the leaves will be handy when you need them.

You can purchase Lemon Balm seeds here.

Marigolds

Those pretty orange and yellow flowers called marigolds actually repel biting mosquitoes so be sure to plant them everywhere in your yard and put them in pots on your front porch and on your deck in the backyard. Their smell is something that mosquitoes hate. Marigolds love full sun but don't forget to water them.

Marigolds are annual plants, meaning you need to plant new ones each year. Place pots of them near your front and back doors to keep the mosquitoes away from your home. They have pyrethrum in them, which is used in insect repellents. They also repel the insects who attack your tomatoes (aphids) so plants some near your tomatoes as well.

You can purchase our Marigold seeds here.

Mint

I love mint! Spearmint, Wintergreen, Chocolate Mint, Peppermint, English Mint, and Orange Mint all naturally repel mosquitoes. Plant some mint in a few pots and place on your deck or patio, near your outdoor furniture.

Mint plants spread quickly and grow rapidly. They love full sun, but don't forget to water them because they love lots of water, especially where it is stifling hot, like in Texas. If you start with one mint plant in a pot or in a garden bed, that plant will quickly grow and spread and take over anything else that might be in the garden bed. I speak from personal experience! Mosquitoes detest the smell of mint and will vacate the area. Yay!

Buy our mint seeds here.

By the time spring hits, we will have mint plants.

Rosemary

Grow rosemary plants, not only for use in your cooking, but also to put outside on your deck to repel mosquitoes from your outdoor living area. The smell is lovely and mosquitoes despise it!

Carrot flies and cabbage moths also hate rosemary so put some near your vegetable garden to keep the bugs from ruining your growing vegetables.

Buy our Rosemary seeds here.