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Is there anything more annoying than mosquitoes when you’re outdoors? If there is, there’s still no denying that mosquitoes are very annoying. You can have a perfectly relaxing evening on your back porch or at the campground, only to have mosquitoes ruin your day.
And that’s not to mention that in a major disaster scenario, mosquitoes can even be dangerous. For example, in a grid-down disaster scenario where sanitation standards drop dramatically, mosquitoes can carry diseases if they get into human waste and other contaminants.
Needless to say, mosquitoes are not something you want to have around, and while you may think that the simple solution is just to wear bug spray, another option is to invest in plants that literally repel mosquitoes for you.
Bug spray may work, but it’s also sticky, smelly, and in a disaster scenario, it may be in short supply. That’s why investing in plants that can repel mosquitoes is a better option.
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Here are the top plants that mosquitoes absolutely hate, presented in alphabetical order:
1. Basil
People love incorporating basil it into various meals, but mosquitoes hate it. That’s because basil puts out an aroma that mosquitos naturally despise, and on top of that, basil is also toxic to mosquito larvae. That means that if you place basil near mosquito nesting sites (such as standing or stagnant water) you can literally stop them from laying their eggs.
2. Catnip
Mosquitoes hate catnip because of a chemical that it contains called nepetalactone. This is both a mosquito repellant and a feline attractant. In fact, nepetalactone is so strong against mosquitoes that it is often incorporated into insect repellent products.
3. Citronella
Another common ingredient in mosquito repellent products is citronella. Citronella is a large plant that can thrive in any garden without frost. It’s also very low maintenance, which further increases its value. And on top of that, mosquitoes absolutely despise it.
4. Garlic
Humans aren’t the only creatures on this planet who can be turned off by the rather pungent smell of garlic. Mosquitoes don’t like it either. In fact, if you rub garlic juice all over your body, it will work just as well as normal mosquito repellents (though of course, you’ll probably keep other people away as well). But still, it’s an option for you to consider.
5. Lavender
There’s only one kind of insect that likes the smell of lavender, and it's not mosquitoes (fun fact: bees love the smell of lavender).
Even though lavender may be a very pleasant smell to most people, the overwhelming majority of bugs and insects despite it. If you simply hang dry lavender either inside or outside, mosquitoes will stay away.
The one downside? As I just noted above, bees love lavender. This is why lavender really isn’t the best choice for keeping mosquitoes away since you could attract bees more bees than you'd like, but it is an option to consider.
6. Lemon Grass
Lemon grass can regularly grow to be nearly five feet tall, and it’s very decorative. And here’s a fun fact, lemon grass also contains citronella, which as we just discussed above, is something that mosquitoes strongly despise. In fact, lemon grass is probably even more effective than citronella because it emits a more powerful aroma.
Lemon grass is able to tolerate heat very well, but for frost and colder temperatures it’s just the opposite. If you use lemon grass during the winter, be sure to keep it indoors or else it will die.
7. Marigolds
Marigolds are some of the most attractive flowers that money can buy, and they also have a very strong smell that most insects hate, including mosquitoes.
In fact, marigolds contain a natural compound that is often utilized as an effective ingredient in mosquito repellants. If you plant marigolds in your garden, not only will you be adding to its overall look, you’ll be keeping the mosquitoes away as well.
8. Pennyroyal
Pennyroyal is equally effective against flies as it is against mosquitoes. Many people like to take pennyroyal leaves and crush them into their pockets to keep mosquitoes away.
That being said, one major warning concerning pennyroyal is that they are highly toxic for both infants and pregnant women, so be careful about using it.
9. Petunias
Another beautiful plant that can really add to the look of your garden is the color of petunias. Plus, they contain a scent that keeps many insects away, including mosquitoes.
One downside to petunias? Caterpillars, snails, and slugs love them, meaning that you could end up inviting other kinds of pests into your garden if you plant a lot of them.
10. Rosemary
Rosemary is a very popular herb used as a seasoning in many vegetable dishes. And here’s an additional use for it: crunch some rosemary up and then toss it into a fire. The resulting aroma will keep mosquitoes away.
To make it last a long time, wrap it in aluminum foil, wet it, poke some holes in the foil, and then toss it into a fire. If you do this, it will smoke all night.
11. Sage
Last but not least, sage is another excellent plant for keeping mosquitoes away. As with rosemary, you can throw sage leaves into a fire to keep mosquitoes away. But while sage may be an awful smell to mosquitoes, to humans it’s quite refreshing.
Also as with rosemary, you can wrap it in aluminum foil, wet it, poke holes in it, and toss it into a fire to make it last all night.
Conclusion
As you can see, there are many plants (both indoor and outdoor) that you can use to repel mosquitoes, along with other annoying insects and pests.
As a final piece of advice, keep in mind that standing water outdoors is a major breeding ground for numerous kinds of insects, including mosquitoes. If at all possible, try to keep stagnant or standing water as far away from your house or campsite as possible.
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