16 Natural Bug and Mosquito Repellent Plants

1. Citronella Grass

The citronella candles on your patio are made from the oil extracted from this plant. According to garden expert Carmen Johnston, "Citronella is the most well-known plant that repels mosquitoes." She adds, "Its scent is very strong and distinctive."

"I like to place this in small eight-inch terra cotta pots and incorporate it into my outdoor centerpieces," she shares. "You can use the clippings in arrangements or even the whole plant as the main centerpiece."

• Requires a minimum of six hours of sunlight each day
• Thrives in temperatures above 60 degrees
• Needs occasional but deep watering
• Hardiness Zone: Zones 9 through 11

2. Petunias

Petunias, often referred to as "nature's pesticide," are effective at repelling pests such as aphids, tomato hornworms, asparagus beetles, leafhoppers, and squash bugs. According to lifestyle expert Peyton Lambton, "Petunias are easy to cultivate, and they can either be planted directly in the ground or kept in pots." She suggests, "They thrive in sunny spots, and I recommend purchasing transplants to place in light, well-drained soil in full sun after the final frost of spring."

• Place petunias where they can receive at least five to six hours of sunlight daily
• Grow best in an area with all-day sun exposure
• Resistant to drought and heat; water thoroughly once a week
• Hardiness Zone: Zones 10 through 11

3. Lavender

"Lavender emits a scent that naturally repels mosquitoes," explains Johnston. "I plant it in clusters at the entrance to my garden, and I adore the vibrant purple flowers."

"It thrives in hot, dry conditions, making it an ideal choice for summer," she adds. Additionally, you can apply lavender oil directly to your skin as a natural mosquito deterrent.

• Thrives in hot, dry climates
• Requires full sunlight and well-drained soil for optimal growth
• Hardiness Zone: Zones 5 through 9

4. Nasturtium

Nasturtium is a vibrant, edible flower that repels pests like whiteflies, squash bugs, aphids, various beetles, and cabbage loopers. In addition to its pest-repelling qualities, it also benefits other plants in your garden.

"They release a chemical into the air that repels insects, not only protecting themselves but also the surrounding plants," explains landscaper Chris Lambton.

"Plant these in early spring in moist, well-drained soil under full sunlight," he suggests. "Regular watering and deadheading are essential to encourage blooming."

• Thrives in full sun with well-drained soil
• Grows, but doesn't bloom, in partial shade
• Requires regular watering and deadheading to support blooming
• Hardiness Zone: Zones 2 through 11

5. Rosemary

Rosemary is often recognized for its flavoring in cooking, but it's also effective in keeping insects away. "This plant thrives in hot, dry conditions," says Johnston. "It's one of my favorite scents, though mosquitoes can't stand it."

"It can be grown in containers, but it also makes an excellent hedge," she suggests. Since rosemary enhances the texture of arrangements, consider using it in an outdoor centerpiece to keep bugs away while adding visual appeal.

• Thrives in warm, well-drained conditions
• Requires full sunlight
• Excess moisture can cause root damage
• Hardiness Zone: Zones 7 through 10

6. Basil

Basil is well-known for its role in pesto and Mediterranean dishes, but it also earns a spot as a mosquito and housefly repellent. "This annual herb is great for repelling bugs," says Chris Lambton.

"Make sure it gets six to eight hours of full sun daily, and its soil should remain moist and well-drained," he advises. "To keep the leaves flavorful, pinch off the flowers when they start to form."

Johnston points out that this herb can also help soothe mosquito bites. She suggests rolling a few leaves between your hands to release the natural oil, then applying it directly to bites to reduce swelling.

• Requires six to eight hours of full sun daily, so plant in an area with direct sunlight
• Soil should be moist yet well-drained
• Hardiness Zone: Zone 10

7. Lemongrass

Lemongrass, a close relative of citronella, repels mosquitoes, but unlike citronella, it’s edible and often used in Southeast Asian cuisine. "It can grow three to five feet tall, adding height and texture to the garden," Johnston explains, "so it requires a larger container."

• Plant in a location with full sun
• Soil should be well-drained
• Needs ample space to spread, so leave 24 to 36 inches between each plant
• Hardiness Zone: Zones 8 through 11

8. Mint

Mint is a popular addition to dishes and cocktails, but the plant itself has another perk. "It’s a perennial that naturally repels mosquitoes," says Peyton Lambton.

"Mint is simple to grow, but once it settles in your garden, it can be difficult to remove," she cautions. "It’s best to plant it in a pot and regularly harvest its leaves to keep it healthy. You can even grow it indoors throughout the winter, and it will help keep flies at bay too."

• Can be hard to remove once established in a garden
• Thrives in full to partial shade
• Prefers moist soil, but not overly wet, or the roots may rot
• Hardiness Zone: Zone 4

9. Catnip

Catnip belongs to the mint family but deserves its own spotlight. While it's non-toxic to pets, it can have varying effects on cats—some may go wild for it, while others become relaxed. More importantly, it’s excellent at keeping mosquitoes and other flying insects away.

The essential oil in catnip is a key component in many natural insect repellents. However, you don’t need to extract the oil yourself. Simply crush the fresh leaves and stems and apply them to your skin and clothes.

• Thrives in full sunlight
• Prefers well-drained, quality soil
• Hardiness Zone: Zones 3 through 5

10. Mosquito Shoo Geranium

This plant, aptly named, is a hybrid of scented geranium and citronella grass. The result is a plant with charming but modest flowers and leaves that, when crushed, emit a fragrance akin to lemon furniture polish.

It’s also known by several other names like citronella plant, mosquito plant geranium, or citrosa geranium. However, it doesn’t actually contain true citronella, though its scent mimics it. This may explain why its ability to repel mosquitoes is often questioned.

• Thrives in full sun to partial shade
• Needs moderate watering and occasional fertilization
• Hardiness Zone: Zones 10 through 11

11. Marigolds

While marigolds' fragrance might be off-putting to some, it turns out mosquitoes, wasps, and hornets also dislike it.

Plant marigolds near your vegetable garden for a dual purpose: their bright autumn hues attract butterflies and bees, while their scent keeps pests away from your fresh crops.

• Prefers full sun to partial shade
• Does well in well-drained soil and can withstand drier conditions
• Hardiness Zone: Zones 2 through 11

12. Eucalyptus

The strong minty, citrus scent of eucalyptus is highly repellent to mosquitoes, and it’s also effective against termites, fleas, and various other bugs. Planting it near entryways can help keep mosquitoes at bay.

Crush eucalyptus leaves and place them indoors as part of a potpourri to release their oils, keeping mosquitoes away while adding a pleasant fragrance. Alternatively, shred the tree’s trimmings, use them as mulch, and spread them in areas where mosquitoes are troublesome.

• Thrives in full sunlight
• Somewhat resistant to drought, usually requiring only weekly watering
• Hardiness Zone: Zones 7 through 10

13. Lantana

Lantana boasts a stunning range of colors in its blooms. This fragrant plant is especially appreciated for attracting bees and hummingbirds, and it also works remarkably well in keeping mosquitoes at bay.

When lantana leaves or flowers are crushed or rubbed, they release a potent citronella-like aroma. You can also dry the leaves, crush them, and toss them into your fire pit to help ward off mosquitoes. However, avoid applying crushed lantana leaves directly to your skin, as its oil can cause irritation.

• Requires at least six hours of sunlight per day
• Needs to be watered thoroughly once a week
• Letting the soil dry out completely can harm the plant
• Hardiness Zone: Zones 9 through 11 (perennial); Zones 1 through 8 (summer annual)

14. Bee Balm

Bee balm is a dynamic perennial that bursts into vibrant color throughout the summer. It's especially valued for attracting bees and is also a well-known herb used in traditional herbal medicine, and occasionally in cooking.

This hard-working plant also serves as an insect repellent. When its leaves are crushed and rubbed onto the skin, they emit a scent that repels mosquitoes. Crushed leaves can also be placed around your home or in areas where you spend time, indoors or outdoors.

• Prefers full sunlight
• Thrives in moist soil, requiring at least weekly watering
• Hardiness Zone: Zones 4 through 9

15. Ageratum

Ageratum, or floss flower, are vibrant little wonders perfect for any garden. Their ability to repel insects is thanks to coumarin, a chemical commonly found in insecticides, which mosquitoes find unbearable. However, butterflies, bees, and hummingbirds are not bothered by the scent and are actually drawn to it.

Caution: These plants are toxic to cats and dogs, so avoid them if you have pets. Additionally, you can enhance their insect-repelling abilities by crushing their leaves to release their odor. However, unlike many plants on this list, it's not recommended to apply the crushed leaves directly to your skin.

• Thrives in partial to full sunlight
• Requires about one inch of water weekly
• Hardiness Zone: Zones 2 through 11

16. Venus Fly Trap

Though not many exist, carnivorous plants represent the pinnacle of natural pest control. The Venus fly trap, the most well-known of these, captures insects and spiders in its claw-shaped, clamshell leaves, snaps them shut, and then "digests" its prey using digestive enzymes.

While these plants are intriguing and fun to watch, they require specific care. A Venus fly trap thrives in full sunlight when planted outdoors. If grown indoors, it needs more light than a typical sunny windowsill can provide, so artificial lighting is necessary.

The Venus fly trap also prefers moist conditions, meaning its roots must remain submerged in water if planted in a pot. It should only be watered with distilled or clean rainwater, as it cannot tolerate the hard water typically found in household taps.

One more thing to keep in mind: Venus fly traps need regular meals, unlike most plants that are fine with occasional fertilizing. If a Venus fly trap isn't catching food on its own (such as during the winter months when kept indoors), it must be hand-fed with live insects, dried bloodworms, or high-protein fish food. Still interested in having one?

• Requires full sunlight for optimal growth
• Must be watered with distilled or rainwater (tap water is too harsh for it)
• Needs to be hand-fed insects, bloodworms, or fish food if unable to catch its own prey
• Hardiness Zone: Zones 6 through 10

Frequently Asked Questions

• Which plant is the best at repelling all types of bugs?

  While many plants offer multiple benefits, lavender stands out as the most effective at warding off a wide variety of insects. Although its fragrance is loved by many, insects tend to avoid it. Lavender repels mosquitoes, moths, fleas, flies, and more.

• Why are mosquitoes more attracted to some people than others?

  Mosquitoes are drawn to individuals for various reasons, including blood type, body odor, clothing choices, breathing patterns, and the bacteria present on their skin. People with a higher metabolic rate emit more carbon dioxide, which mosquitoes find attractive. For example, exercising raises your metabolic rate, making you more likely to attract mosquitoes during that time.

• What steps can you take to stop mosquitoes from invading your yard?

  To prevent mosquitoes from taking over your yard, eliminate any standing water. Mosquito traps, particularly sticky ones, can also be effective. Other strategies include using a fire pit, applying bug spray, and decluttering. If these methods don't work, it's best to seek help from a professional.

  Learn More: How to Get Rid of Mosquitoes in Your Backyard