Mosquitoes are one of those insects that could just go away and literally no one would miss them. Even if you aren’t prone to bites, sometimes they still love to just buzz around you. Act like they might want a little nibble on your ankle, then fly away at the last second, essentially just causing you to hit yourself. You may hear them snicker as they make their escape. They like to buzz in groups, and land at the same time in various regions of your body, so you don’t know where to smack first. I’m convinced this is a technique they use to ensure everyone gets at least a small snack at every outing. 

Mosquito repellant can be quite chemical-laden and downright stinky too. Depending on the situation, it’s not always the right idea to just whip out a can and start spraying. As with many things in life, sometimes the trick is to have a multi-pronged approach. Repellant absolutely does have a place at times, but why not give the mosquitoes a little taste of their own medicine? They can be annoying, but two can play at that game. What you need are plants that repel mosquitoes. Placed strategically around your house and yard, the right kind of plants that you love (and mosquitoes hate) are a perfect addition to your natural mosquito-fighting arsenal.  

Five Best Plants That Repel Mosquitoes

To help get you started, we’ve rounded up a small selection of our favorite mosquito-repelling plants. This is by no means an exhaustive list; just as you probably dislike a whole lot of the mosquitoes you encounter, there are plenty of plants out there that repel mosquitoes. So this list is made for you too. These plants all offer something that you might really enjoy, while definitely annoying any mosquitoes who come near it.

1. Basil. Do you love the smell of basil? A lot of bugs really dislike that pungent aroma. It’s a fantastic natural pest repellant and a key ingredient in yummy pesto, Caprese salads, and so much more. If you love basil, it just makes good sense to have it around.
2. Rosemary. This is another herb with a powerful scent that many of us humans love. Mosquitoes, not so much. Your rosemary bush can be pruned into all kinds of fun shapes, and your Italian recipes will receive a major boost of flavor thanks to this multitasking plant.
3. Lavender. Ah, the heady scent of lavender. For us, it can have therapeutic properties. The smell of lavender can help with anything from headaches to sleeplessness, but it drives mosquitoes and other pests crazy. Just like basil and rosemary, lavender can be used for culinary purposes too.
4. Catnip. OK, this one is more for your feline friends than it is for you. But why not help them out while telling mosquitoes to take a hike? Catnip is a member of the mint family, and it grows like a weed, so be forewarned. Do what you can to contain it, and be rewarded in two ways: the high entertainment value of cats on catnip, and freedom from those pesky mosquitoes too.
5. Citronella grass, and lemongrass. Though people often think of these plants as interchangeable, they are different. Both offer mosquito repellent properties, however, thanks to their unmistakable smell. We tend to love the pungent scent of these plants, but that’s exactly what mosquitoes can’t stand about it. In fact, you may already know that citronella is often used commercially as a repellant. Citronella candles, anyone? You can purchase them at almost any home and garden store, and they’re often worth every penny. If you don’t have the space for plants that repel mosquitoes, just stock up on these bad boys and say bye-bye to itchy bites!