You don’t have to reach for the heavy-duty bug spray every time you head outside—nature actually has its own built-in defense system! By choosing the right greenery, you can give mosquitoes their marching orders naturally. Here are some of my favorite plants to help keep your backyard bite-free.
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++Garlic (Allium sativum)
In the movies, garlic is famous for keeping vampires away. In the real world, it works just as well on mosquitoes! These pests absolutely hate the pungent scent and will go out of their way to avoid it. It’s definitely worth planting some in your herb garden. The best part? The repellent scent comes from both the harvested bulbs and the green stalks of the plant.
++Rosemary (Salvia rosmarinus)
Rosemary is another fantastic “double duty” plant. This hardy evergreen shrub can handle dry spells and cold snaps, and you can even grow it as a low hedge. You’ll notice that wonderful woody fragrance just by brushing your hand against the needles. While most of us find the aroma much more pleasant than garlic, mosquitoes find it totally repulsive and will steer clear of the area.
++Lemongrass (Cymbopogon citratus)
Lemongrass is a favorite for many gardeners, and for good reason. You can use the leaves for a refreshing tea, add it to desserts, or use it as a healing herb. Just like rosemary, it’s packed with essential oils that act as a natural deterrent for unwanted insects. It’s a super effective (and great-smelling) tool in your anti-mosquito arsenal.
++Lemon Balm (Melissa officinalis)
Lemon balm is another essential oil powerhouse. Its bright citrus scent smells amazing to us but sends mosquitoes packing. When planted in the right spot, it grows into a beautiful, bushy plant. I love growing lemon balm in pots; that way, you can move the container right to your patio table or wherever you happen to be hanging out to keep the bugs away.
++Tomatoes (Solanum lycopersicum)
It’s not just herbs that do the trick—some of our favorite veggies are great at warding off pests, too! Tomatoes are the superstars here. The plant itself actually has a much stronger, earthier scent than the fruit, and bugs find that “tomato leaf” smell very off-putting. If you grow cherry tomatoes on your balcony or put a tomato bed right next to your seating area, you’ll likely notice a lot fewer uninvited guests.
++Basil (Ocimum basilicum)
Basil is another great mosquito-repelling herb, but it can be a little picky. To keep it happy (and smelly enough to deter bugs), it needs plenty of sunlight and just the right amount of water. Be careful to avoid “wet feet”—standing water in the soil is a no-go. If the plant dries out or gets stressed, it won’t produce those aromatic oils that keep the mosquitoes at bay.
++Lavender (Lavandula angustifolia)
Lavender is probably the most popular choice for a mosquito-free garden, and it’s easy to see why. Beyond those gorgeous purple blooms, it’s loaded with essential oils that are incredibly effective against mosquitoes and gnats. The best part? While it drives away the “bad” bugs, it’s a favorite snack for beneficial pollinators like bumblebees. It’s a win-win for your garden’s ecosystem!
%%Walnut (Juglans regia)
Here’s a pro tip: the walnut tree is a secret weapon against mosquitoes. Centuries ago, people used to plant these next to manure piles specifically to keep flies and mosquitoes away. It all comes down to those powerful essential oils in the leaves. Not only does this beautiful tree provide great shade and keep the bugs away, but you also get a delicious harvest of nuts every fall!