14 Plants That Repel Mosquitoes

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FAQs

Where should I place plants that repel mosquitoes?

Think of where you spend the most time outdoors during the summer season, and let that be a guide for plants with natural insect-repellent traits. Porches, patios, pools and fire pit areas are common places for you and your family to spend time. Plants in the landscape and in decorative containers surrounding these gathering spaces create a natural barrier to prevent mosquitoes from lingering in the air.

Are there any other natural ways to repel mosquitoes?

When it comes to repelling mosquitoes outdoors, there are plenty of options to keep things natural and chemical-free.

Does burning coffee grounds repel mosquitoes?

Burning coffee is an effective way to keep mosquitoes away from your gathering outside. When coffee grounds are lit on fire, they give off an acrid, bitter scent in the air, which is unpleasant for mosquitoes and some other flying insects. This method works for a few hours and will keep mosquitoes out of designated areas. However, it probably isn’t the best solution in the long term.

Does incense repel mosquitoes?

Five plant-based oils that repel mosquitoes are rosemary, peppermint, citronella, lemongrass, and cedarwood oils. You can make a spray mixed with water to spray around patio areas or purchase scented oil sticks to place in pots of soil or sand to burn and then diffuse through the yard for several hours.

Does cinnamon repel mosquitoes?

Cinnamon is a natural repellent, and the concentrated scent of cinnamon leaf oil can effectively repel mosquitoes and eliminate their larvae.

Does vanilla repel mosquitoes?

Vanilla extract (or diluted with some water), can be dabbed on skin. It is an appealing scent for people to be around, but it is unpleasant to mosquitoes in the area.

About the Experts

• Barbara Pierson has been the nursery manager of White Flower Farm for 17 years. A Cornell University graduate with a degree in ornamental horticulture, Pierson developed a passion for plants at an early age at her parents’ nursery. She’s now a frequent guest on national and local radio and television and is interviewed as a gardening expert by national publications.
• Jen McGuinness, author of Bird-Friendly Gardening, is a writer, editor, and photographer who has worked in nonprofit communications and in corporate communications. Jen is an award-winning local journalist, earning recognition from the New England Press Association, the Connecticut chapter of the Society of Professional Journalists, and the Awards for Publication Excellence.
• Gary Pilarchik, author Growing an Edible Landscape, has been gardening for most of his life. His grandfather taught him about vegetable gardening in first grade, and it ignited a passion that has been with him ever since. Gary started his YouTube channel, The Rusted Garden, in 2011 as a way to enjoy himself and teach others about gardening and started a second channel, My First Vegetable Garden, a few years later to cater to first-time vegetable growers.