We are in Florida and in the summer that means HOT… it also means mosquitoes. Those pesky little bloodsuckers can turn a relaxing evening into a scratch-fest real quick.
Now, you could spend money on sprays, citronella candles, and yard treatments — but why bother with chemicals when you can plant your own natural repellents? The best part is a lot of these plants can be grown for free if you know where to snag seeds or cuttings and these don’t hurt the good insects like bees 🙂
I’ll be honest, I wasn’t sure it would really work when I first tried it, but this year has been a game changer. Since planting these, I haven’t been bitten once — not even during peak mosquito season. No one has and we have been living outside – when it isn’t 120!
To be fair, I also do my part: we keep standing water to a minimum, and I’ve even got feeder fish in our rain barrel to cut down on mosquito breeding. But between that and the plants, our yard has been mosquito-free without a single can of bug spray.
Here’s a breakdown of my favorite 12 mosquito-repelling plants that you can grow easily, many without spending a dime.
1. Lemongrass
Lemongrass is basically nature’s citronella candle. It contains citronella oil, which is one of the main ingredients in store-bought bug sprays. Instead of buying pricey products, just grow the plant itself. I grew mine from seed and have been taking cuttings and planting this everywhere!
- Why it works: Mosquitoes hate the citrusy scent.
- How to grow it free: Grab stalks of fresh lemongrass from an Asian market or grocery store. Stick the bottoms in water, and they’ll sprout roots in a week or two. Plant them in a sunny spot and you’re set.
- Bonus use: Chop it up for soups, stir-fries, and teas.
2. Allium (Ornamental Onion)
Alliums are those gorgeous purple “pompom” flowers you see in spring gardens. They’re part of the onion family, and mosquitoes can’t stand their strong scent.
- Why it works: Their smell repels mosquitoes, aphids, and other garden pests.
- How to grow it free: Split bulbs from friends or neighbors who already grow them. They multiply quickly underground, so most gardeners are happy to share extras.
- Bonus use: They look amazing in borders and make great cut flowers.
3. Fennel
Fennel is a feathery herb that doubles as both a kitchen staple and a mosquito repellent.
- Why it works: Strong aromatic oils deter mosquitoes.
- How to grow it free: Save seeds from fennel bulbs you buy at the store. Dry them and plant directly into the soil. It grows fast and often self-seeds for future years.
- Bonus use: Use fennel fronds in salads or roast the bulbs for a sweet, anise-like flavor.
4. Citronella Grass
Everyone knows citronella candles — but instead of paying for wax and a wick, plant citronella grass itself. This is another of my favorites mainly because it is super easy to grow and propagate.
- Why it works: The oils in the leaves are the same ones used in bug sprays.
- How to grow it free: Ask at local plant swaps or check Facebook gardening groups — people often divide and share it since it can get huge.
- Bonus use: The plant looks beautiful in large pots around patios.
5. Lavender
Lavender is gorgeous, smells amazing, and makes mosquitoes run the other way. Not to mention it is beautiful!
- Why it works: It contains linalool, which mosquitoes, moths, and flies can’t stand.
- How to grow it free: Start lavender from cuttings — just snip a sprig, dip in rooting hormone (or honey!), and stick in moist soil until it roots. Seed packets are also sometimes given away free through seed libraries.
- Bonus use: Dry the blooms for sachets, tea, or DIY bath products.
6. Marigolds
Marigolds aren’t just pretty — they’re workhorses in the garden. They are also great to plant around vegetables to keep the bag bugs away. I have this around tomatoes, peppers and more!
- Why it works: Their smell deters mosquitoes, aphids, squash bugs, and tomato worms.
- How to grow it free: Save seeds at the end of the season — just let the flower heads dry, then collect and store them. A single plant can give you dozens of seeds for next year.
- Bonus use: They bring bright pops of gold and orange all summer long.
7. Mint
Mint is the ultimate multi-tasker — fresh for tea, tasty for mojitos, and a natural mosquito repellent. Great for deterring mosquitos but can quickly overtake your yard. I keep this one in a pot but it is super easy to propagate!
- Why it works: Mosquitoes hate the strong menthol smell.
- How to grow it free: Ask around — gardeners are always trying to get rid of mint since it spreads like crazy. Just take a cutting and stick it in water until roots appear.
- Bonus use: Perfect for summer drinks, desserts, and fresh salads.
8. Eucalyptus
That fresh, clean eucalyptus smell is a mosquito’s nightmare.
- Why it works: Produces oils like linalool and geraniol that mosquitoes avoid.
- How to grow it free: If you live in a warm climate, start from seeds (often given away through community swaps). Otherwise, grow as an annual in pots.
- Bonus use: Snip branches for vases indoors — they double as natural air fresheners.
9. Bee Balm
Bee balm (also called monarda) is a vibrant, pollinator-friendly plant that mosquitoes avoid.
- Why it works: The strong fragrance deters mosquitoes.
- How to grow it free: It spreads like wildfire — most gardeners will happily dig up a clump for you.
- Bonus use: Attracts bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds.
10. Floss Flower
These little pompoms of blue and purple are more than just eye candy.
- Why it works: They produce coumarin, a compound mosquitoes can’t stand.
- How to grow it free: Save seeds at the end of the season or check seed swap groups. They’re annuals, but easy to regrow every year for free.
- Bonus use: Add a soft, whimsical look to your beds and borders.
11. Basil
Yes, basil keeps mosquitoes away and makes the best pesto. I have basil everywhere because it is super easy to grow and I use it in everything. Keep the flowers snipped and you will end up with a HUGE plant!
- Why it works: Contains eucalyptol, which repels mosquitoes and is even toxic to larvae.
- How to grow it free: Save seeds from one plant — you’ll never have to buy basil again. Many libraries also offer basil seeds in their seed-sharing programs.
- Bonus use: Fresh basil all summer long. Need I say more?
12. Catnip
Cats love it. Mosquitoes absolutely hate it.
- Why it works: Catnip contains nepetalactone, which is both a cat attractant and a mosquito repellent.
- How to grow it free: Catnip self-seeds like crazy. Ask a cat owner or gardener for cuttings, or grab seeds from a dried flower head.
- Bonus use: Your cats will thank you.
You don’t need to douse yourself in chemicals or spend money on sprays to keep mosquitoes away. Just grow a mix of these plants around your patio, porch, or garden and let nature do the work.
The best part? Most of these can be started for free — from saved seeds, plant swaps, seed libraries, or even cuttings from friends. With a little creativity, you’ll have a beautiful, fragrant garden that not only looks good but keeps your summer evenings bite-free.
