Mosquitoes are a nuisance. These insects can be a potential health risk, too. In some countries and areas in the U.S., they carry viruses like West Nile, Zika, chikungunya, dengue, and malaria.
DEET, picaridin, or other chemical repellents give you the best and longest protection. It's unclear, but these chemicals may also mimic your body's hormones. And this can sometimes cause health problems.
If you prefer other options, you can try plants as a natural mosquito repellent . Plants contain oils to help repel mosquitoes. But the oils can't help prevent illness like chemical repellents.
What Plants Repel Mosquitoes?
Before chemical repellents, people used natural plant oils to repel mosquitoes. The essential oils protect the plant against insects, viruses, and bacteria. These oils also give your plants their smell.
People have used garden plants and herbal remedies against insects for a long time. Research shows many plant chemicals can help deter mosquitoes .
But the plant oils won't work by just sitting in your garden or a pot. The plant needs to release those oils. For the best result, you'll need to force the plant oils out. To do this, you can:
- Trim your plant.
- Crush the leaves.
- Rub a crushed leaf on your skin.
Before using a plant oil, always check to make sure it's approved by theEnvironmental Protection Agency (EPA).
Here are a few plants you can choose to help keep some mosquitoes away:
Chrysanthemums. For thousands of years, certain chrysanthemums have repelled mosquitoes. One variety, Tanacetum cinerariifolium, makes an oil called pyrethrin. The oil can bind to mosquito nerve cells to paralyze them. Even in tiny amounts, pyrethrin keeps insects away.
Citronella. Two varieties of citronella, Cymbopogon nardus and Cymbopogon winterianus, are classic natural mosquito repellents. The strong lemony plant oils help mask other aromas. The oils include citronellol, citronellal, geraniol, and others. But one review showed citronella oil could only repel the mosquitoes that may spread West Nile virus.
Geranium. This annual plant, Pelargonium graveolens, has pretty, vibrant blooms. The plant oils contain geraniol, citronellol, and linalool. The oils may repel some insects. Studies show that using 20% geranium oil on your skin may repel mosquitoes for up to eight hours.
Lavender. The herb, Lavandula angustifolia, is known for its calming aroma. The purple flowers can enhance your yard and may keep mosquitoes away. But a review showed lavender oil may not repel mosquitoes carrying dengue.
Lemongrass. The lemongrass plant's scientific name isCymbopogon citratus. This grassy plant contains an essential oil rich in two active chemicals called geranial and citral. These chemicals are known to repel mosquitoes.
Peppermint. This herb, Mentha × piperita, is a cross between spearmint and watermint. Mosquitoes may not like the scent of peppermint on your skin. One review showed peppermint oil only repels mosquitoes that can spread the West Nile virus.
Marigolds. Many types of marigolds contain oils to repel mosquitoes. The flowers come in yellow, orange, red, and more. The Tagetes erecta and Tagetes patula plants contain limonene and pyrethrin. These compounds act to repel mosquitoes.
Neem. The neem evergreen tree, Azadirachta indica, is native to India. The trees do best in hot, dry climates like those found in southern Florida, Arizona, and California. The seeds are rich in volatile oils.
Traditional cultures have used the oils for a long time. The oils may repel mosquitoes and more. Recent studies suggest mixing coconut oil with 2% neem oil on your skin can repel mosquitoes.
Mosquito Repellent Plants Safe for Dogs
Although eating any type of plant can upset your pet's stomach, some are safer options. Here are some pet-friendly plants to help repel mosquitoes:
Basil. This herb, Ocimum basilicum, is part of the mint family. The green and purple leaves make carvacrol oil. The oil may repel mosquitoes and bacteria, too. And basil is safe for both dogs and cats.
Catnip.This perennial plant, Nepeta cataria, belongs to the mint family. The plant may repel mosquitoes using an oil called nepetalactone. Be careful, as catnip grows and spreads quickly to take over your garden. But cats love it. You might attract neighborhood cats to your garden, too.
Lemon balm.Known as Melissa officinalis, the lemon balm herb is in the mint family, too. Regularly trim the herb to help it grow. The new fragrant leaves can help deter insects and mosquitoes.
Rosemary. The perennial herb, Rosmarinus officinalis, has a woody scent. The plant contains verbenone, camphor, and terpine oils. These oils may help repel mosquitoes. In one review, rosemary oil didn't work well against mosquitoes that can cause dengue.
Sage (Salvia officinalis and Salvia sclarea). The herb contains oils such as camphor and p-cymene. The compounds may deter mosquitoes. And they may prevent insects from biting, too. But one review showed sage may only repel mosquitoes that spread West Nile virus.
Mosquito Plant Care
Some yard and plant care tips can help keep mosquitoes at bay. Try these steps to get the most from your plants.
Empty any pots holding water. Standing or still water is a breeding site for mosquitoes. Even an ounce of still water can grow an entire population of larvae in your yard. Empty any pots that have water. And store your pots upside down to stop mosquitoes from laying eggs. Install covers on rain barrels. And be sure to empty your rain gutters, too.
Don’t overwater. Overwatering can lead to standing water in your garden. And extra water in your yard can promote mosquito growth. Only water your plants as needed.
Install a fountain. Ponds, reservoirs, or pools in your garden can breed mosquitoes. Water around your yard can attract mosquitoes, especially if it’s still or stagnant. Install a fountain to move and recycle the water. This helps stop mosquitoes from laying eggs. If you have birdbaths, try adding a fountain feature.
Clear debris. Get rid of extra vegetation, dead leaves, or plants. The debris around your garden or yard can collect water. And the damp areas can encourage mosquitoes.
Plant herbs in common areas. Install plants to repel mosquitoes . Put them along the edges of your garden. Or place them near companion plants and where you sit outside. You can also plant herbs in movable pots.
Then place them on your back deck, around your barbecue area, or fire pit. You'll smell these fresh plants while you're outside. And you can enjoy the view and repel insects, too.
How to Prevent Mosquito Bites Without Repellents
Plants can help you enjoy your yard without pests. But here are some ways you can avoid mosquito bites without any repellents:
Wear long shirts and pants. One of the best ways you can protect your skin is to cover up. Wear long shirts and pants outside. And use a hat with netting to protect your face and neck, too.
Clean up your yard. Clear debris from your garden. But don't forget the rest of your things. Mosquitoes breed in the water. Any standing water can also become a home for these pests.
Check your yard for toys, planters, and buckets. Look for trash bins, tires, or anything else that might collect water. Keep your containers dry to stop the insects from laying eggs.
Maintain screens. If your home has window screens, keep them up. Make sure there aren't any tears on your screen. Repair any older, saggy ones. Keep your screens up to stop mosquitoes from entering your house.
Stay inside. Mosquitoes are most active in the early morning and evening hours. Try to time your activities after dawn but before sunset. That way, you can avoid the insects.
Spray outdoor insecticides. You can kill insects by treating surfaces with liquid sprays (aerosols) or "bug bombs" (foggers). Surface sprays kill mosquitoes, too. These insects rest in dark, humid, and cool areas.
You'll find mosquitoes in your:
- Playhouse
- Shed
- Deck (underneath it)
- Furniture (underneath it or in the cushions)
But they'll die after touching any treated surface. An outdoor insecticide may not completely kill all the mosquitoes. But treating your surfaces can help lower your insect population.
Follow the label instructions for safe application. Let the spray dry completely to lower your risk of any symptoms. These sprays are usually safe if you follow the label's instructions.
Burn citronella coils. Citronella candles and coils are affordable options. But the smell can be strong. And if you touch citronella, the oil can irritate your skin. Be sure to wash your hands if you touch the oil.
And if you like the smell, you can enjoy your yard mosquito-free. Light a few while you barbecue or sit out for a campfire. The citronella oil can help repel mosquitoes, but probably not ticks.
Consider DEET or Picardin
While plants might be helpful in your garden, they don't necessarily protect against mosquito-borne illness. Natural mosquito repellents and other non-EPA-registered products might not work very well. Here are some of the best options:
DEET. You might have heard about the dangers of repellent chemicals. N,N-diethyl-3-methylbenzamide (DEET) has been used in the U.S. since the 1950s. DEET offers the longest protection.
High amounts (incorrect use) of DEET may lead to nerve and lung problems in children. It may be safe for use during pregnancy and breastfeeding. But there aren't any studies on its effects during the first trimester of pregnancy.
Picaridin. It's the lab-made form of piperine, found in black pepper plants. Unlike DEET, picaridin is odorless. The repellent also doesn't make your skin sticky like DEET. And it's less likely to irritate your skin. While studies are limited, the CDC suggests picaridin as an option for use during pregnancy.
You can always try a natural product if you want. But to be safe, confirm it's registered with the EPA first. For example, some plant-based EPA-registered products include citronella, catnip, and lemon eucalyptus oils.
Mosquito Repellant Plant FAQs
How do I mosquito-proof my yard?
You can prevent mosquito eggs from hatching and mosquito-proof your yard by:
- Getting rid of standing water within four days and keeping the water flowing
- Cutting your weeds down
- Using DEET or another pesticide if needed
Consider planting mosquito repellent plants such as chrysanthemums, citronella, or rosemary.
Do mosquito-repellent plants really work?
Some research suggests certain plant oils can repel mosquitoes. But the oils must be released from the plant. You must crush the leaves, bark, or stems. In some cases, you may need to concentrate the active oil, too.
In fact, some chemical repellents came from plants. For example, picaridin is the man-made form of piperine found in black pepper. Chrysanthemums and marigolds both contain pyrethrins, a type of pesticide.
What plant repels mosquitoes the most?
Citronella has a grassy, flowery smell that mosquitoes don't like. Another option is neem. It has a garlic or sulfur smell. But mosquito repellent plants aren't well-studied. So, it's unclear which one works the best.
What smell do mosquitoes hate the most?
Mosquitoes hate smells like those of citronella and pyrethrin. You can find pyrethrin in chrysanthemums and marigolds. But these smells don't last as long as chemical repellents like DEET or picaridin. Picaridin is the man-made form of piperine found in black pepper.