Herbs that can get rid of mosquitoes are a natural and effective way to enjoy your outdoor space without the constant buzzing of pests. Many of these plants are already kitchen staples, yet their strong scents work as a powerful deterrent against mosquitoes.
Instead of relying on harsh chemicals, you can simply grow these herbs in pots, window boxes, or garden beds and enjoy double benefits: fresh ingredients for cooking and protection from bites.
Some varieties even bring colorful blooms, adding beauty to your garden while attracting pollinators. With just a little care, these herbs thrive indoors or outdoors, making them perfect for any gardener.
Imagine sipping tea on the patio or working in your yard without swatting at mosquitoes, it’s entirely possible with these plants by your side.
#1 Rosemary
Rosemary brings a pine-like fragrance that mosquitoes can’t stand, while you’ll love using it in roasted dishes and herbal teas. Grow it in full sun and well-draining soil for best results. Snip stems regularly to encourage bushier growth.
You can also toss dried sprigs into a fire pit as a natural insect repellent. Keeping a few pots around your sitting area will help create a mosquito-free zone.
#2 Catnip
Catnip is famous for driving cats wild, but it also contains nepetalactone, a compound proven to repel mosquitoes. Plant it in containers if you want to prevent it from spreading too aggressively.
Place jars or pots near windows and doors to keep pests from sneaking indoors. Regular pruning will encourage new growth and more fragrant leaves. Its dual purpose makes it one of the easiest and most effective herbs to grow.
#3 Lemon Balm
Lemon Balm has a fresh lemon-mint scent that mosquitoes find unpleasant. Plant it in partial sun and rich soil, keeping the moisture consistent. It grows quickly, so trimming often helps prevent it from becoming invasive.
Crush the leaves gently between your fingers to release more fragrance when sitting outdoors. It’s also wonderful for brewing calming teas that double as a natural stress reliever.
#4 Thyme
Thyme does more than season your cooking; it’s also excellent at deterring mosquitoes. Grow it in a sunny location with well-drained soil for the strongest aroma.
To activate its natural oils, you can crush or burn a few sprigs. Compact and hardy, it fits perfectly into small pots or raised beds. Keeping thyme near outdoor seating areas gives you both fresh herbs and added protection from pests.
#5 Peppermint
Peppermint is refreshing in drinks and desserts, and its sharp scent keeps mosquitoes at bay. It thrives in partial sun and moist soil, but it spreads quickly, so containers are a smart choice.
Harvest often to enjoy fresh leaves for teas and homemade remedies. Rubbing a crushed leaf lightly on your skin can also provide temporary protection from bites. Having peppermint close at hand feels both practical and indulgent.
#6 Lemongrass
Lemongrass is one of the most well-known natural mosquito repellents, thanks to its high citronella content. It prefers full sun and evenly moist soil, so water regularly during hot months.
Grow it in large pots if you live in cooler climates and bring it indoors during winter. The tall, graceful blades add ornamental value to patios and gardens. Harvest stalks to use in cooking for a fragrant boost to soups and curries.
#7 Basil
Basil adds delicious flavor to meals while releasing an aroma mosquitoes dislike. Place it near sunny windows or in containers outdoors where it gets at least 6 hours of sunlight daily.
Pinch off flowers to keep the leaves tender and flavorful. Growing basil alongside tomatoes enhances growth for both plants. Fresh leaves make homemade pesto while doubling as a natural bug repellent.
#8 Spearmint
Spearmint is a gentler cousin to peppermint, but its scent still drives mosquitoes away. It grows quickly in moist, well-drained soil and appreciates partial sun.
Keep it in a jar or container to prevent spreading across your yard. Clip leaves regularly for use in refreshing drinks and sauces. A few pots of spearmint around your patio will freshen the air while protecting you from pests.
#9 Garlic
Garlic is a powerful addition to your garden for both cooking and pest control. Plant cloves in well-drained soil with plenty of sunlight, spacing them a few inches apart. As it grows, its strong odor helps deter mosquitoes and other garden pests.
Harvest bulbs once the leaves turn yellow and dry. Crushing cloves around outdoor areas can also enhance their repellent effect. Garlic rewards you with both flavor and function.
#10 Citronella
Citronella is the classic herb known worldwide for repelling mosquitoes. It thrives in pots with rich soil and needs partial sun to stay healthy. Trim leaves often to encourage new growth and a stronger scent.
For extra protection, rub the leaves on your skin or dry them for sachets. Growing citronella near seating areas creates a natural barrier that mosquitoes avoid. It’s one of the most reliable plants for summer comfort.