What Are the Best Plants to Keep Mosquitoes Away?

Mosquitoes use scent to locate their hosts and are typically attracted to carbon dioxide that we exhale. Many people will use fragrant plants, such as lavender and marigolds, to repel mosquitoes away from their yard. However, this is not considered a reliable means of preventing mosquitoes in your yard.

To keep mosquitoes away, it’s important to not depend on plants and instead to work with a professional mosquito exterminator.

What Types of Plants Repel Mosquitoes?

Certain oils from plants work as natural repellents against mosquitoes. For that reason, it’s smart to plant a garden with a number of varieties that can aid in creating mosquito repellents. These plants include:

1. Citronella. Often marketed as “mosquito plants” in big-box stores, this leafy plant is simply a geranium variety. Citronella grass, on the other hand, is most useful for extracting citronella oil.
2. Lavender. As one of the most fragrant plants, lavender oil can help deter a mosquito by blocking its sense of smell.
3. Marigolds. Both easy to grow and beautiful, marigolds emit a scent that also helps to deter mosquitoes. They also prevent aphids, whiteflies, and other garden pests.
4. Rosemary, basil & thyme. These fragrant herbs are just that: fragrant! Similar to other plants, the scents of these keep pests and mosquitoes at bay.

Do Mosquitoes Feed on Flowers and Plants?

Contrary to popular belief, mosquitoes don’t only feed on blood. In fact, the main part of the mosquito diet is nectar. Male mosquitoes in particular feed only on nectar, plant sap, and honeydew. Female mosquitoes only feed on blood in order to be able to reproduce. So, just like other insects in your garden, mosquitoes are primarily getting their nutrients from flowering plants.

Do Floral Scents Attract Mosquitoes?

Mosquitoes have long been known to be lured in by perfumes and scented lotions, particularly when they are floral scents! Although certain scents can work to repel these pests, it’s wise to wear unscented perfumes so as not to attract mosquitoes to you.

If you’ve had no luck with repelling mosquitoes in your garden here in Illinois or Indiana, it’s best to consult your local mosquito control experts for assistance.