There’s nothing quite like enjoying your backyard on a warm Florida evening—until the mosquitoes crash the party. If you’re tired of bug sprays and citronella candles, nature has a greener solution. Believe it or not, your landscaping can help keep those pesky mosquitoes at bay.
At Bosshardt Realty, we believe loving where you live means making the most of your home—inside and out. These eight plants not only enhance your outdoor space but also help repel mosquitoes naturally, so you can enjoy every sunset in peace.
1. Lavender
Beautiful, fragrant, and functional—lavender is a summertime superstar. Its essential oils can ward off mosquitoes for hours, especially the lavandin variety which contains high levels of camphor. Plant it in sunny areas, about two feet apart, and you’ll also attract helpful pollinators like bees and butterflies. Bonus: dried lavender makes great natural décor indoors, too.
2. Basil
An herb garden staple and a mosquito deterrent? Basil does it all. Not only does it keep adult mosquitoes away, but its oils can actually kill mosquito larvae. Perfect for sunny patios or planter boxes near your outdoor seating, basil also pairs beautifully with tomatoes and oregano in both garden beds and your next meal.
3. Citronella
You’ve seen citronella in candles and sprays, but the plant itself is just as powerful. This lemon-scented grass can grow up to six feet tall, making it an eye-catching and aromatic addition to your yard. Plant it in areas with filtered sunlight and regular water, and enjoy a built-in bug barrier that smells like summer.
4. Marigolds
Don’t underestimate these colorful blooms. Marigolds contain pyrethrum, a compound used in many insect repellents. Not only do they ward off mosquitoes, but they also help control aphids, whiteflies, and tomato hornworms. These low-maintenance, vibrant flowers are perfect for garden borders and containers.
5. Rosemary
This hardy herb is more than just a flavor booster. Rosemary repels mosquitoes, cabbage moths, and carrot flies with its intense scent. Grow it in pots, flower beds, or window boxes, and don’t be afraid to shape it into fun topiary designs. Burning a few sprigs in your fire pit? That rosemary smoke is another natural deterrent!
6. Citronella Geranium (Mosquito Plant)
Not all geraniums are created equal. The citronella-scented variety, also known as the mosquito plant, produces a citrusy fragrance mosquitoes can’t stand. These grow best in sunny, dry spots and thrive in containers. Crush the leaves to release more of that citronella goodness.
7. Lemon Balm
This plant is a bit of a wild card—great at keeping bugs away, but prone to taking over your garden if you’re not careful. Plant it in containers to control growth and enjoy its lemony aroma. Lemon balm also makes a soothing herbal tea. Its citrus scent, like lemon verbena and lemon thyme, is key to keeping mosquitoes at bay.
8. Catnip
It might bring all the cats to the yard, but it keeps mosquitoes away even better than DEET! Catnip contains nepetalactone, which repels mosquitoes but delights felines. If you’re not looking to host a cat convention, hang it in baskets or place it in harder-to-reach areas.
Why These Plants Work
Most of these mosquito-fighting plants have strong-smelling oils that confuse and repel bugs—especially mosquitoes. Thankfully, the same oils that bugs hate are what make these plants appealing to us. Many are also culinary staples or beautiful to look at, which means your yard will be as useful as it is beautiful.
Tips for Using Mosquito-Repelling Plants Effectively
For maximum impact, place these plants in pots around patios, porches, and outdoor seating areas. Move them where you need them most, whether that’s near your fire pit or beside the pool. Crushing a few leaves now and then will release more oils into the air, increasing their mosquito-repelling power.
At Bosshardt Realty, we’re all about helping you enjoy your home to the fullest—right down to those relaxing evenings under the stars. Whether you're planting a new backyard garden or looking for your next dream yard, we’re here to help you find the perfect place to put down roots.
Looking for a home with the perfect outdoor space? Let our local experts help. Contact one of our agents today to start your search. ðŸ¡
