14 Plants That Repel Mosquitoes

Citronella

The Citronella Geranium is called “the mosquito plant.” This variety gives off a scent mosquitoes don’t like and will help in the battle for control of the outdoor entertaining spaces around your home. The plants are effective in repelling mosquitoes in small areas.

Citronella (Cymbopogon nardus) has a distinctive citrus scent that mosquitoes will avoid. Citronella products like candles and votives are available at home goods stores and garden centers. Citronella plants, which are a type of scented geranium, can be grown in your garden or as a container plant.

Gary Pilarchik, plant expert and author of Growing an Edible Landscape, says plants like citronella can be part of your outdoor plan for keeping spaces bug-free. “Citronella and members of the mint families are plants that can be helpful in ridding your area of mosquitoes.”