Herbs to Repel Mosquitos

As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases


Now, there is nothing guaranteed in this, some of those pesky little blighters are going to get through, but there are some herbs that do give off an odor which will deter mosquitos.

Luckily, they are mostly common herbs, good to look at, smell nice and some are good to eat.

Plant some round your sitting area, by the kitchen door and maybe some pots on the windowsill.


Herbalist Courses for all levels

You can try a sample lesson to help you decide if the Herbal Academy of New England is the right choice for you - follow the link below.


Preview Lesson from the Introductory Herbal Course
catmint

Catnip (Catmint) not only drives cats wild, but the essential oils in it will repel mosquitos.

It has a beautiful blue flower and a delicate scent. It's also a good source of food for bees.

It is not as invasive as culinary mints but it does have a droopy habit - meaning it falls over!

If your cat rolls on it, then it will get completely flattened, but will revive in time.


citronella

Citronella

This is the herb that you find in the commercial products.

Mostly, you would buy it as an essential oil, dilute it in a carrier oil (almond, jojoba etc) and apply it to your skin.

It is worth growing some near your sitting area. 

It is a grassy plant which grows into a mound. 

Take a leaf and rub it on your skin to help repel mosquitos.


lemon balm

Lemon Balm

The gorgeous bee plant, grows like mad and is another herb to repel mosquitos.

It's best grown in a large pot as it will take over the garden if you let it.

You can dry the leaves to make a soothing tea and the abundant white flowers will feed the bees.

A good value plant to have in your garden.


basil

Basil has insect repellant properties.

It's also great in pesto, tomato sauce, pizza, salads and many other recipes.

Grow a pot on the kitchen windowsill and pots outside in the summer.

Try lemon or cinnamon basil as insects really dislike those smells. Ordinary sweet basil will also be effective. 


pennyroyal

Pennyroyal

Avoid using this herb if you are pregnant or nursing. By that I mean, don't ingest it, but you can be near it.

It makes great ground cover, loads of blue flowers, the butterflies love it and the mosquitos don't!

A good value plant.


marigolds

Marigolds

Gorgeous bright flowers will also repel insects and sometimes mosquitos.

Don't put a pot on your table as the bright yellow is attractive to bees and wasps.

Plant them round your tomatoes to keep the bugs away.

Some humans find the smell repulsive too unfortunately, but put some outside your door and windows to keep the mosquitos away.


For a Bug Spray using Essential Oil, try this method:

  • Fill 8oz spray bottle half full with cool boiled water
  • Add witch hazel to almost the top
  • Add 30 to 50 drops of essential oils - the more, the stronger 
  • Shake and spray around the area.
  • Essential oils to choose: Citronella, Clove, Lemongrass, Rosemary, Tea Tree, Eucalyptus, Lavender, Catnip, Mint

newsletter sign up box

I may receive a commission if you purchase something mentioned in this post. See more details here  This will not affect the amount you pay.