Best Plants to Keep Mosquitoes Away Naturally
There’s nothing quite like spending a warm summer evening in your backyard—until the mosquitoes arrive. Whether you’re enjoying dinner on the patio, relaxing around a fire pit, or entertaining family and friends, mosquitoes can quickly put a damper on outdoor fun.
While no plant can completely eliminate mosquitoes, certain plants contain natural oils and fragrances that mosquitoes tend to avoid. When combined with good yard maintenance and the removal of standing water, these plants can help make your outdoor spaces more comfortable throughout the summer.
If you’re looking for natural ways to reduce mosquitoes, here are some of the best plants to consider for your Canadian garden.
Do Mosquito-Repelling Plants Really Work?
Many plants contain natural compounds that mosquitoes dislike, including citronella, menthol, eucalyptol, and linalool.
While simply planting these flowers and herbs won’t completely eliminate mosquitoes, placing them around patios, decks, walkways, and seating areas can contribute to a more enjoyable outdoor environment.
For the best results, combine mosquito-repelling plants with good outdoor maintenance practices.
1. Lavender
Lavender is one of the most popular plants for both its beauty and fragrance.
Its calming scent is loved by people but disliked by mosquitoes.
Why Homeowners Love It
Beautiful purple flowers
Wonderful fragrance
Drought tolerant
Attracts bees and butterflies
Low maintenance
Plant lavender along walkways or around patios where its scent can be enjoyed throughout the summer.
2. Citronella Grass
Citronella is perhaps the best-known natural mosquito-repelling plant.
Its lemony fragrance is commonly used in outdoor candles and insect repellents.
Best Growing Conditions
Full sun
Well-drained soil
Large containers (in cooler Canadian climates)
In many parts of Canada, citronella is best grown in pots that can be moved indoors before winter.
3. Marigolds
Bright, cheerful marigolds add colour while helping deter mosquitoes and some garden pests.
Their distinctive scent comes from natural compounds that insects tend to avoid.
Additional Benefits
Easy to grow
Long blooming season
Excellent border plant
Attracts pollinators
Marigolds are ideal for vegetable gardens and flower beds alike.
4. Lemon Balm
Lemon Balm belongs to the mint family and produces a refreshing citrus fragrance.
Why It’s Popular
Pleasant lemon scent
Easy to grow
Attracts bees
Can be used in herbal teas
Because it spreads quickly, many gardeners prefer growing Lemon Balm in containers.
5. Catmint (Nepeta)
Catmint is a hardy perennial that produces beautiful lavender-blue flowers throughout much of the summer.
Research has suggested that compounds in catmint may help repel mosquitoes more effectively than some synthetic ingredients under certain conditions, although it shouldn’t be relied upon as your only form of protection.
Benefits
Long blooming season
Pollinator friendly
Drought tolerant
Easy to maintain
6. Basil
Basil isn’t just for the kitchen.
Its aromatic leaves may help discourage mosquitoes while providing fresh herbs for summer cooking.
Perfect For
Patio containers
Raised garden beds
Outdoor kitchens
Herb gardens
Fresh basil is always within reach for salads, sauces, and homemade pesto.
7. Rosemary
Rosemary’s woody fragrance makes it a favourite for outdoor entertaining.
Many homeowners enjoy brushing past the plant to release its pleasant aroma.
Additional Advantages
Culinary herb
Drought tolerant
Evergreen in warmer climates
Great in containers
Some people also add rosemary sprigs to outdoor fire pits, where the fragrant smoke may help discourage insects.
8. Mint
Mint grows vigorously and releases a refreshing scent when brushed against.
Popular Varieties
Peppermint
Spearmint
Chocolate Mint
Because mint spreads rapidly, growing it in containers is usually recommended.
9. Bee Balm
Bee Balm attracts bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds while producing fragrant flowers that many gardeners adore.
Its aromatic foliage contains natural oils that mosquitoes generally avoid.
It’s also one of the easiest perennials to grow in Canadian gardens.
10. Scented Geraniums
Certain scented geraniums produce citrus-like fragrances that many homeowners find pleasant.
Popular varieties include:
Lemon-scented
Rose-scented
Citronella-scented
These attractive plants work beautifully in patio containers and hanging baskets.
Where Should You Plant Them?
To maximize their benefits, place mosquito-repelling plants where people spend the most time outdoors.
Ideal Locations
Around patios
Near decks
Beside outdoor dining areas
Around fire pits
Along garden pathways
Near front and back entrances
In window boxes
In containers around seating areas
This creates both visual beauty and a pleasantly fragrant outdoor space.
Other Ways to Reduce Mosquitoes
Plants work best when combined with simple preventative measures.
Remove Standing Water
Mosquitoes lay their eggs in standing water.
Check regularly for water collecting in:
Bird baths
Flower pots
Buckets
Children’s toys
Wheelbarrows
Gutters
Outdoor furniture covers
Refreshing bird baths every few days and emptying containers after rainfall can make a big difference.
Keep Your Lawn Maintained
Mosquitoes prefer cool, damp, shaded areas.
Reduce hiding places by:
Mowing regularly
Trimming shrubs
Removing leaf piles
Pruning overgrown vegetation
A tidy yard is less inviting to pests.
Use Outdoor Fans
Mosquitoes are weak flyers.
A simple oscillating fan on your patio can help keep mosquitoes away while making warm evenings more comfortable.
Keep Your Outdoor Spaces Clean
Sweep patios, clean outdoor furniture, and remove yard debris regularly.
Well-maintained outdoor spaces discourage insects and create a more inviting environment for entertaining.
Create a Backyard You’ll Love
Imagine enjoying dinner outdoors surrounded by fragrant lavender, colourful marigolds, and flourishing herbs instead of constantly swatting mosquitoes.
With a combination of beautiful landscaping and regular outdoor maintenance, you can create a backyard that’s both welcoming and functional throughout the summer months.
Whether you’re relaxing with a good book, hosting a family barbecue, or simply enjoying your morning coffee, these natural mosquito-repelling plants can help make your outdoor space even more enjoyable.
And while you’re creating a beautiful backyard, don’t forget about the inside of your home. Clean windows, fresh entryways, and sparkling living spaces complete the picture of a home that’s ready for every season.
At Maret’s Home Cleaning, we believe your home should be a place where you can truly relax—inside and out. From seasonal cleaning to helpful home care tips, we’re here to help you enjoy every moment of summer.
Contact us today to schedule your Toronto home cleaning and experience the difference of a professionally cleaned home!
