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Mosquito-Repelling Plants

13 Mosquito-Repelling Plants That Will Save Your Skin This Summer

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We all love the summertime, but unfortunately, bugs do, too. If you're someone who gets swarmed by mosquitoes whenever you walk out the door, and have tried everything — citronella candles, bug spray, mosquito swatters, and my personal favourite, insect zappers — then you certainly know that these buzzing nighthawks are no small task to handle. However, if you're itching to enjoy a good BBQ without being bit by a million little critters, then we have a solution: plants. Yes, it's true. On top of plants' amazing air-purifying properties and ability to look absolutely stylish both inside and outdoors, they too can help fight off those relentless mosquitoes. So, if you're ready to entertain without swatting for your life, here are 13 mosquito-repelling plants you'll want to get your hands on.

Image Source: Unsplash / Anna Voss

1. Basil

Basil is so effective at repelling mosquitoes (and adding a delicious flavour to Italian fare!) that you'll want to grow it all around your house. Windowsills, porches, the garden — the possibilities are endless! Throw it in a cute pot next to your kitchen sink or on your porch and watch the magic happen.

2. Basil Plant

Basil Plant ($25)

Image Source: urbanoutfitters.com
Basil Plant
$25
from urbanoutfitters.com
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3. Basil Plant

Basil Plant ($5, originally $12)

Image Source: shop.magnolia.com
Basil Plant
$5
from shop.magnolia.com
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4. Catnip

Some studies report that catnip is 10 times more repellent to mosquitoes than sprays, so this plant is a big win for gardeners. Bonus: if you've got a cat, they'll get plenty of entertainment from any catnip you plant!

Image Source: Flickr user lizwest

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5. Catnip Plant

Catnip Plant ($6)

Image Source: google.com
Catnip Plant
$6
from google.com
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6. Catnip Plants

Catnip Plants ($25)

Image Source: amazon.com
Catnip Plants
$25
from amazon.com
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7. Citronella

After crushing blades of citronella, you can either combine it with other repellent blooms to make a salve or simply apply it to your skin for instant relief. For convenience, place citronella in a pot on your patio and use it to repel mosquitoes when needed.

8. Citronella Plant

Citronella Plant ($18)

Image Source: amazon.com
Citronella Plant
$18
from amazon.com
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9.  Citronella Plant

Citronella Plant ($11)

Image Source: homedepot.com
Citronella Plant
$11
from homedepot.com
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10. Eucalyptus

The power of eucalyptus is endless, from helping with coughs and colds to relieving joint pain — and even fending off those relentless mosquitoes! These trees can get as tall as 60 feet, so you can use it repel mosquitoes for years to come.

Image Source: Unsplash / Alex Loup

11. Eucalyptus Plant

Eucalyptus Plant ($20)

Image Source: westelm.com
Eucalyptus Plant
$20
from westelm.com
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12. Eucalyptus Plant

Eucalyptus Plant ($25)

Image Source: amazon.com
Eucalyptus Plant
$25
from amazon.com
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13. Garlic

We already know garlic is pungent, so it's no wonder that its sharp scent repels mosquitoes. If you have a garlic plant around, mosquitoes will smell the garlic instead of you . . . but then again, so will everyone else, so be mindful when you have company!

Image Source: Unsplash / Anna Voss

14. Garlic Plant

Garlic Plant ($20)

Image Source: amazon.com
Garlic Plant
$20
from amazon.com
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15. Garlic Plant

Garlic Plant ($13)

Image Source: amazon.com
Garlic Plant
$13
from amazon.com
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16. Geranium

Easy to care for, gorgeous, and able to get rid of annoying mosquitos — is there any reason not to own geraniums? Let them flower on your deck all summer long and then bring them inside for a pop of colour in the winter!

17. White Geranium Plant

White Geranium Plant ($15)

Image Source: amazon.com
White Geranium Plant
$15
from amazon.com
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18. Geranium Plant

Geranium Plant ($8)

Image Source: etsy.com
Geranium Plant
$8
from etsy.com
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19. Lavender

Lavender oil repels mosquitoes and makes a great perfume; plus, your garden will never smell better than when lavender is in bloom!

Image Source: Flickr user sagesolar

20. Lavender Plant

Lavender Plant ($40)

Image Source: 1800flowers.com
Lavender Plant
$40
from 1800flowers.com
Buy Now

21. Lavender Plant

Lavender Plant ($30)

Image Source: amazon.com
Lavender Plant
$30
from amazon.com
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22. Lemon Balm

To utilise lemon balm's repellent properties, simply pick some of the fresh leaves, crush them between your palms, and then rub on your exposed skin. These plants are extremely hardy, and can be kept outdoors or indoors, so you can have them all year!

Image Source: Flickr user smoo

23. Lemon Balm Plant

Lemon Balm Plant ($20)

Image Source: amazon.com
Lemon Balm Plant
$20
from amazon.com
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24. Lemon Balm Plants

Lemon Balm Plants ($25)

Image Source: amazon.com
Lemon Balm Plants
$25
from amazon.com
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25. Lemongrass

Believe it or not, the oil found in lemongrass called citral is used in many bug repellents for its mosquito-fighting properties! Lemongrass also helps to fight off flies, making it a great plant for both indoor and outdoor use. Pot your hard-to-kill lemongrass indoors for the winter and garnish your foods with it!

26. Lemongrass Plant

Lemongrass Plant ($8)

Image Source: amazon.com
Lemongrass Plant
$8
from amazon.com
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27. Lemongrass Plants

Lemongrass Plants ($30)

Image Source: walmart.com
Lemongrass Plants
$30
from walmart.com
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28. Mint

Not only is mint great to garnish your drinks, but it's also a phenomenal mosquito repellent. Move your mint plant back and fourth from your deck to your kitchen, and most importantly, keep it around for a refreshing minty beverage to enjoy outside . . . without mosquitoes. Your guests will enjoy your mint plant as much as you do!

Image Source: Unsplash / kerber

29. Mint Plant

Mint Plant ($20)

Image Source: uncommongoods.com
Mint Plant
$20
from uncommongoods.com
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30. Mint Plant

Mint Plant ($20)

Image Source: homedepot.com
Mint Plant
$20
from homedepot.com
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31. Peppermint

The oil from peppermint plants works wonders at repelling mosquitoes, as well as stopping the itching associated with a bad bite. Not to mention, peppermint goes great in hot chocolate and other foods, so make sure to bring it inside for the winter!

Image Source: Flickr user yoppy

32. Peppermint Plant

Peppermint Plant ($24)

Image Source: amazon.com
Peppermint Plant
$24
from amazon.com
Buy Now

33. Peppermint Plant

Peppermint Plant ($25)

Image Source: amazon.com
Peppermint Plant
$25
from amazon.com
Buy Now

34. Rosemary

Rosemary naturally repels mosquitoes from your garden or home, and can also be combined with other herbs to create a repellent salve for your skin. Pot this plant in your kitchen, keep it on your porch, or watch it grow in your garden — the possibilities are endless!

Image Source: Flickr user ndrwfgg

35. Rosemary Plant

Rosemary Plant ($6)

Image Source: easternleaf.com
Rosemary Plant
$6
from easternleaf.com
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36. Rosemary Plant

Rosemary Plant ($6)

Image Source: lowes.com
Rosemary Plant
$6
from lowes.com
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37. Sage

Sage is commonly used for spiritual cleansing, and it also helps to keep mosquitoes (and ticks) from getting too close for comfort. The smell of sage is what repels the bugs, but hummingbirds love it! Plant sage in your garden or keep it in your home for cleansing purposes.

38. Sage Plant

Sage Plant ($12)

Image Source: amazon.com
Sage Plant
$12
from amazon.com
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39. Sage Plant

Sage Plant ($10)

Sage Plant
$10
from thegrowers-exchange.com
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