Mosquito Repelling Plants

Just as you're starting to enjoy the great outdoors, mosquitoes start buzzing!

Before reaching for the bug repellent, try planting these easy-to-grow plants that have natural mosquito-repelling properties.  While their effectiveness is still being studied, experimenting with them is a fun, safe alternative to chemicals.  Mosquitoes are attracted to CO2 when humans and animals exhale.  Planting annuals and perennials with strong fragrant can knock out their sense of smell and make it harder to find you.

Catnip - In a study by Iowa State University, the nepetalactone found in catnip was 10 times more effective that DEET.  Keep in mind, every cat in the neighborhood may come visit you!

Ageratum - A low-growing annual that emits a smell that mosquitoes don't love.  It secretes coumarin, which is widely used in mosquito repellents.

Citronella Geranium - True citronella comes from a grass grown in more temperate zones, but this annual has the same scent and may confuse mosquitoes.  Crush a few leaves to release the scent.  It grow vigorously and is great for containers.

Marigolds - A hardy annual with a distinctive smell that mosquitoes and other insects find offensive.  Plant them in full sun, or in containers need your door to deter mosquitoes. 

Wormwood - Perennial plant with silvery foliage and a pungent smell that may distract mosquitoes.  Grows in full sun.

Rosemary - The oil  is strongly scented and can repel mosquitoes.  Even if it doesn't repel mosquitoes, it's delicious and you'll be glad to have it in your garden.

Catnip contains nepetalactone, an oil that deters mosquitoes.

Wormwood is a low-maintenance perennial, often used as a border.

Whether or not it repels mosquitoes, Marigolds are beautiful and easy to grow.