Do you love spending time outside, but hate how mosquitoes always seem to ruin the fun? If you’re looking for a more natural way to keep mosquitoes at bay, consider planting some mosquito repellent plants in your yard. Not only will these plants help keep mosquitoes away, but they’ll also add some extra beauty to your landscaping.

Some of the best mosquito repellent plants for Texas gardens include citronella grass, lemon balm, catnip, and lavender. All of these plants contain natural oils that mosquitoes dislike, so they’ll help keep your outdoor space free of these pesky pests.

Do Plants Actually Repel Mosquitos?

Yes, some plants can be used as effective mosquito repellents. Different plant species contain strong scents that can keep mosquitoes away. These chemicals act as natural insecticides and have been found to be more effective and longer-lasting than traditional store-bought mosquito repellents.

Some of the most effective natural mosquito repellents include citronella grass, lemon balm, marigolds, catnip, basil, lavender, and peppermint. The strong scent confuses and deters mosquitoes from entering the area.

You can plant them in your backyard or keep them in pots around your outdoor living areas. You can also crush the leaves to release the scent and rub it on your skin as a natural mosquito repellent.

What Are Some Mosquito Repellent Plants in Texas?

Enjoying the perfect summer evenings sitting in your garden is the best time of the day. But those little pesky mosquitoes don’t let you enjoy your best hours which is quite frustrating. But don’t worry. You can plant a mosquito repellent tree in your garden, at the entrance of your home, near the window or balcony.

It’ll help in keeping the bugs at bay. The mosquitoes hate the wonderful smell of these plants. Thrive these plants in your Texan garden because these plants can thrive in any weather conditions. Some of the best mosquito repellent plant options include:

1. Lavender

Planting lavender is a perfect idea to give your garden a beautiful, refreshing ambiance. Lavenders are best if you’re fond of planting plants with a soothing smell. These gorgeous plants produce an essential oil useful for repelling those pesky little insects. Have you ever noticed why insects and animals have never decimated your lavender beauties?

The reason is their essential oil’s lovely aroma. These are drought-tolerant plants and can bloom under hot weather conditions or full sun. You can plant it in your garden. They just need full sun and good drainage to thrive. It also works as a good mosquito repellent.

2. Citronella Grass

Did you smell Citronella before? Yes, you have, but you don’t recognize its soothing smell. Remember one day you went to your friend’s home, and his mom lit up a candle to keep the bugs away. Well, the smell was Citronella or Lemon grass plant. Commonly it is known for its distinct aroma. It is widely used as a natural mosquito repellent. 

Numerous gardening experts suggest using the Lemon Grass plant to keep the pesky bugs at bay. The good thing about these plants is that the living plants are more effective in repelling mosquitoes or other insects. An easy to thrive and drought-tolerant plant. Suitable for planting in Texas patio. Plant it today to get rid of mosquitos.

3. Catmint or Catnip

If you want to add some fur friends to your garden, Catmint or Catnip is the best option. This plant contains a chemical constituent which is commonly known as nepetalactone. It is from the mint family and abundantly grows on a commercial level and as a weed plant. 

An extremely easy plant to take care of and can thrive anywhere. Study shows that the Catnip plant is ten times more effective as a mosquito repellent than a DEET! However, this plant can easily invade other patio areas, so potting here might help you best.

4. Basil

Planting a few herbs in your garden is not a bad idea. Basil herb is highly effective for pest repellent. Plant a Basil in your garden today to keep those pesky little bugs away and level up your homemade tomato sauce. The smell of Basil is soothing for you but not for mosquitoes. The pungent smell helps in keeping little bugs at bay. 

You can plant different mixes of Basil on your patio. These are easy to take care of and like to be damp. Good drainage and full sun are essential for thriving. Whether plant it in a container or directly in the garden, with flowers or alone, make sure both meet the same requirements.

5. Rosemary

Rosemary is another best mosquito repellent. Many expert gardeners recommend Rosemary to keep the bugs away and give your yard a perfect look. It is a herb that almost all of us are familiar with. Their woody scent works best for repelling mosquitoes and getting rid of cabbage moths and carrot flies. 

Another good reason to plant Rosemary is they can thrive in dry and hot climates, in a container which is best for the areas with winters. Rosemary can be pruned in almost all shapes and sizes and look great for decorations. Repelling mosquitoes gives you a great scent, and you can also use it for cooking.

6. Marigold

Marigold is an easy to thrive annual-flower that not only levels up your garden but also emits a smell that keeps the little pesky insects at bay. Add some potted Marigolds throughout your garden, grow them in a container or pots, and put them at the entrance of your home to repel mosquitoes. 

Marigolds produce some gorgeous shades of flowers such as red, orange, and yellow annually. They are also a popular addition to broader vegetables. Keep mosquitoes repel and dissuade aphids, thrips, whiteflies, squash bugs, Mexican bean beetles, and tomato hornworms.

7. Lantana

Lantana is a vibrant and pretty flower. It gives a colorful look to your garden and helps in repelling mosquitoes and keeping them away from your skin. The extracted Lantana oil was tested as a mosquito repellent, and the results were amazing.

The study shows that the Lantana extracted oil can protect more than 50% against the possible bites of Aedes albopictus and Ae. aegypti. The researchers are still working and looking deeper and seeking further details. However, the research shows that these Texan plants work best in repelling mosquitoes and other insects.

8. Thyme

Like many other natural ingredients that work as a mosquito repellent, Thyme is also included in the list of natural ways to keep the little pesky insects at bay. It has a significant scent that is similar to a citrus smell. The citrus smell is the reason why mosquitoes hate Thyme as well. 

Plant it in your garden, giving it a refreshing look and repelling mosquitoes. Thyme enjoys full sun and can thrive under it, but you can also place it in shady areas. A low-growing perennial grass that loves good drainage for only keeping the soil moist. Don’t overwater it.

9. Lemon Grass

People usually confuse Lemon Grass with Citronella grass. They don’t know how to distinguish between them. But both physical appearances are quite different from each other. LemonGrass is usually used for cooking purposes, mostly in Asian countries. Lemon Grass also works best and is most effective in repelling mosquitoes. 

According to various studies, the oil extracted from the Lemon Grass is 95% effective in killing mosquitoes from the particular range. Oil and the scent, which are wonderful for humans but mosquitoes, work as repellents. If you mix LemonGrass oil with Citronella oil, this combination works great in keeping the bugs away.

10. Sage

Sage is a herb that you can use in numerous ways. You can use it for repelling mosquitoes or other insects in Texas. Also, try out different recipes with Sage and cook a delicious meal for yourself. This plant loves to thrive under full sun or in hot weather conditions, and you can easily plant it in your garden in Texas. 

Its gray-green foolings look attractive as an indoor houseplant. You can plant it inside the pots or beds. The scent of sage isn’t too strong, but still, it is effective in repelling mosquitoes. Moreover, it can thrive throughout the year in any season. So you don’t have to worry about this plant in winter as well!

11. Pennyroyal

Pennyroyal is another plant you can grow in your garden to keep little insects at bay. Not only does Pennyroyal deter mosquitoes, but also various other insects can be repelled with the help of this plant. The most effective way to use this plant is: first crush its leaves and stems and then place them in your pockets. 

It can prosper in Texas’ hot weather conditions because Pennyroyal enjoys thriving under full sun. Usually, this plant can be up to 1 foot. Avoid consuming Pennyroyal oil because it is toxic for humans.

12. Scented Geraniums

Scented Geraniums are the most famous insect-repelling plants in Texas. For humans, the scent of this plant is similar to pine and coconut, but for mosquitoes, it has a strong lemon scent which is why it is dubbed the “mosquito plant.” 

It is a fast-growing plant and can thrive under Texas weather conditions. It loves to prosper under the full sun and in a warm, dry climate. Don’t worry about the winter season because it can grow in winter if you place it in planters and prune it constantly.

13. Horsemint

Another on our list of mosquito repellent plants is Horsemint, also known as Bee Balm. It is an adaptable perennial plant that helps in keeping those pesky little bugs away in the same way Citronella does. It has a strong incense-like odor which makes mosquitoes confused by masking the smell of their host.

Mosquito Repellent Plants

What Scents Keep Mosquitoes Away?

There are a number of scents that have been proven to keep mosquitoes away. Some of the most effective include citronella, lemongrass, eucalyptus, and lavender.

• Citronella is perhaps the best-known mosquito repellent. It comes from the lemon-scented grasses of Asia and has been used for centuries to keep mosquitoes at bay.
• Lemongrass is another popular option. Like citronella, it has a strong citrusy smell that mosquitoes find offensive.
• Eucalyptus is also known for its ability to repel mosquitoes. The strong scent can help keep these pesky insects away.
• The calming, floral scent of lavender is not only pleasing to humans, but it can also help keep mosquitoes away.
• Also, we can include basil, peppermint, and rosemary. So, if you’re looking for a natural way to keep these pesky insects away, try using one of these essential oils.

Also Read: How Do Exterminators Get Rid of Rats in Attic?

FAQs

How Do You Repel Mosquitoes In Texas?

There are a few different ways to repel mosquitoes in Texas. One of the most effective methods is to plant mosquito repellent plants around your home. The plants release a strong scent that helps to keep mosquitoes away. You can also try using a natural mosquito repellent like vinegar or lemon juice. For added protection, you can also use products containing DEET on exposed skin.

Do Citronella Plants Come Back Every Year?

Yes, citronella plants are perennials and will come back every year. They are relatively easy to care for and only need to be trimmed back in the fall. Citronella plants can reach up to 6 feet in height and produce white or yellow flowers.

Do Lavender Plants Keep Mosquitoes Away?

Yes, lavender plants are known for their mosquito repellent properties. The strong scent of the plant helps to keep mosquitoes away. Lavender plants can be planted around your home or in pots on your deck or patio.

What Smell Do Mosquitoes Hate The Most?

There are a few different smells that mosquitoes hate, but citronella is one of the most effective. Other strong scents like lemon juice and vinegar can also help to keep mosquitoes away.

Is Citronella Poisonous To Dogs?

Yes, it is toxic to dogs and pets. Caution should be used when using these products around pets, and care should be taken to ensure they do not have access to any Citronella plants.

Is Lemongrass The Same As Citronella Grass?

No, they are two different plants. Lemongrass is a grassy plant that grows to about 3 feet in height. It has a strong lemon scent and is often used in cooking. Citronella grass is taller, reaching up to 6 feet in height. It has a strong citronella scent and is often used in mosquito repellents.

Can You Plant Lavender And Citronella Together?

Yes, these plants complement each other well and can be planted together. They will both help to repel mosquitoes from the area.

Does Vinegar Get Rid Of Mosquitoes?

Yes, vinegar is a natural mosquito repellent. The strong smell helps to keep mosquitoes away. You can use distilled white vinegar or apple cider vinegar. Simply pour it into a spray bottle and apply it to your skin and clothing before going outside.

What To Put In Standing Water To Prevent Mosquitoes?

You can add dish soap, lemon juice, or garlic to standing water to prevent mosquito larvae. This will disrupt the surface tension of the water, which they need to lay their eggs.

Does Vicks Vapor Rub Repel Mosquitoes?

Yes, Vicks Vaporub can help to repel mosquitoes. The strong menthol scent helps to keep them away. Simply apply a small amount of Vicks Vapor Rub to your skin before going outside.