With summer right around the corner, we’re all looking forward to barbeques, backyard get-togethers, bonfires and parties. But there’s nothing worse than getting annihilated by mosquitoes when you’re trying to relax. But there are options beyond dousing yourself with bug spray to get rid of mosquitoes from your backyard.
We spoke to Luke Hammond, expert gardener at Nashville’s Seedtime, who told us how to ward off mosquitoes with all-natural plant solutions like planting lemongrass, as well adding temporary structures like pop-up mosquito tents. It may require time and money, but with mosquito-borne illness like Dengue on the rise in the Southeast, it’s worth it.
“Think of mosquito control as a multifaceted combination of several lines of defense,” Hammond tells McClatchy Media. “Plants can help disrupt mosquito activity, but combining them with other barriers and habits increases your likelihood of creating a truly comfortable space.”
6 Plants That Repel Mosquitoes Naturally
There are numerous plants that can help get rid of mosquitoes from your backyard. Hammond recommends these plants to keep bugs at bay. All of them are happy to grow in containers as well and many of them do double duty as flowers or herbs.
1. Lemongrass (Cymbopogon citratus): This fresh-smelling herb is not only a lovely addition to soups and curries, it also keeps bugs away.
“It contains citronella, a natural oil that masks scents mosquitoes are drawn to,” Hammond explains.
2. Basil (Ocimum basilicum): The same basil you use in Italian and Thai cooking (and some people’s Sopa Azteca) will spice up your kitchen, keep out mosquitoes and bring in pollinators — a triple win.
“The intense aroma deters mosquitoes and other flying insects,” he says. “Flowering basil will also attract honeybees and other helpful pollinators.”
3. Lavender (Lavandula spp.): Your garden will smell like a spa by planting lavender. Hammond says it contains linalool and camphor. But keep in mind: it requires specific care.
“Lavender hates ‘wet feet,’ so make sure that you don’t overwater your lavender and that it is planted in a well draining area,” Hammond advises. That makes it perfect for baskets and containers that tend to dry out!
4. Marigolds (Tagetes spp.): While marigolds will add a pop of color, Hammond reminds us they produce pyrethrum — a natural insecticide that fends off pests.
5. Catnip (Nepeta cataria): Who knew catnip did more than sedate our fur babies? This one might be slightly less effective than the others on the list, but it could be worth planting nonetheless.
“Nepetalactone has been shown to be more than 10 times more effective than DEET in some studies,” Hammond says. “However, results decrease drastically in an outdoor environment as opposed to a lab.”
6. Mint (Mentha spp.): Evidently, the strong smell of live mint plants keep mosquitoes at bay. Just be careful of where you plant it.
“It’s highly invasive and can take over,” Hammond explains. “Make sure it has a well defined border so that it doesn’t creep into other areas of your garden.”
5 Backyard Mosquito Control Tools:
In addition to natural repellents, there are other things you can add to your backyard to ward off pests like tents, bug lights and more.
1. Pest-Free Dining: Hammond’s secret to enjoying a bug-free dinner is mosquito netting that fits your patio umbrella. If you have a gazebo or other structure you can add mosquito net panels that can fit gazebo frames, or you can get a whole pop-up tent with mosquito netting big enough for any family.
“These are great for creating mosquito-free dining or lounging zones — though many people struggle with the aesthetics of bug nets and tents,” Hammond says. “But hey, it’s way better than getting eaten alive.”
2. Porch Happy Hour: An oscillating fan on the porch or deck will not only cool things down. It’ll also fend off any flying friends. This one is even water resistant, so it can handle outdoor humidity. If you have a covered area, an outdoor-rated ceiling fan (for under $100) is perfect, too.
“Mosquitoes are weak fliers,” Hammond explains. “Fans can make it more difficult for them to land.”
3. Scent Barrier: Outdoor-safe oil diffusers with oils like citronella, eucalyptus, lemongrass blends — as well as citronella candles — smell incredible. However, they also create what Hammond calls a “scent barrier” to get rid of mosquitoes, with fragrance. Put them in the center of your outdoor dining table, or on the barriers of your garden, to keep mosquitoes away from your house guests. Unlike mosquitoes, they’ll love the smell.
4. Waterfront Serenity: If you live by a pond, mosquitoes will be especially active at your abode. But mosquito dunk tablets will eliminate mosquito larvae, without harming pets or wildlife, to prevent them from ever hatching in the first place.
5. Light It Up: Finally, Hammond recommends replacing your outdoor bulbs with yellow “bug lights.”
“These lights attract fewer insects than standard bulbs,” he says.
TLDR — Tips For Getting Rid of Mosquitoes From Your Backyard:
- Planting an herb garden (lemongrass, basil, mint and catnip!) will create a scent barrier
- Certain flowers like marigolds and lavender ward off bugs
- Consider dining under mosquito nets or tents when it gets bad
- Get a fan
- Use outdoor-safe essential oils and citronella candles
- Use mosquito dunks in standing water
- Replace bulbs with yellow bug lights
