Ask Dr. Phipps: Mosquito Repelling Plants

By Phipps Master Gardener

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Q: Can you recommend plants that will repel mosquitoes? We enjoy sitting on our porch in the summer and want to be able to keep the mosquitoes away. What do you recommend?  

A: It is important to know the habits of any pest before planning to repel it. Mosquitoes are most active from dusk to dawn, so avoid being out at those times, if possible. Mosquitoes need water to breed, so eliminate any stagnant water sources nearby. Birdbaths should be regularly cleaned; empty saucers under plants and any other container that might have standing water. Water features with moving water should be ok as well as small ponds with fish in them that eat mosquito larvae. Read more about mosquitoes and methods for managing here.

Pelargonium citrosum is the most common recommendation for insect repellent plants. It is often sold at nurseries as “citronella geranium” or “mosquito plant”. However, there is no compelling research to show that the plant repels mosquitoes, so having potted Pelargonium citrosum will not keep mosquitoes away. A fine mesh screen will exclude mosquitoes from areas of human habitation and will do more than plants to keep mosquitoes at bay. Outdoor fans are also effective. Mosquitoes are relatively weak flyers, so streams of moving air will keep them away.

There are also mosquito repellents that can be applied to the human body and/or clothing. For a plant-based option, oil of lemon eucalyptus is as effective as other mosquito repellents, but it loses efficacy much, much faster and therefore has to be reapplied more frequently. Always read the labels and use only as directed.

Use a combination of these methods to repel mosquitoes and other insects from your porch.