It’s that time of year again, where those blood-thirsty mosquitos are biting, and you’re itching. A lot of us don’t like using DEET-based bug sprays, so here are some natural alternatives that are out there, do they help? These are ones I have in my yard, and I’ve searched online and found some comparisons on the subject from the University Extension of Illinois. These may or may not work for you, but these are ones that I enjoy and have around my yard. I don’t seem to have a lot of mosquito problems. 

Plants to help with Mosquitoes in your yard. 

Basil (Ocimum basilicum) Yes, it works. 

This easy-to-plant herb has fragrant leaves and thrives in hot and humid climates, making it perfect for Southern landscapes. Its green leaves are a popular addition to kitchens across the globe. Once planted, basil requires full sun and regular watering. The strong, fresh fragrance of Lemon basil (Ocimum x citriodorum) has been known to ward off mosquitos in the garden. It will not live over winter outdoors in Wisconsin. Use it for your culinary creations, but as a mosquito prevention use with caution, watch concentration. 

Catnip (Nepeta cataria) Yes, it works.

Catnip, also known as catmint, has aromatic, bright green leaves and small blossoms. It is a low-maintenance planting that tolerates full sun or partial shade and moderate to regular watering. Nepeta cataria x Citriodora is a good choice for mosquito-repelling, as its fragrant foliage has a citrusy, lemony scent.

Citronella grass (Cymbopogon nardus) 

This plant is a tropical perennial that’s widespread in Asia and the coasts of the Pacific. It’s also the origin of the known mosquito repellent citronella, the essential oil derived from the plant’s tall grassy stalks, that’s widely marketed in candles and repellent sprays.

Lavender (Lavandula sp.) Yes, it works

Rumor has it, mosquitos don’t love the scent of lavender. This showy plant has origins in the Mediterranean region, and it’s prized for its downy leaves, purple blooms and strong, heady fragrance. Not all lavender can thrive when planted outdoors in the North. Lavender has been found to deter grazing animals such as rabbits and deer. 

Lemon Balm (Melissa officinalis) No, it doesn’t work

Lemon balm, the plant also known as sweet balm, has heavily perfumed foliage, which, according to The Southern Living Garden Book, is “used fresh in cold drinks, fruit cups, salads, fish dishes; dried leaves give lemon perfume to sachets, potpourris,” with the additional use of potentially warding off mosquitos, which at this time has a lack of evidence in lab studies. 

Lemongrass (Cymbopogon citratus) Yes, it works for a short time

It’s a tender perennial that thrives in full sun with regular water. According to The Southern Living Garden Book, “All plant parts are strongly lemon scented and are widely used as an ingredient in Southeast Asian cooking.” Its powerful, citrusy aroma is also used to repel mosquitos, as it is akin to the fragrant oils found in citronella-scented products. 

Marigold (Tagetes sp.) Yes, it works

Growing marigold plants provides showy garden color as well as an easily identifiable fragrance, one that is known to repel mosquitos. (Even some people find it repellent.) The Southern Living Garden Book describes marigold foliage as “finely divided, ferny, [and] usually [with] strongly scented leaves.” When touched, copper canyon daisy (Tagetes lemmonii) leaves emit a very strong aroma, as does the foliage of Mexican mint marigold (Tagetes lucida), which smells strongly of tarragon. My grandmother always planted them around her garden to keep the bugs and critters away. This year I had a terrible time with squirrels and finally resorted to Marigolds, and I had the result of no more squirrels digging up my tomatoes. I can hope they keep the Beetles away too — we shall see.

Peppermint (Mentha x piperita) Yes, it works for a short time.

Another form of mint, peppermint, offers a strong, fresh fragrance from tall columns of deep green aromatic leaves. (It can grow to over three feet tall.) Peppermint has also been known to repel mosquitos fairly effective. I have Chocolate Mint planted around my deck, and have found that it helps with mosquitos, plus the smell is wonderful for us chocolate loving gardeners. It is widely known for its flavoring potential, and its fragrance has been adopted for everything from toothpaste to tea.

Rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis) — No, it doesn’t work 

Aromatic rosemary is a low-maintenance planting, needing just full sun and low to moderate watering in well-draining soil. Some say it can be used for its mosquito-repelling potential. ‘Benenden Blue’ smells strongly of pine, and its foliage has a bitter taste. ‘Very Oily’ grows to tall heights and considerable widths and, according The Southern Living Garden Book, it’s notable “for its high essential-oil content,” a characteristic which also may help in repelling pests, but could be harmful to humans in high concentration. I like it on my deck in a pot, for the smell, and I rub its oil on the back of my neck, it keeps those pesky buzzing bugs away for a bit. 

Scented Geranium (Pelargonium sp.) This is a maybe/maybe not type plant. 

There exist many species of scented geraniums, the foliage of which carries a heavy aroma and is accompanied by showy flowers. Prince of Orange Geranium (Pelargonium citrosum) and other citrus-scented species, like lime geranium (P. nervosum), have been known to deter mosquitos. Other species also carry strong scents that may help in this garden effort, including peppermint geramium (P. tomentosum).

Lemon Thyme (Thymus citriodorus) This is a maybe/maybe not type of plant. 

It’s been the subject of folk medicinal solution for mosquito prevention for generations. But regular thyme (Thymus vulgaris) has been studied and found that a topical applications of the oil to be 97.3% effective. 

I don’t have them, but the actually winners for plant-based deterrents were Eucalyptus and/or Cloves based upon their proven efficiency and safety. However, Marigolds are also a valuable option for most of us. 

Happy gardening! 

— Lynn Lokken is a Green County Master Gardener with the University of Wisconsin-Extension. She can be reached at lokken@wekz.net