13 Mosquito-Repelling Plants That Will Save Your Skin This Summer

Basil is so effective at repelling mosquitoes (and adding a delicious flavour to Italian fare!) that you'll want to grow it all around your house. Windowsills, porches, the garden — the possibilities are endless! Throw it in a cute pot next to your kitchen sink or on your porch and watch the magic happen.

Basil Plant ($25)

Basil Plant ($5, originally $12)

Some studies report that catnip is 10 times more repellent to mosquitoes than sprays, so this plant is a big win for gardeners. Bonus: if you've got a cat, they'll get plenty of entertainment from any catnip you plant!

Catnip Plant ($6)

Catnip Plants ($25)

After crushing blades of citronella, you can either combine it with other repellent blooms to make a salve or simply apply it to your skin for instant relief. For convenience, place citronella in a pot on your patio and use it to repel mosquitoes when needed.

Citronella Plant ($18)

Citronella Plant ($11)

The power of eucalyptus is endless, from helping with coughs and colds to relieving joint pain — and even fending off those relentless mosquitoes! These trees can get as tall as 60 feet, so you can use it repel mosquitoes for years to come.

Eucalyptus Plant ($20)

Eucalyptus Plant ($25)

We already know garlic is pungent, so it's no wonder that its sharp scent repels mosquitoes. If you have a garlic plant around, mosquitoes will smell the garlic instead of you . . . but then again, so will everyone else, so be mindful when you have company!

Garlic Plant ($20)

Garlic Plant ($13)

Easy to care for, gorgeous, and able to get rid of annoying mosquitos — is there any reason not to own geraniums? Let them flower on your deck all summer long and then bring them inside for a pop of colour in the winter!

White Geranium Plant ($15)

Geranium Plant ($8)

Lavender oil repels mosquitoes and makes a great perfume; plus, your garden will never smell better than when lavender is in bloom!

Lavender Plant ($40)

Lavender Plant ($30)

To utilise lemon balm's repellent properties, simply pick some of the fresh leaves, crush them between your palms, and then rub on your exposed skin. These plants are extremely hardy, and can be kept outdoors or indoors, so you can have them all year!

Lemon Balm Plant ($20)

Lemon Balm Plants ($25)

Believe it or not, the oil found in lemongrass called citral is used in many bug repellents for its mosquito-fighting properties! Lemongrass also helps to fight off flies, making it a great plant for both indoor and outdoor use. Pot your hard-to-kill lemongrass indoors for the winter and garnish your foods with it!

Lemongrass Plant ($8)

Lemongrass Plants ($30)

Not only is mint great to garnish your drinks, but it's also a phenomenal mosquito repellent. Move your mint plant back and fourth from your deck to your kitchen, and most importantly, keep it around for a refreshing minty beverage to enjoy outside . . . without mosquitoes. Your guests will enjoy your mint plant as much as you do!

Mint Plant ($20)

Mint Plant ($20)

The oil from peppermint plants works wonders at repelling mosquitoes, as well as stopping the itching associated with a bad bite. Not to mention, peppermint goes great in hot chocolate and other foods, so make sure to bring it inside for the winter!

Peppermint Plant ($24)

Peppermint Plant ($25)

Rosemary naturally repels mosquitoes from your garden or home, and can also be combined with other herbs to create a repellent salve for your skin. Pot this plant in your kitchen, keep it on your porch, or watch it grow in your garden — the possibilities are endless!

Rosemary Plant ($6)

Rosemary Plant ($6)

Sage is commonly used for spiritual cleansing, and it also helps to keep mosquitoes (and ticks) from getting too close for comfort. The smell of sage is what repels the bugs, but hummingbirds love it! Plant sage in your garden or keep it in your home for cleansing purposes.

Sage Plant ($12)

Sage Plant ($10)