{"id":1541,"date":"2026-08-06T14:01:45","date_gmt":"2026-08-06T18:01:45","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/site.extension.uga.edu\/fultonag\/?p=1541"},"modified":"2026-08-06T14:08:54","modified_gmt":"2026-08-06T18:08:54","slug":"top-mosquito-repelling-plants-strategies-for-bite-free-backyards","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/site.extension.uga.edu\/fultonag\/2026\/08\/top-mosquito-repelling-plants-strategies-for-bite-free-backyards\/","title":{"rendered":"Top Mosquito-Repelling Plants, Strategies for Bite-Free Backyards"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

by Anne Wiskind, Fulton County Master Gardener Extension Volunteer<\/em><\/p><\/p>\n\n\n\n

This article is part of Garden Buzz, a series from Appen Media and the North Fulton Master Gardeners, where rotating columnists explore horticulture topics like herbs, insects, and wildlife conservation.\u00a0Find all Garden Buzz articles here<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Mosquitoes are as much a part of Georgia summers as fresh peaches and Braves baseball. There is a saying that Georgia mosquitoes are so big they must check luggage at the airport. In addition to being a terrible nuisance and causing painful bites, they can spread diseases such as West Nile virus, equine encephalitis and Zika virus.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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A collection of potted herbs, marigolds, lemon thyme, oregano, english lavender and lavender cotton. These highly aromatic varieties help mask human odors to deter biting pests in outdoor seating areas.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n
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The author grows lavender, basil, and oregano in a container to deter mosquitoes. Images by the author.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

In the spirit of “know thy enemy,” some basic facts about mosquitoes are important. Female mosquitoes require a blood meal \u2014 biting a person or pet \u2014 prior to laying eggs.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Water is required for the larval and pupal stages of development, so eggs are usually laid on standing water. The amount needed is tiny; an empty bottle cap will do. The larval and pupal stages last around seven days, and the lifespan of an adult mosquito is two to four weeks.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Controlling adult mosquitoes can be challenging. Electrical and ultrasonic repelling devices have not proven effective. Due to the short lifespan of mosquitoes, insecticidal sprays and fogging provide only temporary control, and they can be lethal to pollinators and toxic to people and pets. An integrated mosquito management plan utilizes multiple strategies to ensure a healthy, balanced ecosystem to keep mosquito populations in check.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Since mosquitoes require water to develop, eliminating water sources for larval and pupal development is an effective option. Remove all standing water, such as from trays under potted plants, gutters, downspouts, tarps and tires. Change the water in pet bowls and bird baths at least once a week to interrupt larval development. Buckets filled with water can also be scattered around the yard as an attractive place for females to lay their eggs, and a biologically based larvicide (\u201cmosquito dunks\u201d) placed in the bucket prevents larval development.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Mosquitoes are a food source for birds and beneficial insects, so a layered landscape with trees, shrubs, ground covers and pollinator plants will establish habitats for birds, dragonflies and other insect-eating animals. Bats can eat thousands of insects per night, so adding a bat house may also help control the adult mosquito population. Aromatic cedar mulch may also help keep mosquitoes away from your yard, and a mosquito is no match for a well-placed porch or patio fan.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Mosquitoes target their victims by tracking body heat and the carbon dioxide we exhale. They can be repelled by strong herbal and citrus scents that mask human odor. Plants with strong fragrances can be planted in flower beds or containers around seating areas, doors and windows to repel mosquitoes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Here is a list of common mosquito-repelling plants:<\/p>\n\n\n\n