6 Plants That Are Natural Mosquito Repellants

From citronella grass to lemon eucalyptus, explore the science behind plants that help keep mosquitoes at bay — naturally.

Lemon Balm: A Fragrant Herb With Promising but Limited Evidence

Lemon balm (Melissa officinalis) is a perennial herb that has been cultivated in the Mediterranean region for over two thousand years. Its leaves contain citronellal — the same compound closely associated with citronella grass — and eucalyptol, which researchers have suggested may contribute to insecticidal and mosquito-deterrent activity. According to ethnobotanist Arthur Tucker of Delaware State University, certain northern European forms of lemon balm are notably high in citronellal, a compound that mimics the repellent properties of citronella oil. In practical use, crushing fresh lemon balm leaves and rubbing them onto exposed skin is one method cited in horticultural literature for short-term deterrence. However, it is important to approach claims about lemon balm’s efficacy with caution: critics of existing studies point out that much of the supporting research has used loose methodologies and limited controls, meaning the evidence base is not yet strong enough to endorse lemon balm as a reliably effective mosquito repellent in clinical terms. It remains a worthwhile garden herb for its many other documented uses, including anxiety relief and digestive support, while its mosquito-deterrent properties are best viewed as supplementary rather than primary.

Lavender: Linalool and the Science Behind the Scent

Lavender is one of the more thoroughly studied plants in the context of natural pest deterrence. The plant’s essential oil contains two primary active compounds — linalool and linalyl acetate — which researchers believe interfere with a mosquito’s olfactory system, making it harder for the insect to detect the carbon dioxide and skin compounds that guide it toward human hosts. A frequently cited 2009 study found that linalool, a main constituent of lavender oil, demonstrated a 93% repellent rate against mosquitoes indoors and approximately 53% outdoors — a meaningful gap that reflects how environmental factors such as air movement can dilute volatile compounds. A separate 2019 study indicated an 80% repellent rate with lavender essential oil for up to eight hours under its specific testing conditions. It is important to note, however, that a lavender plant growing in a garden releases these compounds at concentrations too low to provide meaningful protection at typical distances. The oil form, applied in diluted concentrations directly to skin, is where lavender’s mosquito-deterrent properties are most likely to be felt. The CDC does not currently list lavender oil as a primary recommended repellent, so it is best understood as a supplemental measure within a broader mosquito-management approach. Lavender is also drought-tolerant and thrives in full sun with well-drained soil, making it a practical and visually appealing addition to many gardens.

Catnip: Nepetalactone and Its Documented Repellent Potency

Of the six plants covered in this article, catnip (Nepeta cataria) carries arguably the most substantial scientific backing for its mosquito-repellent properties. The plant’s key active compound, nepetalactone, is an iridoid monoterpene found in its essential oil that has been the subject of multiple peer-reviewed studies. Research presented at the American Chemical Society’s national meeting in 2001 reported that nepetalactone was approximately ten times more effective at repelling mosquitoes than DEET in laboratory conditions, though researchers noted at the time that the mechanism was not fully understood and human trials had not yet been conducted. More recent field research, including a 2025 study published in Scientific Reports using the human landing catch method in Eastern Uganda, found that a 6% nepetalactone-based lotion provided repellence comparable to commercial preparations containing 15% DEET. Separately, a 2024 study also published in Scientific Reports found that catnip oil concentrations as low as 2% were effective at repelling more than 70% of Aedes aegypti mosquitoes for between one and four hours. Collaborative research from Northwestern University and Lund University has further suggested that nepetalactone works by triggering mosquitoes’ TRPA1 pain and itch receptors, making the plant deeply aversive to the insects at a neurological level. Catnip is easy to grow as a perennial in most temperate climates and returns reliably each spring without replanting.

Editorial categorization based on reported findings from cited peer-reviewed studies. Values reflect approximate repellency rates under specific study conditions and are not directly comparable across studies. This is not a unified clinical benchmark.

Basil: An Everyday Culinary Herb With Mosquito-Deterring Aromatics

Basil is a common garden herb appreciated for its culinary uses, but its strong aromatic profile also gives it documented insect-deterrent qualities. The characteristic scent that makes basil appealing in cooking comes from the same volatile compounds — including linalool and various terpenes — that mosquitoes find disruptive to their host-detection senses. Research examining essential oils from basil species has shown repellent activity against Anopheles minimus, a malaria-transmitting mosquito species. Certain varieties of basil, including lemon basil and cinnamon basil, are noted for producing more potent aromatic compounds that may be particularly effective. Basil has the practical advantage of being usable in multiple forms: fresh leaves rubbed onto the skin, essential oil diffused into the air, or the living plant placed near outdoor seating areas. It is also among the most accessible mosquito-deterrent plants, readily available at nurseries and supermarkets throughout the growing season. Basil grows best in full sun with consistent moisture and can be cultivated in garden beds, containers, or on a sunny indoor windowsill — making it equally useful in urban and suburban settings.