Louisiana’s hot, humid climate creates the perfect breeding ground for mosquitoes, making outdoor activities a real challenge. Natural mosquito repellents can transform your garden into a more enjoyable space while reducing the need for chemical sprays.
These plants not only keep the pesky biters away but also add beauty and fragrance to your Louisiana landscape.
1. Citronella Grass
Known as the classic mosquito repellent, citronella grass contains natural oils that mask scents mosquitoes are attracted to. The tall, grassy plant thrives in Louisiana’s climate and can reach heights of 5-6 feet.
Growing citronella in containers near patios or porches creates an effective barrier against these flying pests. For best results, crush a few leaves to release more of the repellent oils when hosting outdoor gatherings.
2. Lavender
Purple-flowered lavender emits a soothing fragrance humans love but mosquitoes absolutely hate. The plant’s essential oils contain compounds that naturally deter these blood-sucking insects while attracting beneficial pollinators.
Lavender performs wonderfully in Louisiana’s full sun locations with well-draining soil. Plant it along walkways, near seating areas, or in decorative pots on your porch to enjoy both its mosquito-repelling properties and calming scent after a long day.
3. Lemon Balm
Member of the mint family with a bright citrus scent, lemon balm contains high levels of citronellal – the same compound found in commercial repellents. Rub the leaves directly on your skin for quick protection during garden work.
Louisiana gardeners appreciate lemon balm’s hardiness and adaptability to various soil conditions. Be warned though – like other mints, it spreads aggressively! Grow it in containers to prevent it from taking over your garden while still enjoying its mosquito-repelling benefits.
4. Marigolds
Bright orange and yellow marigolds contain pyrethrum, a compound used in many commercial insect repellents. Their strong scent masks the human odors that attract mosquitoes, making them perfect border plants for Louisiana gardens.
French marigolds work particularly well against mosquitoes. Plant them in sunny spots around your yard, especially near entry points and gathering spaces. As a bonus, marigolds also help repel other garden pests while adding cheerful color throughout the growing season.
5. Rosemary
Aromatic rosemary thrives in Louisiana’s hot climate and serves double duty as both a culinary herb and mosquito deterrent. The woody scent confuses mosquitoes and masks the carbon dioxide we exhale that attracts them.
Growing rosemary in containers allows you to move this protective plant wherever needed. For added protection, toss a few sprigs onto hot charcoal when grilling outdoors – the smoke further intensifies rosemary’s mosquito-repelling properties while adding flavor to your food.
6. Basil
Fragrant basil releases a strong aroma that naturally repels mosquitoes without any crushing or rubbing needed. The plant contains four volatile compounds that mosquitoes find particularly offensive. Louisiana gardeners can grow basil in pots near doorways or outdoor seating areas.
Lemon basil and cinnamon basil varieties offer especially potent mosquito protection. Harvest regularly to encourage bushier growth and more effective mosquito deterrence, while enjoying fresh basil in your summer cooking.
7. Peppermint
Cooling peppermint contains menthol, which creates a scent barrier mosquitoes avoid. Studies show that peppermint essential oil is effective at repelling several mosquito species common in Louisiana. Growing peppermint in containers prevents its invasive spreading while keeping it accessible for mosquito control.
Crush leaves and rub on clothing for temporary protection, or make a simple spray by steeping leaves in water overnight. Louisiana’s humid climate helps peppermint release its oils continuously.
8. Catnip
Research shows catnip repels mosquitoes more effectively than DEET! This mint family member contains nepetalactone, which drives mosquitoes away while attracting neighborhood cats. Hardy catnip grows easily in Louisiana’s climate with minimal care.
Consider planting it away from relaxation areas if you don’t want feline visitors. Crush leaves and rub on skin for quick protection, or brew into a tea and spray around outdoor spaces to create a mosquito-free zone.
9. Pennyroyal
Powerful pennyroyal contains pulegone, a natural insecticide that strongly repels mosquitoes. The plant’s tiny purple flowers add visual interest while its spreading growth habit makes it perfect for ground cover in Louisiana gardens.
Handle with care – pennyroyal shouldn’t be used by pregnant women or consumed internally. Plant it between stepping stones or in areas where you want low-maintenance mosquito protection. Its aggressive growth does well in Louisiana’s climate, quickly filling in spaces and creating mosquito-free zones.
10. Garlic
Pungent garlic repels more than vampires! When planted throughout your garden, garlic releases sulfur compounds that confuse and deter mosquitoes searching for their next meal. Louisiana gardeners typically plant garlic in fall for spring harvest.
The mosquito-repelling benefits begin as soon as the plants emerge. For immediate protection, crush cloves and mix with water to create a spray for outdoor areas – though the smell might keep away more than just mosquitoes!
11. Bee Balm
Striking bee balm features showy red, pink, or purple flowers that attract beneficial pollinators while containing natural compounds mosquitoes avoid. Native to North America, this perennial adapts well to Louisiana’s growing conditions.
Plant bee balm in sunny spots with good air circulation to prevent powdery mildew in humid Louisiana summers. Beyond mosquito control, the leaves make a pleasant tea, and the flowers add vibrant color to gardens from June through August – peak mosquito season.
12. Eucalyptus
Fast-growing eucalyptus contains strong-smelling oils that naturally deter mosquitoes and other insects. While not winter-hardy throughout Louisiana, it grows beautifully in containers that can be moved indoors during cold snaps.
The silvery-blue foliage adds unique texture to Louisiana gardens. Hang bundles of cut branches in outdoor shower areas or around patios for natural mosquito protection. Eucalyptus prefers full sun and tolerates the heat and humidity that Louisiana summers deliver.
13. Floss Flower (Ageratum)
Pretty blue floss flowers produce coumarin, a compound used in commercial mosquito repellents. These annual flowers bloom continuously from spring through fall, providing season-long mosquito protection in Louisiana gardens.
Ageratum thrives in the partial shade many Louisiana gardens offer, making it perfect for areas where other sun-loving repellent plants struggle. Plant them in borders, containers, or hanging baskets near seating areas. Their compact size (6-12 inches) makes them ideal for small spaces.
14. Geraniums
Scented geraniums, particularly the mosquito plant variety (Pelargonium citrosum), contain citronella oil naturally. Simply brushing against the leaves releases the mosquito-repelling scent, making them perfect for containers near doorways.
Louisiana gardeners appreciate geraniums for their heat tolerance and long blooming season. Their varied fragrances – including lemon, mint, and rose – add sensory interest to gardens. Keep them in pots that can be moved to create mosquito barriers wherever needed during outdoor gatherings.
15. American Beautyberry
Native to Louisiana, American beautyberry contains compounds that naturally repel mosquitoes and other biting insects. The crushed leaves can be rubbed directly on skin for traditional protection that indigenous people have used for centuries.
Beyond mosquito control, beautyberry produces striking purple berries that attract birds to your garden. This hardy shrub thrives in Louisiana’s climate with minimal care, growing in both sun and partial shade. The berries persist into winter, adding visual interest year-round.
16. Lantana
Heat-loving lantana produces clusters of colorful flowers that brighten Louisiana gardens while emitting a citrus-like scent mosquitoes avoid. The plant thrives in hot, humid conditions that would stress many other garden plants.
Lantana attracts butterflies and hummingbirds while keeping mosquitoes at bay. Plant it in full sun areas around patios and play spaces. Many varieties spread vigorously in Louisiana’s climate, quickly filling in areas and creating effective mosquito barriers throughout the warm months.
17. Horsemint (Monarda punctata)
Native horsemint contains thymol, the same compound found in thyme that repels mosquitoes. This wildflower adapts perfectly to Louisiana’s climate and soil conditions, requiring little maintenance once established.
Unusual tiered flowers in pink, yellow, and purple attract beneficial insects while keeping mosquitoes away. Horsemint tolerates poor soil and drought, making it ideal for difficult garden spots. Crush leaves to release more of the mosquito-repelling oils, or steep in water to create a natural repellent spray.
18. Sage
Aromatic sage has been used for centuries to repel insects, including mosquitoes. The gray-green leaves release their distinctive scent when brushed against, creating a natural barrier around garden seating areas. Louisiana gardeners can grow sage in well-draining soil with full sun exposure.
Burning dried sage leaves (smudging) intensifies the mosquito-repelling properties. White sage and common garden sage both work effectively, while adding culinary value and attractive texture to Louisiana herb gardens.