6. Basil
Basil is more than a vibrant culinary herb; it's a brilliant mosquito-repelling plant. And, if you have tomatoes, growing basil nearby will boost their flavor, vigor, and health. If you have a sunny spot with well-draining soil, basil is a good choice. Remember to remove any buds that appear because if you let basil flower, it stops producing new leaves.
“Newer varieties of basil are on the market now that perform well and produce new leaves without having to deadhead the buds,” says Tara Dudley, Angi Expert Review Board member and owner of Plant Life Designs.
7. Peppermint
Peppermint is another popular option in the fight against mosquito bites. Like other members of the mint family, it grows quickly and needs to be kept in check. Not only do mosquitoes dislike the aroma, but if you do get bitten before you can swat a mosquito away, you can immediately soothe the itch by crushing a peppermint leaf and rubbing it on the bite. As a bonus, peppermint is toxic to mosquito larvae and also repels spiders. Pop sprigs of fresh peppermint (or pots of peppermint plants) at doorways and on windowsills to keep both spiders and mosquitoes out.
8. Rosemary
Rosemary is delicious in savory herb mixes for lamb, beef, and chicken and brings pork stuffing to a whole new level of tastiness. But mosquitoes disagree. They'll go out of their way to avoid rosemary plants, making this multi-purpose herb a must-have in any garden where you spend lots of time outdoors. You can use it as a natural bug repellant on your skin, too, as it's easy to find (or make) natural personal care products like deodorants, shampoos, and soaps that contain fresh rosemary.
9. Pennyroyal
Pennyroyal is an incredibly effective plant to keep mosquitoes away, along with many other insects and arachnids, including fleas and ticks. However, it's important to note that pennyroyal is incredibly toxic to pets and livestock, including dogs, cats, and chickens, and can result in liver failure and death. So if you do have pets, consider this a poisonous plant to weed out of your garden.
10. Sage
Sage is tasty and has an interesting earthy flavor that humans appreciate in stuffing and herbal teas, but the scent is a repellant to mosquitoes. With minimal care, this easy herb turns into a substantial mosquito-repelling shrub. It's also favored by campers because you can dry the leaves and store them in a paper bag. Then, when sitting around the campfire and a swarm arrives, simply throw the dried leaves into the fire. The pungent scent hangs in the air and wards off mosquitoes looking for a cheap meal of tender camper.