How to Create a Natural Mosquito Barrier with Plants in San Diego County 

Tired of swatting away mosquitoes? Mosquitoes are more than a nuisance; they carry diseases and can cause you to itch like crazy. Fortunately, you can prevent an infestation on your property by planting mosquito repellant plants. 

If you’re looking for plants to keep mosquitoes at bay, we’ve got you covered. Below are excellent mosquito repellant plants for San Diego County yards. 

Top Plants to Repel Mosquitoes in San Diego

 

Catmint (Nepeta x fassenii): You can give your feline a treat they’ll love and ward off mosquitoes by planting Catmint in your garden. Catmint, known as catnip, is easy to grow and care for. And when it comes to repelling insects like mosquitoes, a study at Iowa State University found it to be ten times more effective than DEET!

Bloom time: Early summer to fall.

 

 

Lavender: This tough and drought-resistant plant doesn’t just look pretty in a garden; it’s said that its lovely fragrance and essential oils can hinder a mosquito’s ability to smell. 

Bloom time: Summer to fall.

 

 

 

Marigold: These easy-to-grow plants reward gardens with a burst of orange color. They also emit an odor that will turn a mosquito away! Marigolds can be an attractive addition to vegetable gardens and borders. These beauties can also deter pests like whiteflies, aphids, thrips, Mexican bean beetles, tomato hornworms, and squash bugs. 

Bloom time: Late spring until frost.

 

 

Rosemary: These herbs thrive in containers but do just fine growing in a garden. They like to grow in hot and dry climates, so they’re an excellent addition to any waterwise property. Their scent keeps pests like mosquitoes away, but you can enjoy the aroma and use it to season dishes. 

 

 

 

 

Basil: Basil grows in containers or gardens and is great at keeping pests like mosquitoes at bay. It enjoys plenty of sun and likes to be kept damp, but it also requires good drainage.

Bloom time: Summer to frost.

 

 

 

Lemon Grass (Citronella Grass): Did you know these lemon-scented plants are the most commonly used ingredient in mosquito repellants? It’s true! Lemon grass is easy to care for and like to be planted in an area that gets plenty of sun. 

 

 

 

 

Sage: Toss some sage into your firepit and let the earthly smell keep those pesky mosquitoes from ruining your day. You can also dry sage and make a homemade bug spray!

 

 

 

 

Garlic: Garlic plants emit a strong scent, which you either love or hate. Mosquitoes cannot stand the strong smell of garlic! During its final stage of life, a garlic plant will grow tiny bunches of pink, lime green, or white flowers. 

 

 

Other practical ways to prevent mosquito infestations:         

Planting various mosquito repellant plants in your garden is an excellent way to add color and interest to your yard while controlling pests. You can also take these preventative measures:

• Prevent standing pools of water.
• Use citronella torches or candles.
• Tightly cover water storage containers (rain barrels, buckets, etc.)

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