How to Keep Mosquito Away Naturally (And Enjoy Being Outside)

Skip the chemical sprays and try these natural ways to keep mosquitoes away using plants, essential oils, and pantry staples you already have at home.

As soon as the weather warms up, I start dreaming about long evenings in the garden and quiet mornings with a mug of coffee on the porch. But there’s always a catch—mosquitoes. And if you’re anything like me, you’re the one person in the group who gets eaten alive the second you step outside.

I’ve never been a fan of traditional bug sprays. My skin reacts to just about everything, and honestly, I’m not comfortable coating myself in chemicals just to enjoy some fresh air. That’s why I’ve spent the last few summers experimenting with how to keep mosquito away naturally—and I’ve found some surprisingly effective solutions that are easy, affordable, and even smell good.

Here’s what’s worked for me (and might just change the way you approach mosquito season too).

Natural Plants That Repel Mosquitoes

Let’s start with your garden. Whether you’re growing in containers, raised beds, or full-blown homestead rows, certain plants can help keep mosquitoes away—no sprays required.

Lemongrass

Lemongrass contains citronella, a natural oil mosquitoes can’t stand. I plant it around the borders of our yard and near seating areas. As a bonus, it looks great in a pot and adds a subtle citrus scent to the garden.

Tip: Lemongrass essential oil is strong—too strong for me to wear personally—but having the plant nearby makes a difference without the headache.

Wild Bergamot

Also known as bee balm, wild bergamot is both beautiful and functional in the garden. Its soft, floral scent might draw in pollinators, but mosquitoes want nothing to do with it. Tuck it into your flower beds or herb garden for a pop of color that doubles as a natural bug repellent. Want even more protection? Crush a few fresh leaves and rub them on your skin before heading outside—just be sure to test a small patch first if you have sensitive skin.

Basil

Basil does double duty: it’s great for cooking, and it’s a natural mosquito repellent. I plant it close to my tomatoes to improve their flavor and deter tomato hornworms. It’s an easy win for the garden and for your skin.

Essential Oils That Repel Mosquitoes

If you’re not up for redesigning your garden, you can still fight off mosquitoes naturally with essential oils. I keep a small spray bottle of diluted oils by the back door so I can spritz myself before going out.

Lavender

Lavender is one of my go-to scents for winding down at night—and it happens to repel mosquitoes, too. It’s gentle on sensitive skin and makes you smell like you’ve just come from the spa.

Citronella

You’ve probably seen citronella candles, but you can use the oil itself too. Just dilute with a carrier oil like coconut or almond and apply it to pulse points. It’s way more portable than lugging a candle around the yard.

Eucalyptus

A crisp, clean scent that’s especially nice when blended with lemon or orange oils. I get the most compliments when I wear this one—and mosquitoes steer clear.

Peppermint

Mint is another multipurpose powerhouse. I make a simple spray by adding a few drops of peppermint essential oil to a small glass spray bottle filled with water. I spritz it on my clothes and window screens (spiders hate it too). It’s energizing, refreshing, and helps me tackle those long summer garden sessions after work.

Pantry Staples That Help with Mosquito Control

No essential oils on hand? No problem. These kitchen staples can help, too.

Coffee Grounds

If you’ve got standing water around your property—like puddles, flowerpot saucers, or even old tires—sprinkle used coffee grounds into the water. It brings mosquito eggs to the surface and prevents them from hatching. Plus, it feeds your plants!

Garlic

It’s definitely not for date night, but eating raw garlic can help keep mosquitoes away from you. I can’t handle raw garlic straight, so I cut a clove into pill-sized pieces and swallow them whole. It works—and no one has to smell it on your breath.

Layer Your Protection

Just like with garden planning, the best strategy is to layer your defenses. Here’s how I use these natural methods in real life:

• I plant basil, lemongrass, and wild bergamot near seating areas and garden beds.
• I keep peppermint spray by the back door to spritz before I head out.
• I apply diluted lavender oil to my wrists and ankles if I’m working outside after dinner.
• I use coffee grounds in the garden and garlic when mosquitoes are especially bad.

Each one helps a little on its own, but together? Total game changer.

Still Got Questions About Mosquitoes?

Pin it to stop the itch! Save these natural mosquito repellents for a bite-free summer.

You don’t have to douse yourself in chemicals or hide inside all summer just to avoid mosquito bites. With a few strategic plants in the garden, a bottle of essential oil spray by the back door, and some pantry staples on standby, you can enjoy the outdoors without constantly swatting or itching.

What I love most about these natural solutions is how flexible they are. You can build them into your garden layout, your daily routine, or even your meal plan (hello, garlic!). They’re easy, affordable, and they work—especially when you layer a few of them together.

So if mosquitoes are driving you nuts every time you step outside, give a few of these methods a try. You might just find yourself spending more evenings on the porch, more mornings in the garden, and fewer nights scratching bug bites.

Would you try any of these natural mosquito repellents this season? What’s worked best for you? Let me know in the comments—I’m always looking for new tricks to try!