Creating a relaxing outdoor oasis around your swimming pool often means designing a space that’s not only visually appealing but also functional and comfortable. Unfortunately, one of the biggest obstacles to enjoying your pool area is the presence of mosquitoes. These pesky insects not only ruin outdoor fun but can also pose health risks by transmitting diseases such as West Nile virus and Zika virus. While chemical repellents and electric mosquito zappers are commonly used, many homeowners are turning to natural methods to keep these insects at bay.
One of the most effective and stylish ways to deter mosquitoes is by planting specific types of flora around your pool. Certain plants naturally repel mosquitoes by emitting scents or oils that the insects find unappealing, creating a more enjoyable backyard environment without the need for harsh chemicals. In this detailed guide, we’ll explore a variety of mosquito-repelling plants, how to incorporate them into your poolside design, and tips for ensuring your garden is both beautiful and bug-free.
Why Planting Natural Mosquito Repellants Around Your Pool Makes Sense
Before we dive into the specific plants you can use, it’s worth understanding why natural repellents are a popular strategy for keeping mosquitoes away. Here are a few compelling reasons to choose plants over synthetic alternatives:
- Eco-friendly and safe: Plant-based mosquito control avoids the use of harmful chemicals, making it safer for children, pets, and beneficial insects like bees.
- Visually appealing: The right plants can enhance the aesthetics of your landscape while serving a dual purpose of beauty and pest control.
- Promotes biodiversity: Many of these plants attract pollinators like butterflies and bees, contributing to a healthier ecosystem.
- Low maintenance: Once established, many natural mosquito-repelling plants require minimal care, making them a sustainable long-term solution.
Top 10 Plants That Naturally Repel Mosquitoes
While no plant alone will completely eliminate mosquitoes, strategically planting a mix of these varieties around your pool area can significantly reduce their presence. Here are some of the most effective mosquito-deterring plants and how to grow them.
1. Lavender (Lavandula)
Lavender is more than just a pretty purple flower with a calming fragrance—it’s also a powerful natural mosquito repellent. The plant’s pungent oils are known to deter mosquitoes, and it thrives in sunny, dry conditions, making it ideal for poolside planting.
Growing Tips:
- Full sun and well-drained soil
- Space plants 12–18 inches apart
- Drought-tolerant once established
2. Citronella (Citronella Grass)
Citronella is one of the most well-known natural mosquito repellents. It contains natural oils that mask human scents (like carbon dioxide and lactic acid), making it harder for mosquitoes to detect people outdoors.
Growing Tips:
- Needs full sun to partial shade
- Keep soil consistently moist, especially in dry climates
- Excellent for container gardening near pool decks
3. Marigolds (Tagetes)
Marigolds contain a natural compound called pyrethrum, which is used in many insect repellents. They are particularly effective at keeping mosquitoes and other pests away.
Growing Tips:
- Full sun
- Well-drained soil
- Can be planted directly in garden beds or in pots
4. Basil (Ocimum basilicum)
Basil is more than just a culinary delight—it also repels mosquitoes with its strong scent. Planting basil around your pool area or patio can keep both your garden and your guests mosquito-free.
Growing Tips:
- Full sun or partial shade
- Well-drained soil; keep moist but not waterlogged
- Perfect in pots near outdoor seating areas
5. Lemongrass (Cymbopogon citratus)
Lemongrass is a tropical plant that contains citral, a natural compound with a strong lemon scent that repels mosquitoes and other annoying insects.
Growing Tips:
- Full sun
- Rich, moist soil
- Typically planted in zones 9 and above; can be grown in containers
6. Catnip (Nepeta cataria)
Catnip has been shown to be even more effective than DEET (diethyltoluamide), a common chemical mosquito repellent. The plant’s strong essential oils repel mosquitoes almost immediately.
Growing Tips:
- Full sun to partial shade
- Well-drained soil
- May require extra care to keep cats from damaging plants
7. Rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis)
Rosemary is not only a flavorful herb for cooking but also a proven mosquito repellent when its oils are released through burning or crushing.
Growing Tips:
- Full sun
- Well-drained soil
- Frost sensitive—best in warm climates or in containers
8. Peppermint (Mentha × piperita)
Peppermint contains essential oils (like menthol and limonene) that repel mosquitoes while providing a pleasant aroma, making it a great natural remedy to integrate into your pool area.
Growing Tips:
- Partial shade or full sun
- Moist, well-drained soil
- Grows well in containers to contain its invasive nature
9. Lemon Balm (Melissa officinalis)
Lemon balm has a bright, lemony scent that insects find unpleasant. It’s easy to grow and maintain—perfect for beginners and small-scale gardens.
Growing Tips:
- Full sun to partial shade
- Rich, moist soil
- Can be container-grown or paired with other herbs
10. Geraniums (Pelargonium)
Geraniums are popular for their vibrant flowers and naturally mosquito-repelling properties. They release a strong scent when leaves are crushed or brushed against.
Growing Tips:
- Full sun (at least six hours daily)
- Well-drained soil
- Ideal for hanging baskets or near seating areas
Placement Strategies: Optimal Positions for Maximum Mosquito Repellent Effect
Just as important as choosing the right plants is understanding where to place them for maximum effectiveness. Strategic placement ensures that the essential oils from these plants are released and dispersed in the air around the pool area.
1. Around Pool Decking and Seating Areas
Position potted plants near loungers, tables, and umbrellas where they will be most effective. Since the scent must be inhaled or disturbed by movement, placing insect-repellent plants close to where people sit can significantly impact mosquito activity.
2. Along Fencing and Perimeter Gardens
If you have a privacy fence or landscape border around your pool, these are ideal locations for planting mosquito-repellent flora. The plants will act as a barrier, reducing insect access to the pool environment.
3. In Containers Near Water Features
Many mosquitoes are naturally drawn to standing water, so placing repellent plants like citronella and lemongrass near water features (fountains, bird baths, or poolside drip trays) can help disrupt mosquito breeding patterns.
Designing Your Poolside Garden: Blending Functionality and Aesthetics
Creating a beautiful and functional mosquito-repelling poolside garden requires both art and science. Here are a few landscaping tips you can use to mix and match different mosquito-repelling plants based on climate, soil type, and visual appeal.
Use Layers of Texture and Color
Instead of sticking to one type of plant, combine different textures and heights to create dimension and interest. For example, place tall lemongrass or rosemary plants at the back of flower beds and softer plants like lavender or catnip toward the front.
Mix Herbs with Ornamental Plants
Not all poolside plants must be traditional ornamentals. Combining culinary herbs like basil and rosemary with perennials like geraniums creates a fresh, edible garden that doubles as a pest deterrent.
Group Plants by Water and Light Needs
Grouping your plants based on environmental needs makes watering easier and ensures all your plants thrive. For instance, place moisture-loving plants like marigolds and basil near a shaded area with good drainage, while drought-tolerant ones like lavender and citronella can be scattered in sun-drenched zones.
Incorporate Containers for Flexibility
Using planters and pots allows for greater flexibility in repositioning your mosquito-repelling garden. These also avoid the need for permanent planting if your pool area uses concrete, stone, or other ground cover.
Maintenance and Care of Your Mosquito-Repelling Garden
To keep your poolside garden both beautiful and effective, regular maintenance is essential. Here are key care practices to follow:
1. Prune Regularly
Trim plants regularly to promote healthy growth and help release their natural oils. For example, shearing basil or rosemary releases more scent and deters mosquitoes more effectively.
2. Mulch Well
Mulching helps retain soil moisture and suppress weeds, especially important for container gardens or raised beds.
3. Water Wisely
While some mosquito-repelling plants, like lemongrass and basil, prefer moist soil, others such as lavender and citronella thrive in drier conditions. Research each plant’s needs and water accordingly.
4. Fertilize and Compost
Using organic compost or gentle, all-purpose fertilizers periodically will enhance plant growth and scent production, making them more effective at repelling mosquitoes.
5. Replace Plants as Needed
Some plants, particularly herbs like basil, may need replacements every few seasons. Prepare new plants ahead of time so the protective properties of your garden remain continuous.
Additional Tips to Complement Your Plant-Based Mosquito Defense
While planting mosquito-repelling flora around your pool is a natural and appealing strategy, combining it with other mosquito-control methods offers the best results.
1. Manage Standing Water
Eliminating standing water around your pool is crucial. Check regularly for water buildup in and around the pool cover, drains, potted plants, and gutters—these are all breeding grounds for mosquitoes.
2. Use Outdoor Fans
Mosquitoes are weak fliers. Placing fans around your seating areas can deter them while providing a welcome breeze to cool down pool users.
3. Place Scented Candles Nearby
For evening swims, citronella or lemongrass candles placed strategically near the pool create a pleasant ambiance and support mosquito deterrent action.
4. Wear Natural Repellents
Encourage guests to wear natural repellents like essential oils diluted in carrier oil or natural insect-repellent sprays to enhance protection.
Case Study: A Successful Mosquito-Free Pool Area Using Natural Plants
Take, for example, the case of Sarah, a homeowner in Southern California who redesigned her backyard pool area with a mosquito-repelling herb garden and colorful perennials. She planted a combination of lavender, basil, citronella, and geraniums not only near the pool but also along the fencing for perimeter coverage. To enhance their effectiveness, she used a few electric fans and placed citronella candles near the outdoor seating area.
Within a few weeks, Sarah noticed a significant drop in mosquito activity, even during evening gatherings. Her garden also flourished, acting as a natural décor element that attracted butterflies and hummingbirds while keeping unwanted pests at a distance.
Conclusion: Embrace Nature to Create a Comfortable Pool Environment
Choosing what to plant around your pool to keep mosquitoes away is more than just a landscaping decision—it’s a health-conscious, eco-friendly lifestyle choice. By using the power of natural plants, you can transform your poolside into a fragrant, attractive, and mosquito-resistant paradise.
Remember, no single plant offers complete protection, but combining a thoughtful selection of mosquito-repelling plants with proper maintenance, landscaping strategies, and additional deterrent methods will make your backyard pool space more enjoyable and worry-free. So, get creative with your garden plan—your guests will thank you for a mosquito-free experience that’s both beautiful and natural.
What are the best mosquito-repelling plants to grow around a pool?
Certain plants naturally produce oils and scents that mosquitoes find unpleasant, making them ideal for poolside planting. Some of the most effective options include citronella grass, lemon balm, catnip, lavender, marigolds, and basil. These plants emit fragrances that mask human scent and body odors, which mosquitoes use to locate their targets. Additionally, many of these plants are easy to grow and can thrive in a variety of climates, especially in sunny locations like those around a pool.
When selecting plants to repel mosquitoes, it’s important to choose varieties that are both effective and safe for your specific environment. For instance, citronella is a popular choice and is often used in candles and repellents, but it needs warmer climates to survive outdoors year-round. On the other hand, lavender not only repels mosquitoes but also adds a beautiful, calming aesthetic and fragrance to your pool area. Integrating these plants into flower beds, containers, or hanging baskets near the pool helps maximize mosquito deterrence while enhancing the beauty and usability of your outdoor space.
Are mosquito-repelling plants safe for children and pets?
Most mosquito-repelling plants are generally safe for children and pets when used responsibly and planted in the appropriate areas. Plants like basil, marigolds, and catnip are non-toxic and pose little to no risk if touched or even ingested in small quantities. Lavender, while generally safe, can cause mild stomach upset in pets if consumed in large amounts. It’s always a good idea to check the toxicity of specific plants with local veterinary resources or extension services to ensure the safety of your household pets and children.
That said, some plants like citronella grass and lemon balm may cause skin irritation in sensitive individuals or allergic reactions in pets. To minimize risk, it’s best to plant them in raised beds or containers away from high-traffic areas around the pool. If you plan to crush or rub the leaves for added mosquito protection, consider doing this away from where children and pets play. Additionally, using natural deterrents in conjunction with other methods like mosquito traps or fans can enhance protection while ensuring a safer and more enjoyable poolside environment.
How do mosquito-repelling plants actually work?
Mosquito-repelling plants work primarily by emitting natural essential oils that mask the scents that attract mosquitoes, such as carbon dioxide and lactic acid released by humans. These oils, such as citronellal found in citronella grass and geraniol in geraniums, confuse the mosquitoes’ sensory systems, making it harder for them to detect hosts. When these plants are crushed or brushed, their aromatic compounds are released more strongly, enhancing their effectiveness as natural repellents.
In addition to masking human scents, some plants also produce strong fragrances that mosquitoes find unpleasant, essentially repelling them from the area. For example, marigolds produce a scent that deters not only mosquitoes but also other pests like aphids and nematodes. While planting mosquito-repelling plants won’t completely eliminate mosquitoes, they can significantly reduce their presence in and around your pool area when used in conjunction with other strategies such as eliminating standing water and using fans or citronella candles.
Can I use potted plants to keep mosquitoes away around my pool?
Yes, potted plants are a highly effective and flexible option for repelling mosquitoes around a pool. Since many pool areas may not have in-ground garden space, containers allow for easy placement on patios, railings, decking, or near seating areas. Herbs like basil, lemon balm, and mint are particularly well-suited for container growth and can be placed strategically near lounges or pool entrances to help deter mosquitoes from gathering in high-use zones.
Potted plants also offer the added benefit of portability—for instance, you can move them to shady areas or indoors during extreme weather conditions. Additionally, fragrant plants such as catnip and lavender can be gently crushed or brushed to release their aromas more intensely, providing an immediate mosquito-repelling effect. Consider combining several potted repelling plants with citronella candles or natural essential oil diffusers for a layered approach to mosquito control without the use of chemicals.
Do mosquito-repelling plants require special care or maintenance?
While most mosquito-repelling plants are relatively easy to grow, they do require some basic care to thrive and remain effective in deterring insects. They generally need adequate sunlight, well-draining soil, and regular watering, especially in container gardens where soil dries out faster. For example, citronella grass thrives in full sun and moist soil, while lavender prefers dryer conditions and should be watered sparingly to prevent root rot.
Pruning and occasional harvesting of leaves can help maintain plant health and encourage the growth of new, aromatic foliage which enhances mosquito-repelling effects. In colder climates, some plants like citronella and lemon balm may need to be brought indoors during winter months. Mulching around in-ground plants can help retain moisture and support growth. By ensuring proper care and placement, you’ll not only enjoy a beautiful landscape but also a more enjoyable, mosquito-free swimming experience.
Are there any other natural methods to pair with mosquito-repelling plants?
Yes, integrating mosquito-repelling plants with other natural strategies can offer more comprehensive protection around your pool. One effective complementary method is using fans to disrupt mosquito flight and make it harder for them to approach people. Solar-powered or electrical outdoor fans can be strategically positioned near seating areas to help reduce mosquito landings. Another method involves eliminating standing water sources, like in potted plant saucers or pool covers, where mosquitoes can lay eggs and multiply.
Additionally, natural essential oil diffusers or candles made from oils like citronella, eucalyptus, and lemongrass can enhance mosquito deterrence in the evenings. Some pool owners opt for mosquito-eating wildlife like bats, frogs, or specific birds, though attracting these creatures requires additional planning. Using mosquito nets over pergolas or gazebos can also offer protection while maintaining the functionality of your outdoor space. Combining these methods with mosquito-repelling plants creates a multi-layered, natural, and eco-friendly approach to keeping mosquitoes away while you enjoy your pool.
Can I combine mosquito-repelling plants with chemical repellents safely?
Yes, mosquito-repelling plants can be safely combined with chemical repellents to provide enhanced, layered protection around your pool. While natural solutions like citronella grass and basil are effective, they often work best in conjunction with EPA-registered repellents (such as those containing DEET, picaridin, or oil of lemon eucalyptus) for more complete coverage, especially during mosquito peak seasons. Adding mosquito-repelling candles, sprays, or automated misting systems nearby can offer additional security when entertaining guests or spending long periods outdoors.
However, it’s important to follow safety guidelines when using chemical repellents around water, children, and pets. Always apply them away from the pool’s edge to avoid splashing or runoff into the water. Consider using spatial repellents, such as citronella tiki torches that burn natural oils and safely complement the aromatic presence of mosquito-repelling plants. By integrating both natural and chemical solutions into your mosquito control strategy, you’ll maximize comfort, safety, and enjoyment in your outdoor pool space.