Herbs That Work As Mosquito Repellent For Your Dog

Herbs for natural mosquito repellent – safe for dogs and kids
 
Mosquitos can give rise to a host of complications ranging from itchy bites and hot spots, to heart worm disease and West Nile Virus, and more.

Many of the effective pesticides and mosquito repellents humans use are highly toxic, even deadly to pets. A few plants you can add to your yard / patio pots to help repel mosquitoes as well as some help keep flies or even mice at bay.   See more on these herbs in my essential oils for dogs section as you can also make repellents for your family 2 and 4 legged.I’ll not include pictures of these plants as they are readily available on any search engine.
 
Basil (Ocimum basilicum) an annual in zones the get frost
This hardy, easy-to-grow plant is more than just a tasty addition to your favorite recipes – it naturally deters mosquitoes, too! Unlike most other insect-repelling herbs, basil doesn’t have to be crushed or ground in order to release the scent and oils that keep mosquitoes at bay. There are a wide variety of basil plants, all of which provide some relief from the flying pests, but lemon basil and cinnamon basil are the most effective. Bonus: Basil plants naturally repel house flies, too!

Catnip (Nepeta cataria) perennial
We all know cats (and some dogs!) love catnip. But, mosquitoes absolutely hate it! Some studies have actually shown catnip to be several times more effective at repelling mosquitoes than DEET, a potentially dangerous chemical used in many bug repellents. Catnip is easy to grow and can be planted in pots strategically placed around the yard and seating areas to keep bugs at bay. Although while repelling mosquitoes, you could be making the local cats happy…

Lavender (Lavandula angustifolia) perennial with shorter lifespan
 
A plus is lavender is an esthetically pleasing plant as well as fragrant addition to your garden, mosquitoes despise the calming, fresh scent of lavender. Lavender can be planted in your garden, right in the ground, or grown in pots on your deck, porch, or windowsill, both indoors and out for a splash of color, a fresh, calming fragrance, and to keep those bloodsuckers (the flying kind not politicians darn it… )  away from your family
 
Lemon Balm (Melissa officinalis)  perennial only on zones without fost
 
Lemon Balm, also known as horsemint, is another hardy, easy-to-grow plant that naturally repels mosquitoes. Thriving well in both sunny spots or in the shade, this plant gives off a strong scent similar to citronella that mosquitoes despise. Grow it in a pot and place in the center of your patio table, beside entryways, or around the yard to keep the area clear of mosquitoes. And, best of all, while mosquitoes can’t stand Lemon balm, bees and butterflies don’t mind it at all!
Peppermint (Mentha piperita) perennial  
 
Because of its strong, minty aroma, many insects, including mosquitoes, steer clear of peppermint plants. Most of the mint family will take over an area spreading easily so be aware of that.  You may want to consider planting them in pots and strategically placing them around sitting areas, on windowsills, and near entryways, rather than planting in the ground. Further, while they’re basically non-toxic to dogs and many enjoy the taste and smell and will nibble or roll around in them to much of a good thing can cause stomach distress.  Use the leaves to add flavor to teas and other delicious minty recipes! (sorry I just have to get in the mint julep – being a southern gal)
 
Thyme  (Thymus serpyllum)
 And good plant for culinary use as well as beautiful purple flowers that bloom in the spring and early summer.   A bonus of being a drought-tolerant evergreen that is safe for dogs while repugnant to mosquitoes
 
 Geranium  annual intolerant of frost. 
AKA the poor man’s rose as it has a scent very similar to rose. 
Note this is NOT the same geranium flower that you would find at your local nursery however, you may find it sold as mosquito plant in the spring. The variety of geranium used to repel mosquitoes is Pelargonium graveolens L’Herit. Geranium essential oil is also made from this variety of plant
 
Rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis) perennial
 
Another pet-safe option for naturally repelling fleas, that’s also useful in the kitchen, is rosemary. Unpleasant to both mosquitoes and other flying insects, rosemary is quite versatile. Plant in pots, protect your herb garden from insects, or use around the perimeter of your yard to keep insects away while at the same time attracting butterflies.
Surround yourself with these live plants that naturally (and safely) repel mosquitoes!