There’s nothing better than spending summer evenings outdoors—whether you’re relaxing on the patio, hosting a backyard barbecue, or enjoying time in the garden. Unfortunately, Texas summers also bring one unwelcome guest: mosquitoes.
The good news? With a combination of smart prevention, mosquito-repelling plants, and effective control products, you can reclaim your outdoor spaces and enjoy the season bite-free!
Why Are Mosquitoes So Common in Texas?
Mosquitoes love warmer, humid conditions and only need a small amount of standing water to thrive. Bird baths, clogged gutters, flowerpot saucers, fountains, and even low spots in the landscape can quickly become breeding grounds after summer rains.
To reduce mosquito populations around your home:
- Empty standing water regularly
- Refresh bird baths every few days
- Keep gutters clean and free of debris
- Avoid overwatering containers and flowerbeds
- Maintain healthy airflow around patios and gathering spaces
By eliminating breeding areas, you can significantly reduce mosquito activity before it becomes a problem.
Add Beauty and Protection with Mosquito-Repelling Plants
One of the easiest ways to naturally discourage mosquitoes is by incorporating fragrant plants into your landscape and container gardens. These plants and their aromatic foliage can help make outdoor living spaces less inviting to pests!
Citrosa (Mosquito Plant)
Often called the Mosquito Plant, Citrosa features attractive fern-like foliage with a fresh citrus fragrance. Its citronella-like scent makes it a favorite addition to patios, porches, and outdoor seating areas.
Lavender
Known for its soothing fragrance and beautiful purple blooms, Lavender thrives in the Texas sun once established. While gardeners love its scent, mosquitoes tend to avoid it.
Rosemary
This versatile herb brings flavor to the kitchen and fragrance to the garden. The strong aroma of Rosemary helps deter mosquitoes while adding texture and evergreen beauty to containers and landscape beds.
Basil
A favorite herb for summer recipes, Basil also produces aromatic oils that can help discourage mosquitoes. Place containers near patios, outdoor dining spaces, or sunny windows.
Create a Mosquito-Resistant Container Garden
Container gardens are one of the most effective ways to place mosquito-repelling plants exactly where you need them. Group Lavender, Rosemary, Basil, and Citrosa together in a decorative container near patios, entryways, pools, or outdoor seating areas.
Not only will you create a beautiful focal point, but you’ll also enjoy the fragrance while helping reduce mosquito activity around your favorite gathering spots.
Effective Mosquito Control Products
For the best protection, combine natural plant solutions with targeted mosquito control products.
The Patio Egg™
A customer favorite, The Patio Egg™ uses a DEET-free essential oil formula to help repel mosquitoes and other biting insects. Its attractive ceramic design makes it perfect for tabletops, patios, and outdoor entertaining spaces.
Skeeter Screen™ Yard Sticks™
These easy-to-use incense sticks create a “no-fly zone” around patios, decks, and outdoor seating areas. Made with essential oils, they provide up to four hours of protection during outdoor gatherings.
Summit Mosquito Dunks® & Mosquito Bits®
Mosquito Dunks® are a simple solution for ponds, fountains, bird baths, and other standing water sources. They contain BTI, a bacteria that targets mosquito larvae while remaining safe for people, pets, birds, and beneficial wildlife.
Great to use in for flowerbeds, containers, and damp areas where mosquitoes may breed, Mosquito Bits® help stop larvae before they become biting adults.
Nature’s Creation® CedarRepel
These natural cedar granules provide broad-spectrum protection against mosquitoes and other outdoor pests while adding a fresh cedar scent to your landscape.
Enjoy Summer Without the Bites
Mosquitoes may be part of summer in Texas, but they don’t have to take over your outdoor spaces. By eliminating standing water, planting fragrant mosquito-repelling varieties, and using effective control products, you can create a more comfortable backyard for family gatherings, gardening, and relaxing outdoors.
Visit your local Calloway’s Nursery or Cornelius Nursery to explore our selection of mosquito-repelling plants and mosquito control solutions. Our Texas Certified Nursery Professionals are always available to help you find the best products for your landscape and outdoor living spaces.
Stop by today and take back your summer—one mosquito-free day at a time.
Texas Mosquito FAQ's
Some of the best mosquito-repelling plants for Texas include Citrosa (Mosquito Plant), Lavender, Rosemary, and Basil. Their fragrant foliage helps make patios, porches, and outdoor living spaces less inviting to mosquitoes while adding beauty to your garden.
Mosquito-repelling plants can help discourage mosquitoes thanks to their natural aromatic oils, especially when planted near seating areas. For the best results, combine these plants with good mosquito prevention practices and mosquito control products.
Place mosquito-repelling plants in containers or landscape beds near patios, decks, pools, entryways, outdoor dining areas, and other gathering spaces where you spend the most time outdoors.
The most effective way to reduce mosquitoes is to eliminate standing water where they breed. Regularly empty bird baths and flowerpot saucers, clean gutters, avoid overwatering, and use products like Mosquito Dunks® or Mosquito Bits® in areas where water collects.
Popular mosquito control options include The Patio Egg™, Skeeter Screen™ Yard Sticks™, Summit Mosquito Dunks®, Mosquito Bits®, and Nature’s Creation® CedarRepel. Using a combination of repellents and larva control products provides the best protection.
Yes. Mosquito Dunks® contain BTI (Bacillus thuringiensis israelensis), a naturally occurring bacterium that targets mosquito larvae while remaining safe for people, pets, birds, fish, and other beneficial wildlife when used as directed.
Mosquito activity typically increases in late spring and continues through summer and early fall. Warm temperatures, humidity, and rainfall create ideal breeding conditions, making prevention especially important during these months.
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