What native Australian plants keep mosquitos and insects away?

The best native Australian plants that keep mosquitoes and other unwanted insects away are species rich in aromatic oils, such as Lemon Myrtle, various Mint Bushes, and different kinds of Paperbarks. These resilient plants not only help protect your outdoor kitchen and entertaining area from pests but also add unique beauty and delightful aromas to your garden. Let's explore all of your options for creating a space that is both beautiful and bug-repelling with nature’s help.

The Best Australian Native Plants for Patios, Balconies, and Small Spaces

Natural Mosquito Repellent Plants for Patios and Outdoor Dining

The Scented Paperbark (Melaleuca squamea) is a brilliant choice, offering a strong, pungent aroma from its foliage that is particularly unpleasant to insects. This tough plant is well-suited for damp spots in the garden but can also adapt to average soil if well-watered. It’s perfect for low, informal hedging or as a feature in a container right next to your outdoor dining setting.

Melaleuca squamea in full blossom

Similarly, the River Tea Tree (Melaleuca alternifolia) contains the well-known tea tree oil, making its leaves a powerful deterrent when gently bruised. This plant can be kept as a shrub, making it a good choice for a medium-sized hedge or screen that helps repel bugs from your outdoor dining area.

Melaleuca alternifolia

Australian Native Plants to Keep Flies Away from Front Gardens

A delightful shrub known for its intensely aromatic foliage is the Round-leaf Mint Bush (Prostanthera rotundifolia). Its rounded leaves release a powerful, fresh minty scent when touched, which acts as a natural deterrent for mosquitoes and flies. This plant is visually appealing, with abundant purple flowers in spring, making it ideal for planting near a front garden pathway or a kids play area where its scent can be easily enjoyed.

Prostanthera rotundifolia pink flowers

Likewise, the Native Pennyroyal (Mentha satureioides) possesses a strong, pungent minty aroma due to its essential oils that insects find off-putting. Its vigorous, spreading nature makes it highly recommended for container planting only, making it a perfect addition to a kitchen/chef/vegetable garden where it can be contained while still deterring pests.

Mentha satureioides Native Pennyroyal

Versatile, Low-Maintenance Plants for a Bug-Free Garden

The Coastal Rosemary (Westringia fruticosa), a very versatile Australian garden plant, offers a more subtle aromatic scent that contributes to a less appealing environment for pests. Its remarkable toughness and dense growth make it an excellent choice for a verge garden or low-maintenance borders, particularly in coastal areas where it handles salt spray with ease.

Mass planting Westringia fruticosa Grey Box

The Native Geranium (Pelargonium australe) provides another gentle option for a bug-free garden. While not as overtly scented as others, the leaves of this plant have a distinct, often slightly lemony or spicy aroma when brushed or crushed.

Using Large Native Plants as Natural Insect Repelling Screens and Windbreaks

Fragrant Australian Natives for a Bug-Free Entertaining Area

These plants are the best choice for creating a beautiful, low-maintenance, and pest-free garden that also provides excellent privacy and wind protection.

A prominent mint bush, the Native Thyme (Prostanthera incisa), boasts a strong, pungent aroma from its finely cut leaves that insects generally avoid. Its dense foliage makes it suitable for a robust, medium-sized informal hedge or a fragrant backdrop to an entertaining area.

Prostanthera incisa

The Aniseed Myrtle (Backhousia anisata) offers a unique and strong aniseed aroma from its crushed leaves that also acts as a deterrent for many insects. This plant features beautiful, glossy foliage and can be used as a lovely feature shrub or a small privacy tree in a warm, protected position.

Backhousia anisata

Powerful Lemon-Scented Plants for a Mosquito-Free Poolside

For pure potency, the Lemon Myrtle (Backhousia citriodora) is an outstanding choice, featuring one of the highest concentrations of lemony citral in the plant world. Its vibrant, glossy green leaves are striking, and its powerful aroma makes it ideal for planting directly adjacent to a pool side or an outdoor BBQ area. The leaves of this plant can be used in cooking, making it a beautiful and functional addition to your space.

Backhousia citriodora

Creating a Pest-Free Backyard Zone with Large Native Australian Trees and Plants Keep Mosquitos and Insects Away

Finally, for larger properties, the Lemon-scented Gum (Corymbia citriodora) is a magnificent choice for your backyard. An iconic Australian tree, its smooth, elegant bark and incredibly aromatic leaves are rich in citronellal, making it a powerful natural insect repellent. While it ultimately becomes a very large tree and is not suitable for a small garden, its strong repellent properties make it ideal for larger properties or boundaries where its impressive size can provide a wide "zone of influence" over a large front garden.

Corymbia citriodora

Now that you have the knowledge to select the right plants, the next step is to design a space that brings it all together. Creating a beautiful, bug-free backyard isn't just about planting a few species; it's about thoughtful design that considers your unique space, lifestyle, and needs.If you are ready to move beyond inspiration and turn your vision into a reality, we can help. Our expertise lies in crafting functional, low-maintenance landscapes that naturally repel pests while enhancing the beauty and value of your home. Let's work together to design a truly exceptional outdoor oasis that you can enjoy, all year round.