On Best Mosquito Repellent Plants

Numerous commercial mosquitoes and insect repellents contain hazardous chemicals that are toxic to children and pets; avoid them if you can. To help, we are providing you with the most effective and natural mosquito repellent plants that you can cultivate both indoors and outdoors.

Mosquito Role in our Ecosystem

Not everyone reacts to mosquito bites in the same manner. While some individuals may find them merely a minor inconvenience, others can experience severe discomfort and distress. However, it is important to acknowledge that mosquitoes also play a crucial role in the ecosystem. A significant decline has been observed in common tree and barn swallow birds due to a reduction in the mosquito and other flying insect populations. Despite these potential benefits, it is generally advisable to maintain a certain distance from mosquitoes to ensure your well-being.

Interesting Facts about Mosquitos

• In the vast expanse of the globe, only two regions remain mosquito-free: Antarctica and Iceland.
• The oldest mosquito specimen ever discovered was unearthed in Canada, embedded within a piece of amber that dates back 79 million years.
• Female mosquitoes are the primary bloodsuckers, while male mosquitoes primarily feed on flower nectar.
• Certain viruses, such as Dengue, transmitted by mosquitoes, can significantly enhance their bloodlust. This viral infection amplifies their sense of smell, making them more adept at locating blood sources.
• When a mosquito bites, it releases anticoagulant saliva, which disrupts the blood’s flow while it feeds. The body’s immune system responds to these anticoagulants, triggering itching and swelling in the affected area.
• Despite their diminutive size, ranging from 2 to 2.5 milligrams, mosquitoes are responsible for more fatalities than other predators, including snakes, sharks, and tigers. A single mosquito carrying the lethal Dengue virus can infect over 100 individuals. According to the World Health Organization, every 45 seconds, a child in Africa succumbs to a mosquito-borne illness.
• One intriguing aspect of mosquito behaviour is their ability to locate their targets. Mosquitoes are drawn to carbon dioxide, a byproduct of human and animal respiration. However, plants absorb carbon dioxide and release oxygen, which we breathe in. Consequently, strong scents emanating from plants, such as flowers and herbs, effectively confuse the mosquitoes’ carbon dioxide sensors. This disruption in their sensory perception prevents bites.

List of Best Mosquito Repellent Plants

As a first step, reduce mosquito breeding grounds. Standing water in garden ponds is where mosquitoes lay eggs. Moving the water or spraying insecticide in the lake can reduce mosquito larvae, decreasing the number of mosquitos repellent plants need to deal with.

Several insects and mosquito repellent plants can be planted in gardens and patios to keep mosquitoes away. However, these plants alone won’t eliminate mosquitoes completely. For maximum effectiveness, you need a sufficient concentration of plants. The effectiveness depends on the number of plants and their spacing. Natural mosquito repellent plants release essential oils that mosquitoes dislike. Here are some of the best mosquito repellent plants to plant indoors or outdoors.

Natural Mosquito Repellent Herbs

Lavender

Lavender is a powerful insect repellent for mosquitoes, moths, and flies. Its fragrant perfume has various uses, from skin application to home scenting. Lavender blooms tiny, tubular flowers in shades of blue or purple. It’s a valuable garden plant, suitable for borders or containers. Dried lavender flowers repel moths in closets and wardrobes, while planting lavender in a garden deters flies and other pests like rabbits. You can also make delicious herbal tea from dried lavender leaves.

Rosemary (Rosmarinus Officinalis)

Rosemary, a common seasoning herb, repels mosquitoes and keeps insects away from gardens. It thrives in full sun and well-drained soil. Rosemary has small, pale blue flowers and spiked leaves. It’s suitable for garden borders, hanging baskets, and hedgerows.

Basil

Basil, a versatile herb, enhances dish flavours while repelling mosquitoes. Its small, broader leaves make it ideal for patios, porches, or other seating areas. Lemon and cinnamon basil varieties are most effective in repelling insects. Basil grows annually but can reseed and regrow in warmer climates. Maintain moist soil, proper drainage, and sunlight. Basil can be grown in pots, containers, or flowerbeds.

Peppermint

Peppermint’s strong scent keeps insects and rodents away. It’s an effective indoor plant for repelling mosquitoes. You can plant it in pots or small containers. Rub peppermint leaves on mosquito bites for relief. To grow peppermint, plant it in damp soil with full sunlight. It’s a small herb that grows 1 to 3 feet tall and repels mosquitoes and spiders. Place it in basement areas with sunlight to deter spiders.

Sage

Sage, also known as stinkbush and bitterbos, is an excellent natural mosquito repellent for yards and bedrooms. Many people use it by burning or making incense from it. To ensure full growth, remove weeds from your garden.

Garlic

Garlic is known for its rich flavour and culinary uses. Interestingly, it can also repel mosquitoes. Planting garlic can keep mosquitoes and insects away, while rubbing garlic juice on the skin can provide natural protection against mosquito bites. Garlic thrives in well-drained soil and full sun, growing to a height of 1 to 2 feet. It also repels aphids and ants, offering various health benefits.

Lemon Balm

Melissa officinalis, commonly known as Lemon Balm, is an herb that reduces stress, relieves stomach aches, and improves sleep. It’s also an effective mosquito and flea repellent. However, it’s invasive, so plant it in a container to control its growth. Lemon Balm thrives in well-drained soil and partial sunlight, reaching up to 2-3 feet in height, making it suitable for indoor mosquito repellent cultivation.

Catnip (Catmint)

Catnips, related to mint, are a favourite among cats but detested by mosquitos. They contain nepetalactone, a chemical that attracts cats and repels mosquitos. The oil in catnip leaves gives it its distinctive smell. Easy to grow, catnip can be planted near your porch or in containers to keep mosquitos, flies, and other bugs out of your home.

Be cautious if you have cats, as they enjoy munching on it. You can also make your own organic mosquito repellent spray using catnip. Cut the stems and leaves of catnip mosquito repelling plants into tiny pieces and put them in a clean jar. Fill the jar with vodka and leave it for 3 to 6 weeks. The oil in the leaves mixes with the alcohol during this time. Shake the jar occasionally to ensure proper mixing. Once ready, pour the mixture into a spray bottle and your homemade mosquito repellent is complete.

Natural Mosquito Repellent Flowers

Floss Flowers (Ageratum Houstonian)

Floss flowers, which bloom blue, are annual plants that can self-seed if cared for properly. They’re robust and frost-tolerant, making them useful mosquito repellents. Plant them in raised beds or containers. They have a long blooming season, blooming well into late fall and early winter. They have a strong fragrance, but be cautious if you touch them with bare skin as some people are allergic.

Eucalyptus

Eucalyptus, a tall mosquito repellent tree native to Australia, is suitable for planting near your garden’s border. It offers medicinal properties in addition to repelling mosquitoes. A mature Eucalyptus can reach 70 meters in height. Its strong-flavoured essential oils are widely used in toothpaste and joint inflammation medicines.

Wild Bergamot

Wild Bergamot, also known as Bee Balm, has violet-coloured flowers that bloom in summer. It repels mosquitos but attracts butterflies and bees. Known for its medicinal properties, dried leaves and flowers are used in herbal tea. Plant it in sunny to partly shaded areas in flowerbeds or planters. Due to its invasive nature, container planting is recommended. Bee Balm thrives in full sun and well-drained soil. It grows to 1 to 4 feet tall and its leaves can treat fungal infections.

Mums (Chrysanthemum)

Chrysanthemum, also known as Mums, is a flowery insect and mosquito repellent plant. Plant it around your house to keep mosquitos, ants, roaches, ticks, and fleas away. Many insecticidal sprays contain Mums, showing its potency. Grow it near your garden borders or in a container near your patio or porch. It needs full sun, so place it in the right area. It grows up to 3 to 4 feet tall and blooms in yellow, pink, white, and red.

Citronella Grass

Citronella grass, a low-maintenance plant, repels mosquitos due to its natural properties. It thrives in sunny areas, away from frost. Look for Cymbopogon Nardus or Citronella Winterianustypes for the best mosquito repellent. Citronella grass masks carbon dioxide, confusing mosquitos that use it as prey. Its essential oils have antifungal and antibacterial properties. It grows up to 6-7 feet tall and can be planted in gardens or patios. Provide it with good sunlight and keep the soil moist.

Marigold

Marigolds are beautiful flowers with a pleasant smell. Mosquitos, aphids, and rabbits dislike this smell and avoid it. You can grow marigolds in flower beds and containers. They need full sunlight, so plant them in sunny areas. Marigolds also repel nematodes, tiny worms that attack plant roots. Planting marigolds around vegetable plants protects the roots and keeps mosquitoes away. Marigold mosquito repellents are annual plants that self-sow, blooming year after year without effort. Collect seed heads after the bloom and spread them in the summer.

Alliums

Allium gigantism, or Alliums, is a great mosquito repellent plant. It grows in large bunches of flowers and can reach seven feet tall. Allium repels mosquitoes, flies, aphids, and slugs. Like Marigolds, it protects edible plant roots from worms. Planting Alliums with edible plants is an excellent combination to protect them from root-destroying worms.You can grow Alliums from seeds or bulbs, but it’s better to start from bulbs because seeds take a long time to flower.

Pennyroyal

Pennyroyal, a plant used as a mosquito repellent worldwide, has been used since ancient times to deter insects and fleas. Its vapours were used to relieve nasal congestion and cleanse the body. In extreme cases, it was used for abortions. However, its essential oil is potent and harmful to humans and pets. The dried leaves can be scattered around the house to keep mosquitos and insects away.

Geranium

Pelargonium citrosum, or Geranium, is a flowering plant that repels mosquitoes. It has light and dark pink flowers with a lemon scent. It thrives in sunny, dry climates and can be grown near other plants. Plant it in sunny areas with well-drained soil if growing indoors. Geranium dislikes excessive water, as it causes yellowing leaves and root rot. It grows 1 to 3 feet tall and its oil is used to remove scars. You can also rub its leaves on your skin to repel mosquitoes and bugs.

Petunias

Petunias are beautiful, colourful flowers that repel mosquitos, hornworms, aphids, and leafhoppers. Planting them in flower beds or containers enhances your home’s beauty.

Tansy

Tansy is a yellow-blooming plant that naturally repels mosquitoes. However, it’s toxic if consumed in large quantities, so plant it in a secure area out of reach of children and animals. The harmful substance is the plant’s oil, which contains pure and raw toxic chemicals, while the plant itself has only a small amount of these materials.

Nodding Onion

Nodding Onion has pink bell-shaped flowers with garlic-like properties. Its strong flavour makes it unsuitable for cooking. While the plant alone doesn’t repel mosquitos, pressing it together releases an oil that’s highly effective on the skin.

Snowbrush

Snowbrush boasts a large white flower cluster that deters mosquitos, deer, and rabbits. Its fragrant flowers and foliage repel these pests. It’s a sturdy plant that thrives in sunny, well-drained soil. Plant it around your flower beds or garden borders. The white flowers beautifully complement your garden.

Pyrethrum

Pyrethrum, a white painted daisy, is simple yet toxic. It’s widely used in insecticides, so avoid touching it on your skin. Handle it with care and plant it in secluded areas away from children and pets. To make a homemade mosquito repellent, soak the pyrethrum flower head in warm water for a few hours, then spray it in a spray bottle. Keep it away from you and avoid inhaling the solution.

Mosquito Eating Plants

To repel mosquitos and other insects from your garden, use herbs and flowers. For a more effective solution, consider using carnivorous plants that attract and eat mosquitos. Common examples include Pitcher nodding plant, Drosera, and Venus flytraps. These plants thrive in swampy or well-lit areas. Hang them near your porch or patio, or plant them around standing water or ponds where mosquitos breed.

Other Ways to Keep Mosquitos Away

When dealing with disease-carrying mosquitos, utilize all available tools. A single plant won’t yield the best results.

Frogs and Toads

Mosquitos breed in standing water like ponds or artificial lakes. Frogs and toads eat mosquito larvae, keeping their population in check. When designing a pond, make insect holes to attract mosquitoes, making it easier for frogs and toads to catch and eat them.

Birds

Birds such as chimney swifts, barn, and purple martins eat flies and mosquitos. You can attract these birds in your garden by placing birds nesting boxes and feeders.

Fish

You can release fish that feed on mosquito larvae into ponds or other standing water sources. Goldfish, guppies, and Gambusia affinis are very effective at eating mosquito larvae. Gambusia affinis, also known as mosquito fish, is used by mosquito control agencies to control mosquito spread.

Bats

If you live in the countryside, you can make your garden bat-friendly. Bats are voracious insect feeders, consuming up to their body weight each night. They feed at night, so you can sleep while they work. Place bat houses on tall trees for safe daytime hiding spots.

Turtles

The red-ear slider turtles are suitable for mosquito control as it feeds on mosquito larvae.

Conclusion

As you are now aware, there are numerous natural mosquito repellent plants available for both indoor and outdoor use. These mosquito repellent trees and plants not only enhance the aesthetics of your garden and home but also effectively repel insects. We would be interested to learn about other plants you have utilized to keep mosquitoes away from your home and garden.

Related Links On Repelling Mosquitos

• Why to use Mosquito Repellent: Several reasons to use mosquito repellent plants.
• Mosquito Repelling Herbs: List of mosquito repellent herbs to grow in your garden for food and protection.
• Mosquito Repelling Flowers: Flowers to grow in your garden which looks good and repels mosquito.
• Other Ways to Keep Mosquito Away: Other effective strategies to keep mosquito away.

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