Mosquitos are a nuisance and whoever has to deal with them knows better. They cause a ton of annoyance and spread several potentially fatal diseases like dengue, malaria etc.
There are mosquito repellent products in the market that work by attracting mosquitoes and killing them with poison. This may be a practical idea, but if you are someone who has pets or toddlers at your home to whom these products can be very harmful, or are someone who just does not prefer artificial mosquito repellent products, one way to go is to get plants that do the same work without the hassle of cleaning or foul smell the mosquito repellents leave.
This article is about a few plants that are good at repelling mosquitoes and keeping them away from your vicinity. These plants emit natural fragrances which may seem very pleasant to the human nose but are actually very sickening to mosquitoes and drive them away.
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List of best mosquito repellent plants
Check these highly effective mosquito repellent plants you can bring to your home.
Mosquito repellent plant #1: Lavender
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First on our list of mosquito-repellent plants is lavender. This popular plant emits quite a pleasant smell which is loved by us humans, but not animals. If you have a lavender plant at your house, you must have noticed that animals try to avoid it and stray away from this plant.
They even avoid going near it for defecation. This is because of the essential oils produced by the leaves of the plant. Lavender plants are fairly low maintenance and aren’t too demanding when it comes to growing them. All you need to keep in mind is that they need full sun and good drainage.
Mosquito repellent plant #2: Marigold
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Marigolds are a cult classic, especially in southern India, where they are used as ornamental plants as well, but looking pretty isn’t the only thing they do. Marigold is an annual flower and is quite easy to grow as well. It also emits a smell that can discourage mosquitoes from coming near it.
They can be grown in pots too. Keep them at various entry points in your house to restrict mosquitoes from entering. They can also be a good addition to your garden if you want to fend off those nasty bugs.
All about: How to create and maintain herb gardens?
Mosquito repellent plant #3: Citronella grass
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One of the most defining qualities of a citronella plant is its distinctive smell. Also known as lemongrass, citronella grass is widely used as an ingredient in mosquito-repellent products. The lemongrass plant is also able to repel pests just as well. It is a low-maintenance plant that is suitable for planters of larger sizes due to its inability to tolerate frosts, but in warmer climates, it can be planted in the ground under the sun.
Mosquito repellent plant #4: Catmint
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Catmint (commonly known as catnip) is a plant that thrives in almost all conditions. It belongs to the mint family and is grown on large scales both commercially and as a weed. Catmint plants are very manageable and invasive.
Apart from their pirate-like nature, they are commendable mosquito repellent plants, and in a study by Iowa State University, it was found to be ten times more effective than DEET as well.
Mosquito repellent plant #5: Rosemary
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Rosemary is also a great mosquito-repellent plant that is widely used as a seasoning spice in cooking too. They have a mildly woody scent that is very good at keeping moths and mosquitoes away.
They love hot climates and should be put in a container come winter. Rosemary is also used as a decorative plant, and parts of it can be pruned to make borders and other kinds of decorative additions.
Mosquito repellent plant #6: Basil
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Another culinary herb that is also a mosquito-repellent plant is basil. Basil is widely used as a seasoning and also as a garnish. Basil has a pungent smell that repels flies and mosquitoes very well. Keep the herb damp, and provide well-drained conditions and enough sun, and it will not disappoint you. Basil can be planted alone in a container or in a garden along with other plants.
Mosquito repellent plant #7: Bee balm
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Bee balms are serious when it comes to being a mosquito-repellent plant. They sort of have a ‘shoving it in their face’ show going on when it comes to annoying insects like mosquitoes and other pests, all while keeping a good face that attracts pro-plant insects like bees and butterflies.
The bee balm is also known as the Monarda or the horsemint plant and has leaves that produce oils which deter mosquitoes and other invasive insects. The bee balm is also an attractive plant that comes in various vibrant colours like purple, red, pink, white etc.
Mosquito repellent plant #8: Mint
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The mint plant is easily the most versatile plant on this list. With a number of medicinal advantages as well as culinary uses, it also is a very good mosquito-repellent plant. It also repels ants and flies as well through its pungent aroma. It is very easy to grow and manage too. The mint is a perennial herb that enjoys moderate sunlight.
Mosquito repellent plant #9: Sage
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The last mosquito repellent plant on this list is sage, which, when burned, releases essential oils that ward off inset. Another way to use sage as a mosquito repellent is to crush its dried leaves and make a bug spray.
Mosquito repellent plant #10: Lemon Thyme
The plant has a strong, fresh citrus scent that can drive away mosquitoes. You can keep the plant in a container or a herb garden. Rub some leaves against the skin to let the potent essential oils free.
Mosquito repellent plant #11: Floss Flower (Ageratum)
This is an annual flowering plant, which is a perfect addition for bedding or container plants. The presence of a chemical known as coumarin is considered a mosquito repellant but it is toxic if pets or humans consume it.
Mosquito repellent plant #12: Allium
These bulb plant varieties, which include garlic and onions, emit a strong fragrance that mosquitoes detest.
Do mosquito repellent plants work?
Keeping mosquito-repelling plants in your home garden or patio is a natural way to keep mosquitoes at bay. Certain plants have essential oils that have the ability to keep mosquitoes away. However, some studies show that the mosquito-repelling plants may not produce enough oil to repel insects.
It is also essential to know that some plants may repel insects, using them may not bring the same insect-repelling effects as commercial insect repellents.
Other natural ways of keeping mosquitoes away
Apart from cultivating the aforementioned plants, adopting effective mosquito control measures in your garden is crucial to prevent the proliferation of these pests. An essential step is to eliminate stagnant water, as mosquitoes can lay hundreds of eggs even in small amounts of standing water. Mosquito rings, containing the bacterium Bt israelensis, are effective in killing mosquito larvae and can be placed in various areas with standing water such as rain barrels, birdbaths, water gardens, ponds, and animal watering troughs. Additionally, there are natural products like citronella torches, candles, and essential oils derived from the mentioned plants that serve as effective mosquito repellents for your garden.
Why are mosquito repellents necessary?
Over the years, mosquitoes have been responsible for transmitting various diseases, including malaria, yellow fever, dengue, encephalitis and more recently, the Zika and West Nile viruses. Mosquitoes are also culpable for causing heartworm in dogs. Beyond being a mere nuisance or causing itchy bites, mosquito infestations pose a significant health concern for both your family and pets.
FAQs
What is the best plant to keep mosquitoes away?
Some of the most effective mosquito repellent plants for home include rosemary, basil, catnip, mint, lemon thyme, marigolds and lavender.
What smell do mosquitoes hate the most?
Mosquitoes are repulsed by the scent of mint and lavender, which is why these plants serve as great mosquito repellents.
Do mosquito plants really work?
Yes, growing these plants at home can be really effective in keeping mosquitoes at bay.
Does lemongrass keep mosquitoes away?
Yes, citronella and lemongrass are widely employed as natural mosquito repellents. Both plants contain the compound citronella, known for its ability to mask scents that mosquitoes use to target hosts, namely carbon dioxide and lactic acid.
Which Ayurvedic product is best as mosquito repellent?
One of the most effective Ayurvedic products for repelling mosquitoes in Neem oil. It can either be applied to the skin or used in diffusers to keep mosquitoes at bay.
How much sunlight and water will sage need as a mosquito-repellent plant?
Sage is a pretty easy plant to grow. It needs full sun and moderate water that keeps the soil moist but not soggy.
What are the medicinal benefits of mint other than being a mosquito-repellent plant?
There are numerous medicinal benefits of the mint plant. Some of these benefits include improved digestion, improved brain function, sore throat relief, pain relief, etc. and many more.
