If you’re looking for a natural and effective way to keep mosquitoes away from your indoor space, indoor plants may be the perfect solution. Not only do they add a touch of greenery to your home, but certain plants also contain natural compounds that repel mosquitoes. This means you can enjoy a mosquito-free environment without the use of harmful chemicals.
Indoor plants that repel mosquitoes are a great alternative to traditional mosquito repellents. These plants not only help keep mosquitoes away, but they also provide a number of other benefits, including air purification and stress reduction. Plants that are commonly believed to have mosquito-repellent properties include citronella, lemongrass, lavender, basil, catnip, marigold, rosemary, and scented geraniums, among others. These plants contain aromatic compounds, such as citronellol, geraniol, and linalool, which mosquitoes tend to avoid.
Plus, they’re easy to care for and can thrive in a variety of indoor environments, making them a versatile addition to any home.
So if you are looking for plants that mosquitos hate the most and want to keep pesky mosquitoes at bay, these indoor plants may be just what you need.
17 Indoor Plants that Repel Mosquitoes
If you’re tired of being attacked by mosquitoes in your own home, consider adding some indoor plants that naturally repel these pesky insects. These plants really work!
Citronella
Citronella is a well-known mosquito repellent and is often found in candles and other products. However, the plant itself is also effective at keeping mosquitoes at bay.
Citronella grass (Cymbopogon nardus) is a tropical perennial that can be grown indoors in a sunny location. Its strong lemony scent is what repels mosquitoes.
When growing citronella indoors, it’s essential to choose the right variety. The two main types are Cymbopogon nardus and Cymbopogon winterianus. C. nardus is commonly known as “Java citronella,” while C. winterianus is referred to as “Sri Lankan citronella.” Both varieties possess mosquito-repellent properties.
Citronella produces a strong, lemony aroma due to the presence of citronellol and geraniol, which naturally repel mosquitoes. To maximize its mosquito-repellent properties:
- Brush against the leaves or gently crush them to release the aromatic oils. This will enhance the mosquito-repellent effect.
- Place citronella plants near windows, entrances, or outdoor seating areas to create a natural barrier against mosquitoes. The scent emitted by the plants will deter these pesky insects.
Lavender
Lavender is a beautiful and fragrant plant that also happens to repel mosquitoes. Its scent is soothing to humans but unpleasant to mosquitoes, making it a great addition to your indoor garden.
Selecting the appropriate lavender variety is crucial when growing it indoors. English lavender (Lavandula angustifolia) is a popular choice due to its compact size and lovely scent. Look for cultivars like ‘Hidcote’ or ‘Munstead’ that are well-suited for indoor growing conditions.
Make sure to place your lavender plant in a sunny location and keep the soil moist but not waterlogged.
Lavender contains essential oils, including linalool and linalyl acetate, which mosquitoes find repulsive. To use lavender as a mosquito repellent, you have a few options:
- Crush a few lavender flowers or leaves between your fingers to release their fragrance. Place them in small cloth bags or sachets and position them near windows, doorways, or outdoor seating areas to naturally deter mosquitoes.
- Alternatively, you can create a homemade lavender repellent spray by infusing dried lavender flowers in water or witch hazel. Strain the mixture and transfer it into a spray bottle. Apply the lavender spray on your skin or clothing to repel mosquitoes while enjoying the calming aroma.
Catnip
Catnip is a member of the mint family and contains a chemical called nepetalactone, which is a natural mosquito repellent. This plant is easy to grow indoors and can be a great addition to your indoor garden.
Catnip contains a compound called nepetalactone, which is known to repel mosquitoes. The scent of catnip is highly effective in keeping these annoying pests at bay.
Crush the leaves to release the nepetalactone and place them in strategic locations, such as near windows, doorways, or outdoor seating areas, to deter mosquitoes naturally.
Keep in mind that if you have cats, they may be attracted to this plant.
Basil
Not only is basil a versatile herb for culinary use, but it also possesses natural mosquito repellent properties. In particular, clove basil, which has a pungent, clove-like smell that mosquitoes hate.
Basil contains essential oils like eugenol and citronellol, which give it a distinct aroma mosquitoes dislike. Simply brushing against the leaves or crushing them releases these oils, creating a natural mosquito repellent effect.
Place potted basil near open windows, doors, or outdoor seating areas to deter mosquitoes from entering or gathering.
Rosemary
Rosemary is a fragrant herb that is also effective at repelling mosquitoes. It grows well indoors and can be used in cooking as well.
Rosemary is an aromatic herb commonly used in cooking and known for its distinctive pine-like fragrance. It can also serve as a natural mosquito repellent.
Rosemary contains compounds such as camphor, cineole, and rosmarinic acid, which contribute to its mosquito repellent properties. The strong scent of rosemary acts as a deterrent for mosquitoes and can help keep them away.
To grow rosemary indoors, you will need a well-draining pot or container with good quality soil. Place the container in a location that receives at least 6 hours of direct sunlight per day. Rosemary prefers a slightly dry environment, so allow the soil to dry out between waterings, but not completely.
As the rosemary plant grows, you can crush the leaves or brush against them to release the fragrance and enhance its mosquito repellent effect. You can place potted rosemary plants near windows or entrances to deter mosquitoes from entering your home.
Keep in mind that rosemary is prone to powdery mildew, so you’ll need to have a lot of air movement around the plant to prevent that from settling in.
Lemon Balm
Lemon balm is another great plant that repels mosquitoes. Its lemony scent is what keeps mosquitoes away. This plant is easy to grow indoors and can be a great addition to your indoor garden.
Lemon balm is a herbaceous plant with a delightful lemony scent and a member of the mint family. It is known for its calming properties and its ability to repel mosquitoes.
Lemon balm contains natural compounds, including citronellal, citronellol, and geraniol, which contribute to its mosquito repellent properties. These compounds emit a strong citrus-like fragrance that mosquitoes find unpleasant, deterring them from the area.
Keep in mind that lemon balm can be prone to powdery mildew, so make sure to have plenty of air movement around the plant.
Marigold
Marigolds are beautiful flowers that also happen to repel mosquitoes.
Marigolds contain compounds, particularly thiophenes and pyrethroids, that give them their characteristic scent. This scent acts as a natural mosquito repellent. The strong aroma of marigolds is known to deter mosquitoes and other insects, keeping them at bay.
To grow marigolds indoors, you will need a container with well-draining soil and a location that receives at least 6 hours of direct sunlight per day.
Place potted scented geraniums near windows, doorways, or outdoor seating areas to create a barrier against mosquitoes. The fragrance emitted by the plants will deter mosquitoes from entering your living space.
Allium
Alliums, which include onions, garlic, and chives, are great at repelling mosquitoes. Allium contains allicin, which is a natural mosquito repellent.
They contain sulfur compounds, such as allicin, which give them their distinctive odor. Mosquitoes and other insects find the smell of alliums repulsive, which makes them effective natural repellents. However, it’s worth mentioning that the repellent effect may vary depending on the species and concentration of allium used.
To use allium as a mosquito repellent, you can crush the leaves or bulbs of the plant to release the odor and place them in areas where mosquitoes are present. Some people also use allium extracts or essential oils derived from allium plants as natural mosquito repellents.
Citronella Grass
Citronella grass is a tropical perennial that is widespread in Asia and the coasts of the Pacific. Its strong lemony scent is what repels mosquitoes.
Burning citronella candles or using citronella oil sprays can be effective, but having live citronella plants in your home provides constant protection against mosquitoes.
It’s easy to maintain and does not require any special equipment.
Garlic
Garlic is another member of the allium family that is effective at repelling mosquitoes. Its strong scent is what keeps mosquitoes away.
Garlic contains allicin, which is a natural mosquito repellent. When garlic is crushed or chopped, it releases this compound, which can be effective in repelling mosquitoes.
I started keeping garlic in my home last summer and noticed a significant decrease in the number of mosquitoes buzzing around.
I crushed a few cloves of garlic and placed them around my patio to keep mosquitoes away during outdoor gatherings. It was much more effective than using chemical sprays and had the added benefit of being a natural ingredient.
Lemongrass
Lemongrass is a tropical plant that is often used in cooking. Its strong lemony scent is what repels mosquitoes.
Lemon grass contains citronella oil as well which helps keep mosquitos away. Citronella and lemongrass are often used together because they have a compound that helps mask the scents that mosquitoes rely on to target hosts.
Lemongrass is edible! It has a light lemony scent and taste. You can use lemongrass in pots for mosquitoes and it is a easy natural solution.
Scented Geranium
Scented geraniums are beautiful flowers that also happen to repel mosquitoes. Scented geraniums contain natural compounds, including citronellol, which mosquitoes find repulsive.
Place potted scented geraniums near windows, doorways, or outdoor seating areas to create a barrier against mosquitoes. The fragrance emitted by the plants will deter mosquitoes from entering your living space.
Sage
Sage contains natural compounds, such as thujone and camphor, which possess mosquito-repellent properties. These compounds emit a fragrance that mosquitoes find unpleasant, helping to deter them from your living space.
While sage may not provide complete protection against mosquitoes, it can certainly help reduce their presence.
Pennyroyal
Pennyroyal is an herb that has been used for centuries as a natural insect repellent. It belongs to the mint family and is native to Europe, North Africa, and the Middle East.
Throughout history, pennyroyal has been used as an insect repellent due to its chemical properties. The plant contains pulegone, which is a compound known for its ability to repel mosquitoes and other insects.
This makes it a popular choice among people who seek natural or organic mosquito control solutions.
When using pennyroyal as a mosquito repellent, there are several methods of application. One way is to crush the dried leaves and rub them on exposed areas of your body in order to release the scent that will repel mosquitoes.
Alternatively, you can burn the leaves or make pennyroyal oil sprays and candles that can be used outdoors or indoors.
Eucalyptus
Eucalyptus is a popular ingredient in many products, including cough drops and essential oils. Some people also believe that it can be used to repel mosquitoes.
While eucalyptus may have some mosquito-repelling properties, it is not an effective method on its own. However, growing eucalyptus indoors can still be beneficial as it adds a fresh scent to your home and can be used in a variety of ways.
Eucalyptus contains a natural compound called cineole, which has been shown to have mosquito-repelling properties.
Place fresh eucalyptus branches around your home or burn eucalyptus candles to add a fresh scent and possibly help repel mosquitoes.
Lemon Thyme
Lemon thyme can repel mosquitoes naturally! The essential oil in lemon thyme contains natural compounds that provide antioxidant and anti-inflammatory benefits, as well as act as a natural insect repellent.
To use lemon thyme to keep mosquitoes away, you can make your own insect repellent spray by combining 1 teaspoon of dried lemon thyme with 2 cups of boiling water. Let it steep for 15 minutes before straining out the leaves, then add 1 tablespoon of witch hazel or vodka and mix together. Spray this mixture around your home or garden to keep mosquitoes away naturally!
Peppermint
Growing peppermint indoors not only offers a delightful herb for culinary purposes but also provides a natural mosquito repellent. By cultivating peppermint and utilizing its aromatic properties, you can create a more mosquito-free environment in your indoor spaces.
Peppermint contains natural compounds, such as menthol and limonene, that act as mosquito repellents. The strong aroma emitted by peppermint is highly disliked by mosquitoes.
Place potted peppermint plants strategically, use peppermint-infused sprays, and enjoy the benefits of a refreshing, mosquito-repellent ambiance.
While peppermint is effective in repelling mosquitoes, it’s important to note that its strong aroma may deter other insects as well. However, it’s generally well-tolerated by humans and pets.
Do Plants That Repel Mosquitoes Really Work?
While these plants can help repel mosquitoes, they are not a foolproof solution for complete mosquito control. Their effectiveness may vary based on factors such as the size of the area, prevailing mosquito populations, and proximity to breeding sites. Additionally, the scent released by these plants may not repel all mosquito species equally.
Using mosquito-repellent plants is a natural and environmentally friendly approach, it’s important to remember that their effectiveness may not be as potent as commercial mosquito repellents containing DEET or other EPA-approved active ingredients.
For stronger mosquito control, a combination of plant-based repellents, mosquito-proofing your home, and other mosquito control measures may be necessary.
Toxicity and Safety Concerns
When it comes to indoor plants that repel mosquitoes, safety and toxicity are important factors to consider. While many plants are safe for humans and pets, some can be toxic and cause harm if ingested. In this section, we will discuss toxic and safe plants for indoor use.
Toxic Plants
Some indoor plants can be toxic to humans and pets. It is important to keep these plants out of reach of children and pets, and to avoid ingesting any part of the plant. Here are some common toxic plants to be aware of:
| Plant Name | Toxic Parts | Symptoms |
|---|---|---|
| Dieffenbachia | Leaves, stem, sap | Mouth and throat irritation, swelling, difficulty swallowing |
| Philodendron | Leaves, stem, sap | Mouth and throat irritation, swelling, difficulty swallowing |
| Pothos | Leaves, stem, sap | Mouth and throat irritation, swelling, difficulty swallowing |
| Snake Plant | Leaves | Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea |
| ZZ Plant | Leaves, stem, sap | Mouth and throat irritation, swelling, difficulty swallowing |
If you have any of these plants in your home, make sure to keep them out of reach of children and pets. If you suspect that someone has ingested any part of a toxic plant, seek medical attention immediately.
Safe Plants
Fortunately, there are many indoor plants that are safe for humans and pets. Here are some common safe plants that repel mosquitoes:
- Citronella
- Lavender
- Rosemary
- Basil
- Mint
- Catnip
- Lemongrass
These plants are not only safe, but also effective in repelling mosquitoes. However, it is important to note that some people may be allergic to certain plants, so it is always a good idea to test a small area before placing a plant in your home.
In addition to the plants themselves, it is important to consider the potting soil used for indoor plants. Some potting soils may contain harmful chemicals or additives that can be toxic to humans and pets. Look for organic potting soils that are free from synthetic fertilizers and pesticides.
Plant Care and Maintenance
When it comes to taking care of indoor plants that repel mosquitoes, there are a few things you need to keep in mind to ensure their health and effectiveness. Proper watering, sunlight, and containers are all important factors to consider.
Watering
Mosquito-repelling plants are like any other indoor plant and require regular watering. However, it’s important not to overwater them, as this can lead to root rot and other issues. Make sure to check the soil regularly and only water when the top inch feels dry to the touch.
Sunlight
Most mosquito-repelling plants require plenty of sunlight to thrive. Make sure to place your plants in a spot that receives at least six hours of direct sunlight per day. If you don’t have a sunny window, you can also use artificial grow lights to provide the necessary light.
Containers
Choosing the right container for your mosquito-repelling plants is also important. Make sure the container has proper drainage holes to prevent water from accumulating and causing root rot. You can also choose a container with a saucer to catch excess water.
When selecting a container, it’s also important to consider the size. Make sure the container is large enough to accommodate the plant’s root system and allow for proper growth. If the container is too small, the plant may become root-bound and struggle to grow.
Using Plants as Mosquito Repellent
If you’re looking for a natural way to keep mosquitoes at bay, plants can be a great option. Not only do they add a touch of green to your home, but they can also help repel mosquitoes and other pesky insects. Here are some tips for using plants as mosquito repellent.
DIY Mosquito Repellent
One way to use plants as mosquito repellent is to make your own DIY repellent. This can be a fun and easy project, and it allows you to customize the scent and ingredients to your liking. Here’s a simple recipe to get you started:
- Combine 1/2 cup of witch hazel with 1/2 cup of water in a spray bottle.
- Add 30 drops of essential oils that repel mosquitoes, such as citronella, lemongrass, or lavender.
- Shake well and spray on your skin and clothing before going outside.
You can also add a few drops of these essential oils to a diffuser or oil burner to help keep mosquitoes away indoors.
Scents that Repel Mosquitoes
Certain scents are known to repel mosquitoes, so incorporating these into your home decor can be a natural way to keep them away. Here are some scents to consider:
- Citronella: This is one of the most well-known mosquito repellent scents. It’s commonly found in candles, but you can also grow citronella plants indoors.
- Lemongrass: This scent is similar to citronella and can be found in candles and essential oils.
- Lavender: Not only does lavender have a pleasant scent, but it’s also a natural mosquito repellent.
- Peppermint: This scent is refreshing and can also help keep mosquitoes away.
When using plants or essential oils as mosquito repellent, it’s important to note that they may not be as effective as commercial repellents containing DEET. However, they can still provide some protection and are a natural alternative to chemical-laden products.
Other Insects that Plants Repel
In addition to mosquitoes, there are many other insects that indoor plants can repel. Here are some of the most common ones:
Gnats and Aphids
Gnats and aphids are two types of small insects that can be a nuisance in your home. Fortunately, there are several indoor plants that can help repel them. Some of the best options include:
- Lavender: Not only does lavender smell great, but it can also help repel gnats and aphids. Plus, it’s a beautiful plant that can add some color to your home.
- Mint: Mint is another plant that can help repel gnats and aphids. Plus, it’s easy to grow and can be used in a variety of recipes.
- Chrysanthemum: Chrysanthemums contain a natural insecticide called pyrethrum, which can help repel gnats and aphids.
Pest Control
Indoor plants can also be effective at repelling other types of pests, such as spiders, ants, and roaches. Here are some of the best options:
- Eucalyptus: Eucalyptus contains a natural insecticide called eucalyptol, which can help repel spiders, ants, and roaches.
- Catnip: Catnip contains a natural insecticide called nepetalactone, which can help repel ants and roaches. Plus, it’s a fun plant to have around if you have cats.
- Rosemary: Rosemary contains a natural insecticide called rosmarinic acid, which can help repel mosquitoes, flies, and roaches.
Bees and Birds
While bees and birds are important for pollination and pest control, you may not want them inside your home. Here are some indoor plants that can help repel them:
- Basil: Basil contains a natural insecticide called eugenol, which can help repel bees. Plus, it’s a delicious herb that can be used in a variety of recipes.
- Marigold: Marigolds contain a natural insecticide called pyrethrum, which can help repel birds. Plus, they’re a beautiful plant that can add some color to your home.
Overall, indoor plants can be a great way to repel a variety of insects and pests. Just be sure to do your research and choose plants that are safe for your pets and family.
Final Thoughts On Indoor Mosquito Repellent Plants
There are many indoor plants that can effectively repel mosquitoes and keep your home mosquito-free. From citronella grass to alliums, these natural solutions are easy to maintain and provide a variety of benefits beyond just repelling mosquitoes.
Whether you’re looking for a new addition to your indoor garden or a natural alternative to chemical sprays, consider one of these mosquito-repelling plants.
Don’t let pesky mosquitoes ruin your summer evenings – try growing one of these indoor plants and see the difference for yourself! And if you have any questions or suggestions, we’d love to hear from you in the comments below.
