Mosquitos are amongst the worst flying pests on the planet!
They hover around your head and when they bite, you sure will know it! The itchy and annoyance of the initial bite may be small localized there but boy does it drive you insane!
You might think if you go indoors, you could escape those pesky little flies but in fact the mosquito will easily follow you.
Unless, of course, you take steps to arm your home with some of the best plants to repel mosquitos.
If you are unsure of which plants to use then you have no need to fear!
What to Expect: We have you covered and recommend a list of 7 of the best mosquito repelling plants for indoor use so you can safely and comfortably enjoy a mosquito free home and not be attacked!
Mosquito Plant (Citronella)
Citronella is commonly called the mosquito plant for how well it keeps these pesky insects away.
Interestingly enough, this plant was actually bred using two other species of mosquito repelling plants:
- the African geranium
- and the Chinese citronella grass
While it does have a very strong odor that insects hate, the plant can also be used instead of your typical insect repellent.
In fact, citronella can be put directly on your skin, and it adds a nice smelling barrier that mosquitoes will attempt to avoid!
You can even create your own insect repellent spray using the leaves of the plant and soaking it in ether olive oil or ethanol.
Not only is this a more natural option so it is gentler on your skin, but it is also a fun project and you can use it to fully utilize your plants ability!
Lastly, it is not only the smell that repels these pests.
There is a chemical in the plant secretions, 2-hydroxyethyl cymene, that the mosquito stays aware of.
- When caring for these plants:
- You will want them to be in bright sun, or at least partial sun such as on a window sill.
The plant typically will not grow larger than four feet, but be conscious and make sure that they have a pot that is enough to grow comfortably.
Lavender
Typically, you would grow lavender outside because your plant needs sunlight and tends to grow more in a warm climate.
Still, you can always bring a couple of cuttings into your house if you are thinking about keeping mosquitoes and other insects away. You’ll just need to make sure to find a place that is sunny most of the day and has decent airflow.
When properly taken care of, lavender can grow to be a relatively big plant so you would have to keep that in mind to watch and prune it if needed, unless you would rather it take up a good amount of space in your home.
However, the heady, earthy smell of this pretty purple flower is sure to keep the bugs away!
Keep in Mind: While English lavender has a much stronger scent, French lavender is often easier to care for, especially when caring for indoors.
Catnip
Catnip belongs to the mint family, so it’s no surprise that it has a powerful odor.
Not only is this odor powerful, but it’s also a very useful chief when it comes to repelling mosquitoes – in fact, it is likely one of the best options.
Like lavender, catnip can grow really big, and the best way to manage that is to split the plant and root it.
You will need to keep it on a sunny window sill so you will need to determine a good place for that. Additionally, catnip likes a lot of water.
It is the leaves of the catnip plant that gives us so much success in battling mosquitoes but you’ll see that it flowers a fair amount as well.
To encourage the plant to produce more leaves, it’s a good idea to pinch off the flowers as the flower buds bloom.
Thyme
Thyme is remarkably effective when it comes to keeping mosquitoes away so if you have a mosquito problem this may be a great choice.
Research has found time and time again how effective this plant is in repelling mosquitoes.
One of the cool things about thyme is that it is not overly finicky about its environment, and since it is a creeper, it will do well in just about any situation.
Even Better: If you need a tough plant that is going to survive indoors, then this is something to consider. In addition to its repellent properties, thyme is also great for cooking with and smells pleasant and earthy.
Basil
Basil is another fantastic plant that will serve you well in the kitchen and in your favorite dishes.
It is a very versatile herb that can be used in many different cuisines so it can be the perfect addition if you’re a budding Gordon Ramsay.
But much like other plants, basil distinguishes itself for its ability to repel annoying mosquitoes.
Basil has a fresh, uplifting fragrance that appeals to humans but can be very unappealing for mosquitoes.
As with all indoor plants, you will want to make sure you have your basil placed in a nice sunny location so it can flourish and also ensure it gets regular water.
This is a plant that doesn’t like to dry out but also be sure not to drown its roots.
Rosemary
Once again, we are up against a plant that is suitable for anyone who enjoys being in the kitchen.
Rosemary has a strong fragrance that is perfect for all sorts of dishes.
But we may love it, but the intensity will certainly deter mosquitoes.
One of the benefits of rosemary is that it is quite hardy. It performs well in many different conditions and needs little to no attention.
This may be a good plant for someone who does not have a green thumb. It does not need constant watering or even full sun.
The plant will repel mosquitoes and other pests in your home simply by being there, and there are some processes to make it even more effective:
- For example, you could rub the leaves directly on your skin, or use them to rub on window sills or doors, or other entry points to the house.
- Some people will tie a few rosemary sprigs together and burn it; the strong odor will immediately repel mosquitoes.
Mint
There are several varieties of mint plants, such as spearmint and peppermint.
Both of these are great at repelling bugs, including mosquitoes.
If you look at the ingredients on bug sprays, you will almost always see mint as an ingredient.
Normally you would see mint outdoors, but since this is a rapidly growing type of plant, you can just grab a few cuttings and pot it for indoor use.
You will need to give it enough light, so the best spot would be on or near a window.
If there aren’t any good spots for an indoor mint plant, then you can just take a few sprigs of whatever mint is growing outdoors and leave them around your home, replacing when necessary, and it’ll help deter bugs.
Just like citronella, you can soak mint leaves in ethanol to make your own bug spray.
Alternatively (speaking of alternatives): You might use it in soap and other cosmetics and you can use it in cooking as well. It is definitely one of the more versatile plants on this list.
Conclusion
Mosquitoes are a major nuisance, however, you do not have to deal with them.
There are many easy-to-keep plants that will produce an odor strong enough to ward off mosquitoes before they’ve even made it through the door!