Anti Mosquito Plants: A Natural Solution to Keep Mosquitoes Away

Mosquitoes are one of the most annoying and dangerous pests that can ruin your outdoor activities. They not only cause skin irritation but also transmit deadly diseases like malaria, dengue, and Zika virus. While there are many chemical-based mosquito repellents available in the market, they can have harmful effects on humans and the environment. But did you know that there are natural ways to keep these pesky insects away? Yes, that's right! You can use anti-mosquito plants, which are not only effective but also safe for both humans and the environment.

What Are Anti-Mosquito Plants?

Anti-mosquito plants are those plants that have natural properties that repel mosquitoes. These plants contain essential oils, fragrances or chemicals that mosquitoes find unpleasant, and therefore, avoid them. Most of these plants are easy to grow, and you can use them as natural mosquito repellents in your garden, patio, or balcony.

15 Best Anti-Mosquito Plants and How to Use Them

Here are 15 of the best anti-mosquito plants that you can use to keep mosquitoes away:

1. Citronella Grass

Citronella is a well-known mosquito repellent plant, and its oil is often used in candles and other products. The grass has a strong lemon scent that masks the smell of carbon dioxide and lactic acid, which attract mosquitoes. You can plant it in pots or directly in the ground, and it thrives in warm and humid climates.

2. Lavender

Lavender is a beautiful and fragrant plant that repels mosquitoes, flies, and other insects. Its strong aroma makes it an excellent natural repellent, and you can use its flowers to make sachets or oil sprays. Lavender grows best in well-drained soil and full sun.

3. Peppermint

Peppermint is another anti-mosquito plant that has a refreshing scent and is easy to grow. Its essential oil contains menthol, which repels mosquitoes and has a cooling effect on the skin. You can crush its leaves and rub them on your skin or make a peppermint spray for your home.

4. Lemon Balm

Lemon balm is a herb that belongs to the mint family and has a citrusy scent. It contains citronellal, geraniol, and eucalyptol, which are all effective against mosquitoes. You can use its leaves to make tea or as a natural insect repellent.

5. Marigolds

Marigolds are colorful flowers that have a pungent odor that repels mosquitoes. They contain pyrethrum, a natural pesticide that paralyzes insects' nervous system. You can plant them in pots or beds near your windows and doors to keep mosquitoes away.

6. Rosemary

Rosemary is an aromatic herb that is commonly used in cooking. It also has mosquito-repelling properties due to its high concentration of camphor, which irritates mosquitoes' antennae. You can plant it in a sunny spot and use its leaves to make a rosemary spray.

7. Basil

Basil is an herb that has a sweet smell and a spicy taste. It contains eugenol, which is a natural insecticide that kills mosquitoes. You can plant it in pots or beds and use its leaves to make a basil spray.

8. Catnip

Catnip is a herb that belongs to the mint family, and its essential oil is ten times more effective than DEET, which is a common chemical-based mosquito repellent. You can grow catnip in pots or beds and make a catnip spray by boiling its leaves in water.

9. Lemongrass

Lemongrass is a tropical grass that has a lemony scent and is commonly used in Asian cuisine. Its essential oil contains citronellal, which is an effective mosquito repellent. You can plant it in full sun and well-drained soil and use its leaves to make lemongrass tea or spray.

10. Garlic

Garlic is a popular ingredient in cooking and also has mosquito-repelling properties. It contains allicin, which mosquitoes find repuve. You can plant garlic in your garden or use garlic powder to sprinkle around your home.

11. Sage

Sage is an herb that has a woody aroma and is used in many cuisines. Its essential oil contains camphor and thujone, which are effective against mosquitoes. You can plant sage in full sun and well-drained soil and use its leaves to make a sage spray.

12. Eucalyptus

Eucalyptus is a tree that is native to Australia and has a strong smell that repels mosquitoes. Its essential oil contains eucalyptol, which is a natural insecticide. You can grow eucalyptus in a pot or use its leaves to make a eucalyptus spray.

13. Mint

Mint is a herb that has a refreshing scent and is used in many drinks and dishes. Its essential oil contains menthol, which repels mosquitoes and has a cooling effect on the skin. You can plant mint in full sun and well-drained soil and use its leaves to make a mint spray.

14. Chrysanthemums

Chrysanthemums are colorful flowers that contain pyrethrum, a natural insecticide that paralyzes insects' nervous system. You can plant them in pots or beds near your windows and doors to keep mosquitoes away.

15. Ageratum

Ageratum is a flowering plant that contains coumarin, a natural mosquito repellent. You can plant it in pots or beds and use its leaves to make an ageratum spray.

How to Use Anti-Mosquito Plants?

Here are some ways you can use anti-mosquito plants to keep those pesky insects away:

1. Plant Them in Your Garden

You can plant anti-mosquito plants in your garden, patio, or balcony to create a natural barrier against mosquitoes. Make sure to choose the right plants that thrive in your climate and soil conditions.

2. Use Them as Potted Plants

If you don't have enough space in your garden, you can use anti-mosquito plants as potted plants. Place them near your windows and doors or on your balcony to keep mosquitoes away.

3. Crush Their Leaves

You can crush the leaves of anti-mosquito plants like peppermint, basil, and rosemary and rub them on your skin to repel mosquitoes. This is a natural and safe way to protect yourself from mosquito bites.

4. Make a Spray

You can use the leaves of anti-mosquito plants to make a natural spray. Boil the leaves in water and strain the liquid. Then, add some essential oil or vinegar to the mixture and store it in a spray bottle. You can use this spray to keep mosquitoes away from your home.

FAQs

1. Are Anti-Mosquito Plants Effective?

Yes, anti-mosquito plants are effective in repelling mosquitoes, but they may not be as potent as chemical-based mosquito repellents. However, using anti-mosquito plants is a safe and natural way to keep mosquitoes away.

2. Do I Need to Water Anti-Mosquito Plants Often?

Most anti-mosquito plants require regular watering to thrive. Make sure to water them when the soil feels dry to the touch, but avoid overwatering, which can lead to root rot.

3. Can I Use Anti-Mosquito Plants Indoors?

Yes, you can use anti-mosquito plants indoors, but make sure to choose plants that can grow in low-light conditions. You can also use their leaves to make a natural spray to keep mosquitoes away from your home.

4. Are Anti-Mosquito Plants Safe for Pets?

Most anti-mosquito plants are safe for pets, but some plants like citronella and eucalyptus can be toxic to dogs and cats. Make sure to research the plant's toxicity level before bringing them into your home.

5. Can I Use Anti-Mosquito Plants to Repel Other Insects?

Yes, many anti-mosquito plants like lavender, peppermint, and rosemary repel other insects like flies and ants. You can use them to create a natural barrier against these pests.


In anti-mosquito plants are a natural and safe way to keep mosquitoes away from your home. You can use them in your garden, as potted plants, or as natural sprays to create a barrier against these pesky insects. By choosing the right plants and using them correctly, you can enjoy the outdoors without having to worry about mosquito bites or chemical-based repellents' harmful effects.