Top 10 Mosquito Repellent Plants

Mosquitoes are one of the most annoying and harmful insects around. They not only cause itchy bites but also transmit dangerous diseases like malaria, dengue fever, and Zika virus. While there are many commercial mosquito repellents available in the market, they often contain harmful chemicals that can be toxic to humans and pets. Therefore, it's always a good idea to opt for natural remedies, such as mosquito repellent plants. In this blog post, we will discuss the top 10 mosquito repellent plants that you can grow in your garden or indoors.

1. Citronella

Citronella is a popular plant that is known for its potent mosquito-repelling properties. Its strong citrusy scent masks the odors that mosquitoes are attracted to and keeps them at bay. You can grow citronella in pots or directly in the ground. It prefers full sun and well-drained soil. You can also use citronella essential oil extracted from the plant to make natural mosquito repellent sprays and candles.

How to Use Citronella Oil

Mix 15-20 drops of citronella essential oil with a carrier oil like coconut oil or olive oil. Apply this mixture on your skin before going outside to repel mosquitoes. You can also add a few drops of citronella oil to a diffuser or vaporizer in your room to keep mosquitoes away.

Citronella vs. Lemongrass

Many people confuse citronella with lemongrass, which has a similar scent. However, citronella is a taller plant with reddish stems, while lemongrass is greener and bushier. Both plants have mosquito-repelling properties, but citronella is more effective.

2. Lavender

Lavender is a beautiful and fragrant plant that is known for its calming and soothing properties. It's also an excellent natural mosquito repellent. The scent of lavender masks the odor of carbon dioxide and lactic acid, which are the chemicals that attract mosquitoes to humans. You can grow lavender in pots or in the ground. It prefers full sun and well-drained soil.

How to Use Lavender

You can use lavender essential oil extracted from the plant to make natural mosquito repellent sprays and lotions. Mix 20-25 drops of lavender oil with a carrier oil like coconut oil or jojoba oil. Apply this mixture on your skin before going outside to repel mosquitoes. You can also place dried lavender flowers in sachets or pouches and keep them in your closet or drawers to repel moths and other insects.

Lavender vs. Rosemary

Rosemary is another herb that has mosquito-repellent properties. Its strong scent masks the odor of carbon dioxide and lactic acid, just like lavender. However, lavender is more effective as a mosquito repellent than rosemary.

3. Peppermint

Peppermint is a refreshing herb that is commonly used in teas, candies, and other products. It's also a potent mosquito repellent. The strong scent of peppermint masks the odors that mosquitoes are attracted to and keeps them away. You can grow peppermint in pots or in the ground. It prefers partial shade and moist soil.

How to Use Peppermint

You can use peppermint essential oil extracted from the plant to make natural mosquito repellent sprays and lotions. Mix 20-25 drops of peppermint oil with a carrier oil like coconut oil or almond oil. Apply this mixture on your skin before going outside to repel mosquitoes. You can also crush fresh peppermint leaves and rub them on your skin to repel mosquitoes.

Peppermint vs. Spearmint

Spearmint is another herb that has mosquito-repellent properties. Its scent is similar to peppermint, but milder. However, peppermint is more effective as a mosquito repellent than spearmint.

4. Catnip

Catnip is a herb that is known for its attraction to cats. However, it's also a potent mosquito repellent. The active ingredient in catnip, nepetalactone, is more effective at repelling mosquitoes than DEET, which is the active ingredient in most commercial mosquito repellents. You can grow catnip in pots or in the ground. It prefers full sun and well-drained soil.

How to Use Catnip

You can crush fresh catnip leaves and rub them on your skin to repel mosquitoes. You can also use catnip essential oil extracted from the plant to make natural mosquito repellent sprays and candles.

Is Catnip Safe for Cats?

Yes, catnip is safe for cats to eat and play with. It's actually a favorite treat for many cats. However, if you have a cat that likes to chew on plants, you may want to keep catnip out of their reach.

5. Lemon Balm

Lemon balm is a herb that is known for its lemony scent and calming properties. It's also a potent mosquito repellent. The scent of lemon balm masks the odors that mosquitoes are attracted to and keeps them away. You can grow lemon balm in pots or in the ground. It prefers partial shade and moist soil.

How to Use Lemon Balm

You can use lemon balm essential oil extracted from the plant to make natural mosquito repellent sprays and lotions. Mix 20-25 drops of lemon balm oil with a carrier oil like coconut oil or jojoba oil. Apply this mixture on your skin before going outside to repel mosquitoes. You can also crush fresh lemon balm leaves and rub them on your skin to repel mosquitoes.

Lemon Balm vs. Lemon Grass

Many people confuse lemon balm with lemongrass, which has a similar scent. However, lemon balm is a smaller plant with heart-shaped leaves, while lemongrass is taller and bushier. Both plants have mosquito-repelling properties, but lemon balm is more effective.

6. Basil

Basil is a herb that is commonly used in cooking. It's also a potent mosquito repellent. The strong scent of basil masks the odors that mosquitoes are attracted to and keeps them away. You can grow basil in pots or in the ground. It prefers full sun and well-drained soil.

How to Use Basil

You can crush fresh basil leaves and rub them on your skin to repel mosquitoes. You can also use basil essential oil extracted from the plant to make natural mosquito repellent sprays and candles.

Basil vs. Oregano

Oregano is another herb that has mosquito-repellent properties. Its scent is similar to basil, but stronger. However, basil is more effective as a mosquito repellent than oregano.

7. Marigold

Marigold is a beautiful and colorful flower that is known for its ability to repel mosquitoes and other pests. The scent of marigold masks the odors that mosquitoes are attracted to and keeps them away. You can grow marigold in pots or in the ground. It prefers full sun and well-drained soil.

How to Use Marigold

You can plant marigold around your garden or outdoor living space to repel mosquitoes. You can also use marigold essential oil extracted from the flower to make natural mosquito repellent sprays and candles.

Are Marigolds Edible?

Yes, marigolds are edible. They are often used as a garnish or added to salads for their bright color and mild flavor.

8. Eucalyptus

Eucalyptus is a tree that is native to Australia. Its leaves contain a compound called eucalyptol, which has potent mosquito-repelling properties. You can grow eucalyptus in pots or in the ground. It prefers full sun and well-drained soil.

How to Use Eucalyptus

You can use eucalyptus essential oil extracted from the plant to make natural mosquito repellent sprays and lotions. Mix 20-25 drops of eucalyptus oil with a carrier oil like coconut oil or jojoba oil. Apply this mixture on your skin before going outside to repel mosquitoes. You can also add a few drops of eucalyptus oil to a diffuser or vaporizer in your room to keep mosquitoes away.

Eucalyptus vs. Tea Tree Oil

Tea tree oil is another essential oil that has mosquito-repellent properties. Its scent is similar to eucalyptus, but milder. However, eucalyptus is more effective as a mosquito repellent than tea tree oil.

9. Lemon Thyme

Lemon thyme is a herb that is known for its lemony scent and culinary uses. It's also a potent mosquito repellent. The scent of lemon thyme masks the odors that mosquitoes are attracted to and keeps them away. You can grow lemon thyme in pots or in the ground. It prefers full sun and well-drained soil.

How to Use Lemon Thyme

You can crush fresh lemon thyme leaves and rub them on your skin to repel mosquitoes. You can also use lemon thyme essential oil extracted from the plant to make natural mosquito repellent sprays and candles.

Lemon Thyme vs. Lemon Verbena

Lemon verbena is another herb that has mosquito-repellent properties. Its scent is similar to lemon thyme, but stronger. However, lemon thyme is more effective as a mosquito repellent than lemon verbena.

10. Sage

Sage is a herb that is commonly used in cooking. It's also a potent mosquito repellent. The strong scent of sage masks the odors that mosquitoes are attracted to and keeps them away. You can grow sage in pots or in the ground. It prefers full sun and well-drained soil.

How to Use Sage

You can crush fresh sage leaves and rub them on your skin to repel mosquitoes. You can also use sage essential oil extracted from the plant to make natural mosquito repellent sprays and candles.

Sage vs. Thyme

Thyme is another herb that has mosquito-repellent properties. Its scent is similar to sage, but milder. However, sage is more effective as a mosquito repellent than thyme.

In natural mosquito repellent plants are a safe and effective way to keep mosquitoes away from your home and garden. You can grow these plants in pots or directly in the ground and use them in various forms like essential oils, candles, and lotions. By incorporating these plants into your life, you can enjoy your time outdoors without worrying about mosquitoes and the diseases they carry.

FAQs

1. Are natural mosquito repellents as effective as commercial ones?

Natural mosquito repellents are generally less potent than commercial ones that contain DEET. However, they are still effective at repelling mosquitoes and are safer for humans and pets.

2. Can I plant these mosquito repellent plants indoors?

Yes, many of these plants can be grown indoors in pots or containers. However, they may not be as effective at repelling mosquitoes as they would be outside.

3. How often do I need to apply natural mosquito repellents?

You should apply natural mosquito repellents every few hours, depending on the strength of the product and the level of mosquito activity in your area.

4. Can I eat these mosquito repellent plants?

Some of these plants, like basil and marigold, are edible. However, others may be toxic if ingested. Always research a plant before consuming it.

5. Can I use these mosquito repellent plants on my pets?

Some of these plants, like catnip and lavender, are safe for pets. However, others may be toxic if ingested. Always research a plant before using it on your pet.