Beautiful Indoor Plants That Repel Mosquitoes

The Dali Lama was once quoted as saying, “if you think you’re too small to make a difference, try sleeping with a mosquito.” The high-pitched whining buzz of just one of these parasitic fliers can be enough to keep you up at night. 

Unless you live in Iceland, chances are that you have to deal with mosquitoes at some point. Here are beautiful indoor plants that can help keep these pests out of your home.

Why Repel Mosquitoes?

Mosquitoes have been deemed one of the most dangerous creatures in the world. This fact is shocking for many, but mosquito-borne diseases are responsible for over one million deaths each year. Malaria, West-Nile Virus, and Dengue Fever are three of the major diseases to be wary of when mosquitoes are present.

While the majority of these deaths have taken place in Africa, cases have been making their way to North American shores. Changing climates and more global mobility via commercial transport make diseases like these more mobile.

Plants that Repel Mosquitoes

Fortunately, there are plants to use both inside and outside your home to deter mosquitoes. As these pests tend to get in through open doors and undetectable drafts, having repellent plants in common areas is well worth it.

Citronella

Citronella is the traditional plant used for creating mosquito repellent products. This pungent smell is said to mask the scents that attract mosquitoes. Rather than repelling mosquitoes, it makes it so they don’t have a reason to visit in the first place.

Citronella can be grown indoors in a pot with loose soil. They prefer sunny windows and can grow up to six feet tall if left unchecked. However, you can use trimmings of the plant to make citronella oil, which can be worn as a natural repellent outdoors.

Basil

It’s safe to say that mosquitos probably don’t like Italian food. The strong aroma emitted by basil plants repulses mosquitoes and keeps them away.

Grow a couple of basil plants in your kitchen window for a mosquito repellent that doubles as a great indoor herb garden. It’s said that mosquitos also dislike rosemary, sage, and peppermint if you want to create a full spread.

Lavender

Lavender has long been regarded for its aromatherapeutic properties. This wonder flower is said to help reduce stress and anxiety, creating a sense of calm. However, lavender has the opposite effect on mosquitos, as well as spiders and fleas.

Lavender usually grows in vast fields, but it can be potted. Choose a sunny window and a roomy pot with well-drained soil. Lavender is one of those fantastic plants that thrive on neglect— you only need to water it every few weeks. 

Marigold

Marigold is known for being bright and beautiful. This annual plant is easy to grow and, as a result, is often a Mother’s Day gift from young children who learned basic botany at school.

Fortunately, the pungent aroma for which this plant is known is a reliable pest deterrent. Not only do they repel various insects, but they are also used in vegetable gardens to keep deer and rabbits away. 

As marigold is so easy to grow, you can plant seeds in loose soil in anything from a plastic cup to a basic planter. Give the plant a lot of sunlight for it to flourish and thrive.

Geraniums

For a pop of color in your indoor mosquito-repellent garden, plant some scented geraniums. These flowers have beautiful, delicate petals with a soft citronella scent. Geraniums are one of the few mosquito-repellent plants that are pretty to look at as well.

Whether your primary concern is diseases and allergies or you just hate mosquitoes like the rest of the world, indoor plants can keep them out of your home. Try using a few of the plants from this list in your interior decor, and enjoy a pest-free summer.