12 Best Mosquito Repellent Plants in India
Mosquitoes are an ever-present nuisance, especially in warm, tropical countries like India. Not only do they cause itchy bites, but they can also carry dangerous diseases such as malaria, dengue, and chikungunya. While mosquito sprays and insecticides may offer a quick solution, they often contain chemicals that can be harmful to the environment, pets, and human health. A natural and sustainable solution to keep these pesky insects at bay is growing mosquito-repellent plants. Not only do these plants add beauty to your home and garden, but they also provide a safe and effective way to deter mosquitoes.
If you’re looking for natural ways to keep mosquitoes away, here’s a list of the twelve best mosquito repellent plants you can grow in India.
1. Rosemary
A blog about mosquito repellent plants is incomplete without mentioning rosemary. It is a fragrant plant that you might already know about, and its woody smell is what keeps the cabbage moths, mosquitoes, and carrot flies away from your home. It works best in warm and dry temperatures and can be effectively grown in small vases.
2. Lemon Balm
Lemon balm is another great option for a mosquito-repellent plant. Famously known as Horsemint because of its solid smell, it can fend off bugs and mosquitoes really well. Plus, you won't lose the butterflies and birds because of it. This plant requires less maintenance, making it easy to handle.
3. Marigolds
This blossom needs no introduction. Known for its distinctive fragrance, this is one of the best mosquito repellent plants. You can grow them in holders or pots and keep them at the entrance of your home to keep the bugs out. They additionally keep away aphids, thrips, whiteflies, squash bugs, and also tomato hornworms. Due to their vibrant and attractive appearance, marigolds are also popular as indoor plants for home decoration, offering the best of both worlds—natural pest control and a beautiful aesthetic.
4. Basil
This is an extraordinary plant for home, known for many benefits. The solid smell of the basil leaves helps keep mosquitoes far from your space. It is critical to know that Basil likes to be kept wet; it needs sunlight and excellent drainage. The plant can be grown in pots or containers. The herb is also fantastic for medicinal purposes and is a great choice to go with while looking for natural mosquito repellent plants.
5. Lemon Grass
Another excellent mosquito repellent is the Lemon Grass, which also goes by the name Cymbopogon citratus. The bloom contains citronella, a natural oil that repels bugs. In India, the plant is also utilised as an anti-inflammatory medicine. Lemongrass has a flawless fragrance, which is why it is utilised in toiletries and different scents.
6. Allium Sativum (Garlic)
One of the common mosquito repellent plants in India is the garlic plant. Garlic is an effective natural deterrent for mosquitoes. You can use it by cutting it into small pieces and spreading them around your living areas. You can also make a spray by blending garlic with aromatic oils or just grow a garlic plant in your garden.
7. Citronella Grass
It is a key ingredient in most DEET-based anti-mosquito agents, which is why it ranks highly in terms of effectiveness among mosquito-repellent indoor plants. Just ensure you keep the pots in warm spots, as Citronella grass is sensitive to colder climatic conditions. The scent it emits keeps mosquitoes away, especially in small areas.
8. Catnip
Catnip is also a great mosquito repellent. Nepetalactone is one of the primary ingredients in Catnip, which has been found to be much more effective than DEET, as indicated by many researchers. Catnip is likewise a decent non-toxic substitute to generally used synthetic sprays. Also, cats love them.
9. Mint
When it comes to the best indoor plants for home for repelling mosquitoes, mint is one you cannot ignore, mainly due to its versatility. Mint is very popular as a mouth freshener, tea-flavour enhancer, and a versatile herb in various cuisines. Grow various varieties of mint in your garden, wild or developed, since every one of them has the basic property to repulse mosquitoes. Plus, mint is simple to grow and can even be used to make your own handmade mosquito repellent.
10. Sage
Sage is a fragrant indoor plant that can help repel mosquitoes. It is easy to maintain and can grow in well-drained soil with moderate sunlight. In terms of appearance, Sage looks striking with its green-grey leaves and tall stems that bear bunches of purple-blue flowers. Apart from its mosquito-repelling qualities, sage is also widely used in culinary preparations and has anti-inflammatory properties.
11. Lavender
Lavender is another indoor plant with narrow green-grey leaves and small, delicate purple flower clusters. It can deter mosquitoes with its sweet fragrance. In addition to being an effective mosquito repellant, lavender is famous for its calming and relaxing properties, and it is often used in aromatherapy to promote relaxation and sleep.
12. Bee Balm
Bee balm, also known as Bergamot, gets its name because its fragrant flowers attract bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds. It is an attractive indoor plant with an aromatic scent and is also widely used for landscaping. Apart from its mosquito-repelling qualities, bee balm is also used in herbal medicine as a natural remedy for colds and flu, and it can also be made into a soothing tea.
With this, we come to the end of the blog. Now that you're aware of the benefits of the leafy companions mentioned above, why not add a few of these mosquito-repellent plants to your space? Depending on your preference, you can either order these indoor plants online with ease or grow them from seeds. Either way, they'll help you enjoy a peaceful, mosquito-free environment while making your garden more vibrant and aromatic!
