Plants Repel Mosquitoes: Monsoon is here and so is the increased number of unwelcome guests, that is, mosquitoes. Although the monsoon brings relief from the summer heat, the damp weather and humid environment create a perfect breeding ground for the buzzing mosquitoes, leading to itchy bites and potential health risks like dengue, malaria and chikungunya. While there are several chemical repellents for a quick fix, their strong scents and harsh ingredients can often be harmful for long-term use, especially around children and pets. Thus, instead of relying solely on them, planting aromatic plants like lavender, basil, lemongrass, marigold, mint and others can naturally keep mosquitoes at bay in monsoon.
The strong scents of the mosquito repellent plants contain scents such as citronella, nepetalactone, pyrethrum and linalool that mosquitoes find repulsive. These easy-to-grow mosquito repellent plants can be grown around patios, windows and entry points to enhance their effectiveness. Moreover, these plants will not only make the home and garden mosquito-free but also add beauty and freshness to the surroundings. Here are six plants that naturally repel mosquitoes in the monsoon season.
Natural Mosquito Repellent Plants For Monsoon
Lemongrass / Citronella Grass
Rich in citronella oil, these plants repel mosquitoes for up to 40 minutes when rubbed or defused. They thrive in pots near doors and patios for outdoor protection. Their natural scent adds a pleasant fresh aroma to the surroundings.
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Lavender
Lavender has linalool and linalyl acetate, which are volatile compounds disliked by mosquitoes. It also attracts beneficial pollinators and adds fragrance to gardens. You can grow this plant near windows or seating areas to enhance beauty as well as protection.
Basil
Basil, especially lemon basil or lime basil variants, emits a strong aroma that deters mosquitoes. This plant can be grown on the kitchen windowsill and can also be used in cooking to add flavour. Crushing basil leaves enhances the repellent effect. You can also plant the plant in sunny spots near entryways for maximum benefits.
Plants That Repel Mosquitoes Naturally (Image Credits: Canva)
Marigold
French marigolds contain pyrethrum, a natural insecticide. Positioning them near entry points or sitting areas provides aesthetic visual and protection by repelling mosquitoes, aphids and other harmful insects. This plant helps to keep the outdoors pest-free.
Mint & Lemon Balm
Mint or peppermint and lemon balm are highly aromatic and versatile. Mint helps repel multiple pests like mosquitoes, flies and mice, while lemon balm (horsemint) releases strong citrus odours when leaves are rubbed.
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Rosemary
This is used both fresh and burned. Rosemary’s oils deter mosquitoes and other insects. It is also effective when paired with other herbs or used in DIY mosquito repellent.