Top 16 Indoor Plants That Effectively Repel Mosquitoes (Part 1)

CVT247net > Greenery > Top 16 Indoor Plants That Effectively Repel Mosquitoes (Part 1)

Mosquitoes and other insects are common intruders in homes, often bringing health risks and making spaces less hygienic. While chemical repellents are one option, growing certain plants indoors can offer an effective and aesthetically pleasing solution. Below is a comprehensive list of the top 16 indoor plants known for their mosquito-repelling abilities, along with their additional benefits.

1. Lemongrass (Cymbopogon citratus)

Common Names:

• Lemongrass, Citronella Grass, Oil Grass

Size and Lifespan:

• Height: 0.5 – 2 meters
• Lifespan: 3 – 5 years

Best Placement:

• Living room, bedroom, office, bathroom, balcony, or any sunny spot

Lemongrass is widely known for its culinary use and fragrant essential oils, but it also serves as one of the most effective mosquito repellents. Its refreshing scent not only calms your senses but also disrupts the navigation of mosquitoes and other insects, making them avoid the area. By planting lemongrass indoors, you create a safe and natural barrier against mosquitoes, all while adding a touch of greenery to your home.

In my years of landscaping experience, lemongrass has proven to be an invaluable plant for both culinary use and pest control. I often recommend it to homeowners looking for a low-maintenance, multi-functional plant.

2. Mint (Mentha arvensis)

Common Names:

• Mint, Peppermint, Spearmint

Size and Lifespan:

• Height: 60 – 80 cm
• Lifespan: 50 years (with proper care)

Best Placement:

• Areas with morning sun and afternoon shade, such as kitchens or balconies

Mint is incredibly easy to grow and thrives in humid, warm conditions, making it ideal for indoor planting. Its potent essential oils have been shown to repel mosquitoes far more effectively than chemical sprays. Additionally, mint can be harvested for tea or culinary use.

When planting a vertical garden, I often include mint due to its versatility and low care needs. Its fast growth and pest-repelling qualities make it a staple in indoor gardens.

3. Basil (Ocimum basilicum)

Common Names:

• Sweet Basil, Thai Basil, Holy Basil

Size and Lifespan:

• Height: 30 – 130 cm
• Lifespan: 1 – 2 years

Best Placement:

• Near windows, balconies, or patios

Basil is a common herb in tropical climates and is not only used for its culinary applications but also for its ability to repel mosquitoes. The plant releases a strong scent that insects find repelling, making it a practical and natural alternative to insecticides.

In urban gardening projects, I often place basil pots near seating areas to help keep mosquitoes at bay, especially during the rainy season when mosquito populations peak.

4. Lemon Balm (Melissa officinalis)

Common Names:

• Lemon Balm, Sweet Balm, Melissa

Size and Lifespan:

• Height: 70 – 150 cm
• Lifespan: 1 – 2 years

Best Placement:

• Living rooms, balconies, or bathrooms

Lemon balm, a member of the mint family, is valued for its fresh, citrus-like fragrance. The essential oils released from the leaves naturally deter mosquitoes while offering a pleasant scent for your living space.

During my garden design work, I frequently recommend lemon balm for clients who enjoy herbal teas, as it doubles as a natural mosquito repellent and a calming ingredient for tea blends.

5. Rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis)

Common Names:

• Rosemary

Size and Lifespan:

• Height: 20 cm – 1 meter
• Lifespan: 5 – 7 years

Best Placement:

• Sunlit areas such as balconies or kitchen windows

Rosemary is a drought-tolerant herb originating from the Mediterranean. Its strong scent is unpleasant to mosquitoes, making it an effective natural repellent. Additionally, rosemary can be used in cooking, offering both practical and aesthetic value to your home.

Rosemary’s adaptability to indoor and outdoor environments makes it a frequent recommendation in my landscaping projects, especially for clients who prefer organic, eco-friendly solutions to pest control.

6. Lavender (Lavandula angustifolia)

Common Names:

• Lavender, Common Lavender

Size and Lifespan:

• Height: 20 – 50 cm
• Lifespan: 10 – 15 years

Best Placement:

• Bedrooms, offices, and balconies

Lavender is loved for its calming purple blooms and soothing fragrance. Beyond its ornamental use, lavender is highly effective in repelling mosquitoes. Its strong essential oils create an environment that mosquitoes find overwhelming, making it an excellent indoor plant choice.

Incorporating lavender into home interiors not only beautifies spaces but also helps clients create mosquito-free relaxation zones, such as bedrooms or reading nooks.

7. Clove (Syzygium aromaticum)

Common Names:

• Clove, Clove Tree

Size and Lifespan:

• Height: 60 – 80 cm
• Lifespan: 10 – 15 years

Best Placement:

• Balconies, bathrooms, or patios

Clove trees emit a powerful fragrance that is pleasant to humans but detestable to mosquitoes and other insects. The oil extracted from clove buds is also widely used in natural insect repellents.

In tropical garden designs, I often plant clove trees in outdoor areas to help reduce the presence of mosquitoes, offering an organic solution to pest control.

8. Geranium (Pelargonium zonale)

Common Names:

• Geranium, Crane’s Bill

Size and Lifespan:

• Height: 50 – 80 cm
• Lifespan: 5 – 6 years

Best Placement:

• Balconies, gardens, or living rooms

Geraniums are both visually appealing and practical, with their vibrant blooms adding beauty to any space. Their pungent scent, however, repels mosquitoes and other pests.

When designing ornamental gardens, I frequently use geraniums for their dual-purpose benefits—both as a decorative feature and as a pest control plant