10 Plants That Keep Mosquitoes Away Naturally

Mosquitoes can be more than just a nuisance. They can disturb your sleep, cause itchy bites, and even spread diseases. While chemical repellents work, they often come with strong smells and harmful ingredients. The good news? Nature has its own solution. Certain plants release scents and oils that naturally keep mosquitoes away. Adding them to your home or balcony not only helps you enjoy mosquito-free evenings but also brings in fresh greenery and fragrance. Let’s look at some of the best plants that can help keep those pesky bugs at bay.

1.  Lemongrass / Citronella

Lemongrass, commonly known as citronella, is one of the most effective plants to avoid mosquitoes indoors and outdoors. Its strong citrus scent masks human odors that attract mosquitoes, keeping them away naturally. The essential oils in lemongrass are also used in sprays, candles, and diffusers, making it a reliable and eco-friendly option to keep your home mosquito-free while adding a refreshing aroma.

Care tips: To care for lemongrass, place it in a sunny spot where it can receive at least 6-8 hours of direct sunlight daily. It thrives in warm, humid conditions and prefers well-draining soil. Water regularly to keep the soil slightly moist, and trim the leaves occasionally to encourage fresh growth. Indoors, position the plant near windows or balconies with good sunlight and air circulation for best results.

2.  Lavender

Lavender is a beautifully fragrant mosquito killer plant that not only keeps mosquitoes away but also uplifts your home with its soothing aroma. The essential oils in lavender leaves and flowers release a scent that mosquitoes dislike, making it an excellent natural solution for bedrooms, living rooms, and balconies. Beyond repelling insects, lavender also promotes relaxation and can improve sleep quality.

Care tips: To care for lavender, place it in a sunny location with at least six hours of direct sunlight. It grows best in soil that drains well and does not need much water. Trim the flowers and stems regularly to encourage fresh growth and keep the plant compact. Indoors, put it near a bright window and rotate the pot sometimes to ensure even growth and full fragrance.

3. Basil (Tulsi)

Basil, known as Tulsi in India, is one of the best anti mosquito plants for homes. Its strong aroma naturally keeps mosquitoes away while improving indoor air quality. Placing a pot of basil in living rooms, kitchens, or near windows helps create a mosquito-free space while adding greenery and freshness to your home.

Care tips: To care for basil, place it in a bright location that receives at least five to six hours of sunlight daily. It prefers well-draining soil and needs regular watering to keep the soil slightly moist. Trim the leaves often to encourage fresh growth and prevent flowering too early. Indoor pots should have drainage holes and can be rotated occasionally to ensure even growth and maximum fragrance.

4. Mint

Mint is a lively herb that brings both fragrance and freshness to your home. Its scent discourages mosquitoes from lingering in your living spaces. Using mint pots near windows or doorways can be very helpful, as it ranks effectively among plants that keep mosquitoes away indoors.

Care tips: To care for mint, plant it in soil that drains well and place it in a bright spot that receives around 4–6 hours of sunlight daily. Water regularly to keep the soil slightly moist, but avoid overwatering. Trim the leaves often to encourage bushy growth and prevent the plant from taking over your space. Indoor pots should have proper drainage, and rotating the container occasionally ensures even growth and optimal fragrance.

5. Rosemary

Rosemary is a fragrant herb that not only enhances the aroma of your home but also helps keep insects at bay. While its scent is subtle and pleasant to humans, mosquitoes dislike it, making rosemary one of the most effective plants to avoid mosquitoes indoors. Placing pots in kitchens, living areas, or near windows can naturally reduce mosquito presence.

Care tips: To care for rosemary, provide it with 6–8 hours of direct sunlight daily, ideally in a sunny window or balcony. Use well-draining soil and water moderately, letting the topsoil dry out slightly between watering. Trim the plant regularly to encourage bushy growth and prevent woody stems from forming. Indoors, rotate the pot occasionally to ensure even sunlight exposure and maintain healthy, aromatic leaves.

6. Marigold (Genda)

Marigold is a vibrant and cheerful plant that is also one of the most effective anti mosquito plants. Its distinct scent naturally repels mosquitoes, making it ideal for patios, balconies, or near windows. Beyond keeping mosquitoes away, marigolds attract beneficial insects and add a splash of color to any indoor or outdoor space.

Care tips: To care for marigolds, place them in a location that receives 6–8 hours of direct sunlight daily. Use well-draining soil and water moderately, allowing the soil to dry slightly between watering. Deadhead the flowers regularly to encourage continuous blooms. Indoors, ensure good air circulation and rotate pots occasionally to expose all parts of the plant to sunlight for optimal growth.

7. Catnip (Nepeta cataria)

Catnip is a hardy herb known for its strong effect on mosquitoes, making it a natural mosquito killer plant for homes. Its scent repels mosquitoes effectively, and studies show it can be even more powerful than some chemical repellents. Placing catnip in living rooms, balconies, or near windows can help reduce mosquito activity indoors.

Care tips: To care for catnip, provide 6-7 hours of bright sunlight daily, either through a sunny window or outdoor balcony. Use well-draining soil and water regularly, keeping the soil slightly moist but not soggy. Trim the plant frequently to encourage bushy growth and prevent it from flowering too early. Rotate indoor pots occasionally to ensure even light exposure and healthy leaves.

8. Geranium

Geranium is a bright and hardy plant that is also highly effective among plants that keep mosquitoes away. Its scented leaves naturally deter mosquitoes, making it perfect for placing near windows, patios, or indoor living areas. Along with repelling insects, geranium adds beautiful color and a refreshing touch to your home décor.

Care tips: To care for geranium, provide 4–6 hours of bright sunlight daily. Plant it in well-draining soil and water moderately, allowing the soil to dry slightly between watering. Remove faded flowers regularly to encourage continuous blooms. If grown indoors, ensure good air circulation and rotate the pot occasionally so all sides receive adequate sunlight for healthy growth.

9. Peppermint

Peppermint is a fragrant herb that works well as a natural mosquito killer plant. Its strong, fresh aroma keeps mosquitoes away and adds a refreshing scent to your home. Placing peppermint in living areas, near windows, or in kitchens helps reduce mosquito presence while bringing a touch of greenery indoors.

Care tips: To care for peppermint, provide 4–6 hours of bright, indirect sunlight daily. Plant it in well-draining soil and water consistently to keep the soil slightly moist but not soggy. Trim the leaves regularly to encourage bushy growth and prevent flowering too early. For indoor growth, use pots with drainage holes and rotate occasionally to ensure all parts of the plant receive adequate light.

10. Garlic

Garlic is well known for its strong scent that mosquitoes dislike, making it one of the effective plants that keep mosquitoes away. Placing garlic bulbs or potted garlic near windows, doorways, or in the kitchen can help repel mosquitoes while adding a touch of greenery and freshness to your indoor space.

Care tips: To care for garlic, plant it in well-draining soil and place it in a location that receives 6–8 hours of sunlight daily. Water moderately to keep the soil slightly moist but not soggy. For indoor planting, use containers with drainage holes and ensure good air circulation. Trim any yellowing leaves and rotate pots occasionally to expose all sides to sunlight for healthy growth.

Maximizing the Effectiveness of Indoor Mosquito-Repelling Plants

To truly benefit from mosquito-repelling plants, placement is key. Position pots near windows, doorways, balconies, and any corners where mosquitoes are likely to enter. Ensure the soil remains healthy by using a well-draining mix and watering appropriately. Prune the plants regularly to encourage bushy growth and release more natural fragrance.

You can enhance their repellent power by gently crushing a few leaves every few days to release essential oils. For a stronger effect, use crushed leaves to make homemade mosquito sprays or infuse oils for diffusers. Combining multiple plants in one area can create a natural barrier, reducing mosquito activity while keeping your home fresh and fragrant.

Tip: Rotate pots occasionally to ensure all sides receive sunlight, which helps maintain strong, healthy growth and keeps the fragrance potent.

FAQs

What is the best plant to repel mosquitoes?

One of the most effective plants is Citronella grass (also known as lemongrass) which emits strong citrus compounds that mask human‑odor cues and deter mosquitoes. 

What smells do mosquitoes hate?

Mosquitoes dislike scents like citrus, lavender, mint and eucalyptus. For example, essential oils from lemongrass, peppermint and garlic have been shown to reduce mosquito attraction.

Does the Tulsi plant keep mosquitoes away?

Yes. Basil (Tulsi) releases aromatic oils such as eucalyptol that are shown to repel mosquitoes and even inhibit larvae near standing water. 

Do mosquitoes hate garlic?

The evidence is mixed. Some garlic oil extracts show limited repellent effects, but eating garlic or using raw garlic plants alone has not been proven to significantly reduce mosquito bites.

What is the most powerful natural mosquito repellent?

Studies suggest that plant‐based oils such as those from lemongrass and peppermint can reduce mosquito attraction significantly for short periods (e.g., 30‑60 minutes). For long‑term protection multiple plants plus other measures work best.