Indoor Plant Mosquito Repellent

Are you fighting an indoor war against gnats? I was and finally found a natural and inexpensive solution to a problem which, at times, seemed endless. There are several varieties of flying plant insects most of which are harmless but include pest like fungus gnats. While the small flying pests may not seem like much of a big deal, they can really become an annoying everyday chore if left untreated.

Indoor Plant Mosquito Repellent

1 – Citronella

Citronella

This is by far the most well-known mosquito repellent because the compounds in its leaves are a common ingredient in commercial repellent products. It has a pleasant lemon smell and is very powerful at driving away mosquitoes.

A tropical plant, it will thrive in warm weather and full sunshine. It may benefit from regular fertilizing and even a little added artificial light (see my guide for growing plants using artificial light) during the winter months if you have very short days.

If looking to buy citronella, be careful when choosing the plants. There are a few varieties of scented geraniums that go by the name mosquito plant or even citronella plant, and they are not what you’re looking for.

True citronella looks a lot like thick grass, and does not have wide rippled leaves.

2 – Lavender

Lavender flowers in white vase

Lavender is much more common as an outdoor plant (and can be an effective deterrent for unwanted wildlife), but you can keep a few small pots of it inside to help with the bugs. It can be finicky, liking as much sun as you can find as well as a spot with good airflow. A nearby window with a frequent breeze is what you need.

Under optimal conditions, lavender can grow quite large. Be prepared to re-pot in a larger container as time goes by, or split this perennial up into smaller plants as it grows.

When choosing a variety, French lavender is the easiest to keep indoors but the English type has a stronger aroma (and therefore can be better at bug repelling).

You can learn more about growing lavender in my lavender care guide.

3 – Catnip

Catnip plant

A member of the mint family, catnip grows quickly and has just the right scent to drive away mosquitoes. Place your plants in a sunny window, give it regular waterings, and try to pinch out the flowers as they develop so the plant will put out more leaves instead.

Like with lavender, a catnip plant can get quite large over a few seasons, so prepare to re-pot or divide up the plant when it gets too large for its spot on the windowsill.

Obviously, if you have cats in the house, you’ll want to make sure you keep your catnip plant in a safe place, like on a very high shelf or even a hanging basket.

4 – Basil

Basil as Mosquito Repellent

Basil is already a great herb to have fresh in the kitchen, and now you can consider a pest repellent too. As usual, plan on keeping your potted basil in a very sunny window as it needs a lot of light, and be diligent about watering it.

Basil doesn’t handle dry conditions very well, but you also don’t want to drown the roots. Damp, well-draining soil is the key.

They prefer a warm environment, so they may not be the best indoor houseplant if you have a cold house during the winters. Otherwise, they should thrive just fine. Feel free to harvest a few leaves now and again for cooking too.

5 – Rosemary

Rosemary and oregano growing in pots in a window

Another seasoning herb that has mosquito-repelling qualities is rosemary. Maybe not the best choice for a novice gardener, but it would be worth giving a try.

You need a place with as much sunlight as possible (even a grow light occasionally), and you should know it can be finicky about watering.

Use a well-draining potting soil mix, watering when the surface is dry to the touch. It can be sensitive to either too much or too little water.

Rosemary is also prone to powdery mildew so you have to have a lot of air movement around the plant to prevent that from settling in. Like with lavender, try to find a breezy location, or even set up a small fan around your plants to keep the air moving.

6 – Lemon Balm

Lemon balm in a small pot

Again, lemon wins the day. Lemon balm is another citrus-scented plant that is a pleasant addition to your houseplant collection, and one that will deter mosquitoes too. Related to mint, this is an easy plant to grow.

A sunny window is best but it won’t require the high levels of light that basil or citronella like, which can make it an easier plant to manage.

To keep the plant in top leafy form, pinch out any flower buds that start to form. If you let it flower and go to seed, the leaves will lose their strong aroma and stop being much of a mosquito repellent.

Lemon balm can get quite large if it’s growing well. Harvesting a few leaves to dry for lemon tea is another way you can use this plant, and it helps keep the bushiness down too.

7 – Pennyroyal

European pennyroyal

Our last plant suggestion is a little more obscure. Pennyroyal has pretty purple flowers, and comes in an American and a European variety. Both will work but the European one is a little better for pest control.

They could use plenty of sun, though will be fine with indirect light as well. Pennyroyal tends to be a low growing and trailing plant, making is a nice choice if you have space for a hanging basket for it.

Some herbalists use pennyroyal for tea but it is not safe for consumption if you are pregnant. Otherwise, there are no issues with toxicity.

Indoor Plant Mosquito Repellent

Mosquitoes can be a nuisance, especially when you’re trying to enjoy the outdoors. But did you know that there are some plants that actually repel mosquitoes? You can use these plants as part of your home décor and turn your home into a mosquito-free zone.

Some indoor plants have been found to attract mosquitoes as well as other insects such as flies, moths and beetles. However, some plants have been shown to repel these bugs from entering your home or even from coming near them.

List Of Indoor Plant Mosquito Repellent

EcoRaider Mosquito Killer Triple-Action Spray (16OZ), Kills All Stages+ Larvae Control+ Lasting Repellency, Indoor & Outdoor, for Small Area Ready to Use, Citrus Scent, Non-Toxic Plant Based Formula
Price : $13.95
Features :

  • 【Triple-Action Mosquito Treatment】: EcoRaider (now EcoVenger) Triple Action Mosquito Treatment kills adult mosquitoes on contact, kills larvae in standing water/humid areas and builds up extended spatial repellency barrier for treated areas. The synergy of combined triple-action provides a complete 360 degree, 24/7 and 4-week protection against different species of invading mosquitoes. A must have tool for every summer or for tropical homes and gardens.
  • 【Natural & Non-Toxic but Highly Efficacious】: Contains no pesticide or toxin. Its active ingredients are botanical insecticidal compounds that are organically extracted from aromatic plants. Formulated with other GRAS ingredients (Generally Recognized as Safe) through patented technology, this product is made natural, safe but highly efficacious. It is child, pet, bird and fish friendly. None staining. Pleasant scent. No vacating before spray. You can use with a peace of mind.
  • 【University Study Proven】: Lab tested through leading university vector research center study for adulticidal, larvicidal and repellency effectiveness. Proven killing efficacy 99% on adult mosquitoes, killing efficacy 100% on larvae and lasting spatial repellency on two most common species Asian Tiger and Aegypti mosquitoes.
  • 【If Professionals Recommend It, You Can Trust It!】: Performance is proven by testimonials from many mosquito abatement professionals, as well as other general pest management professionals all over the country, who chose our products for mosquito reduction and other perimeter pest control purpose in residential, commercial and public premises.
  • 【Be Sure to Follow the Instructions】: Read instructions before use in order to achieve desired performance result. The 16 OZ bottle is designed for treating indoor and outdoor small areas for immediate mosquito reduction, including bedroom, patio, barbeque, outdoor dining, camping, fishing or bone fire site. Can be used as is without dilution. Simply spray on ground, structure surface, on personal belonging or clothing to kill and repel mosquito and other biting insects.

Additional Info :

Color milky white
Item Dimensions
Height 10 Inches
Width 4 Inches
Length 4 Inches
Weight 1.3 Pounds
Mosquito Guard Tealight Citronella Candles 16 Pcs - Mosquito Repellent Outdoor - Mosquito Repellent for Patio - Plant Based Mosquito Repellent Candles
Price : $13.95 ($0.87 / Count)
Features :

  • NATURAL INGREDIENTS: Our mosquito candles are made with Natural Plant Based Ingredients – Citronella, Peppermint, Rosemary, Cedarwood, and Lemongrass Oil
  • DEET FREE: Our bug repellent outdoor candles are completely DEET FREE
  • PLEASANT SMELLING: Our citronella candles outdoor bug repellant produces an aroma that people find refreshing and not too overpowering unlike other candles for mosquitoes outdoor
  • PORTABLE CITRONELLA TEALIGHT CANDLES: Our 16 pack of candles are perfect for traveling since they are compact
  • PERFECT FOR ANY OUTDOOR EVENT: Ideal mosquito eradicator whether at home on the patio, deck, or backyard; at the park, beach, or pool; on the boat, dock, balcony, garden, camping, fishing, or rooftop

Additional Info :

Color Cream
240 Pack Mosquito Repellent Stickers for Kids Adult Outdoor Indoor Travel, Natural Plant Based Ingredients Mosquito Patches Stickers with 4 Pack Mosquito Bracelets
Price : $12.99 ($0.05 / Count)
Features :

  • Natural Plant Based Ingredients : Our mosquito patches for kids are made with natural Ingredients such as: Geraniol Oil, Lemongrass Oil and Citronella Oil. Deet-free and safe for children and baby.
  • Various Cute Animal Patterns : 12 different cute animal patterns which are popular with children as: Koala, Elephant, Whale, Squirrel, Tiger, Owl, Fox, Lion, Bear, Raccoon, Cat, etc. Stick anywhere, fashionable and all-match, suitable for any occasion.
  • Long-Lasting Protection : Each mosquito patches sticker provides 24 hours of protection, perfect for outdoor activities like Camping, Hunting, Running, Hiking, Travelling, Fishing, Grilling, Gardening, Picnics, Golfing, and even simple Barbecue Cook-Outs.
  • 240 Pcs Mosquito Stickers & 4 Pack Bands : Rich stickers and bracelets provide all-round protection, let your family and chils spend a holiday free from mosquito interference.
  • Premium Quality Service : If you have any problems with our products or questions, please feel free to contact us and we will respond in time. We’re standing by to assist you all the time.

Additional Info :

SUMMIT CHEMICAL CO 117-6 30OZ Mosquito Bits
Price : $16.99
Features :

  • Quick acting formula
  • EPA registered in all 50 states
  • Available in a 30oz size

Additional Info :

Color Yellow
Item Dimensions
Height 9 Inches
Width 12 Inches
Length 12 Inches
Weight 1.87 Pounds
36 Pcs Sticky Traps for Fruit Fly, Whitefly, Fungus Gnat, Mosquito and Bug, Yellow Sticky Insect Catcher Traps for Indoor/Outdoor/Kitchen, Extremely Sticky Fly Trap, Non-Toxic, 4 Shapes
Price : $9.99 ($0.28 / Count)
Features :

  • Product Effect] Using the Top-Grade extremely sticky glue, to make sure to have up to 99% trapped rate while Insects touch the sticky trap.
  • [Easy to Set Up] 1. Use the digging tool within the package to help with inserting the trap into the soil. 2. Then peel off both sides of the white cover on the trap to prevent sticky hands, congratulations, DONE! Suitable for plants, pots, kitchen, garden, and any other places.
  • [Protect Plants & Stop the Bothering] Protect your plants from harmful insects, while also getting rid of those annoying flies that keep on bothering you.
  • [Non-Toxic, No smells and Disposable] Non-Toxic and safe for children and pets. No odors or smells, and is easily disposable after use. It is also Waterproof and UV resistant.
  • [4 Natural Designs + Extra Little Shovel] Comes with 36 traps of 4 natural designs that are in the shapes of birds x9 pcs, butterflies x9 pcs, sunflowers x9 pcs and roses x9 pcs, to fit in place with your garden. We also provide an extra little shovel for digging inside pots to put the trap in. 24/7 US Customer Service, free return or refund.

Additional Info :

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