Want to get rid of mosquitoes without using smelly sprays around your kids and pets? Same here!
That’s why I started looking into natural options.
These 7 plants have been total lifesavers in our house.
Not only do they keep the bugs away, but they make our home look and smell amazing!
Top 7 Indoor Plants for Mosquito Control
1. Lemon Balm (Balm Mint)
This delightful member of the mint family has become my go-to plant for natural mosquito control. Its citrusy fragrance fills our living room with the most refreshing scent.
I’ve found that lemon balm thrives in well-drained soil and adapts beautifully to partly shaded spots in our home.
My favorite part about this plant? I can snip fresh leaves for my afternoon tea or add them to summer drinks while knowing it’s pulling double duty as a natural pest deterrent.
2. Catnip (Nepeta)
I was amazed to discover that catnip isn’t just for our feline friends! This powerful plant contains nepetalactone, which I’ve learned is actually more effective than many synthetic repellents.
Our cat absolutely adores this plant, making it a source of entertainment and pest control all in one.
I keep ours in a sunny window, where it thrives with regular watering. On particularly stressful days, I’ll even brew some catnip tea for its calming effects.
3. Rosemary
This Mediterranean beauty has earned a permanent spot in my kitchen window. Its woody aroma not only keeps mosquitoes at bay but adds an elegant touch to our home.
The key to success with indoor rosemary is mimicking its natural habitat. I ensure it gets plenty of sunlight and use well-drained soil.
One tip I’ve learned the hard way: avoid overwatering! Rosemary prefers to stay on the drier side.
4. Basil
My kitchen wouldn’t be complete without a pot of fresh basil. This aromatic herb has been a game-changer in our mosquito-fighting arsenal.
I keep mine on a sunny windowsill and water it daily, making sure the soil stays consistently moist but never waterlogged.
The best part? We enjoy fresh pesto and enhanced pasta dishes while naturally repelling those pesky mosquitoes.
5. Lemongrass (Silky Heads)
The citrusy aroma of lemongrass has become one of my favorite scents in our home. Its mosquito-repelling properties are just an added bonus!
I’ve found that this plant thrives in well-lit areas with consistent moisture. We keep ours near a bright window where it gets plenty of sunshine.
Besides its pest-control benefits, I love using fresh lemongrass in soups and teas for an authentic Asian flavor.
6. Mint
This vigorous grower has earned its place in our indoor garden. The strong aroma creates an invisible barrier against mosquitoes.
I keep our mint in a sunny spot and ensure it has regular watering with well-drained soil.
We use fresh mint leaves for everything from mojitos to stomach-soothing tea, making it one of our most versatile indoor plants.
7. Lavender
The crown jewel of our indoor garden, lavender brings both beauty and function to our home. Those lovely purple blooms aren’t just pretty – they’re powerful mosquito deterrents!
I ensure our lavender gets at least 6 hours of daily sunlight and good air circulation. One crucial tip: don’t overwater! Lavender actually prefers slightly dry conditions.
At night, the calming fragrance helps our whole family relax, and I often use the dried blooms to make sachets for our drawers and closets.