National Dengue Day 2025: 9 plants that repel mosquitoes

Dengue fever is a mosquito-borne viral infection caused by the dengue virus that affects millions of people worldwide. According to the World Health Organization, approximately 100 million to 400 million people become infected each year, and about half of the world’s population is currently at risk. Stagnant water can attract infected female Aedes aegypti mosquitoes, who can easily transmit the virus to you and your family. Therefore, it is important to keep the surrounding area clean and remove stagnant water from the area. Another thing you can do is grow plants that repel mosquitoes. In India, let’s commemorate National Dengue Day on May 16 by taking a pledge to become a greener and cleaner society.

plants that repel mosquitoes

A bite from an infected mosquito can cause a sudden high fever, severe headache, pain behind the eyes, muscle and joint pain, nausea, skin rash, and fatigue. “These dengue symptoms can last for two to seven days,” says Dr. Abbas Chopdawala, an internist. If you don’t want to experience these symptoms, bring home the following plants that repel mosquitoes.

1. Eucalyptus

“Known for its clean, menthol-like scent, eucalyptus contains eucalyptol (cineole) and citronellal, which are highly effective at repelling mosquitoes,” experts say. A study published in BMC found that eucalyptus protects against mosquitoes for eight hours. You can plant a eucalyptus tree outdoors or a small eucalyptus tree indoors, and crush a few leaves to extract the oil.

2. Marigold

These flowers contain pyrethrum, a natural compound found in many insect repellents. “Its strong musky scent deters mosquitoes and other pests such as whiteflies and aphids,” say experts. It can be planted near garden borders, window sills, and doorways.

3. Citronella grass

It is one of the plants that repel mosquitoes. “Citronella grass emits a strong citrus scent that masks human odor,” says the expert. Citronella is a commonly used ingredient in candles. It grows well in pots, but requires a warm, sunny location.

4. Lavender

Lavender, one of the plants that repel mosquitoes, contains linalool, a compound that is proven to repel insects. Its sweet floral scent is pleasing to humans but disliked by mosquitoes. It grows well in a pot near a window or garden border.

5. Holy Basil (Tulsi)

The benefits of holy basil and tulsi are not limited to improving digestion and immunity. Tulsi is one of the plants that repel mosquitoes as it releases eugenol and estragole which act as natural mosquito repellents. You can plant it in a sunny spot near a window or entrance.

6. Lemon balm

It is a plant of the Labiatae family that is rich in citronellal and geraniol. Its lemon scent confuses insects, so it is included in the list of plants that repel mosquitoes. According to a study published in the journal Complementary And Alternative Medicine, lemon balm is effective as a natural insect repellent, especially against mosquitoes.

7. Peppermint

You may be using peppermint oil to get rid of dark circles. The menthol content was found to provide a refreshing scent that mosquitoes avoid. “You can also rub crushed leaves on your skin, but do a patch test first,” suggests an expert. Be sure to grow it in a container as it grows quickly.

8. Matatabi

If you’re a cat mom, you may be familiar with Actinidia or Nepeta cataria. This plant is known for its excitement in cats. Your furry friend may like it, but it’s part of the list of plants that repel mosquitoes. It contains nepetalactone, which may be more effective at repelling mosquitoes than DEET. According to a study published in Medical And Veterinary Enmorology, catnip oil appears to be a relatively safe option compared to other mosquito repellents such as DEET and picaridin. Researchers have found that applying it may only cause mild skin irritation.

9. Rosemary

“Woody, aromatic rosemary contains camphor and rosmarinic acid, which act as natural deterrents,” says the expert. Burning rosemary during family gatherings outside the home produces fragrant smoke that repels mosquitoes.

Plants that repel mosquitoes: how to care for them?

Although some plants may repel mosquitoes, they can create breeding grounds if the plants are not cared for properly. The care instructions are as follows.

• avoid stagnant water: Many mosquito species lay their eggs in still water. Therefore, be careful not to let water collect and stagnate in pots, trays, or plant containers. Always empty the saucer after watering your plants.
• proper drainage: Use well-drained soil and a pot with drainage holes. Raise the pot if necessary. This will prevent water from collecting at the bottom.
• prune regularly: Overgrown vegetation attracts pests and reduces air flow. So keep it healthy and bushy by trimming it regularly.
• water properly: Overwatering will not only kill your plants, but also create excess moisture that will attract mosquitoes. Water the plant only when needed in the early morning.

There are plants that keep mosquitoes away by emitting strong scents that interfere with their sense of smell and make it difficult for them to see you. Incorporating these plants into your home can serve as a safe and eco-friendly deterrent, which is especially important during dengue fever season. However, be sure to clean the pot and be careful not to overwater.