10 Mosquito Repellent Plants For Your Balcony

Table of Contents

10 Mosquito Repellent Plants For Your Balcony

Want to enjoy your balcony without being bothered by mosquitoes?

Look no further than these 10 natural mosquito repellent plants. Not only will they add some greenery to your outdoor space, but they'll also keep those pesky insects away!

Overview

Citronella is one of the best natural mosquito repellent plants you can have on your balcony. It releases a strong fragrance that helps repel mosquitoes and other bugs. Citronella belongs to the geranium family and is a low-maintenance plant.

How it works

The scent of citronella masks the smells that attract mosquitoes, making it challenging for them to locate their targets.

Tips for growing citronella on balcony

• Citronella needs at least six hours of sunlight each day.
• Use well-draining soil in your pot or container
• Water citronella often enough to make sure the soil stays slightly moist.

Other ways to use citronella

• You can use an essential oil diffuser with citronella oil.
• Citronella candles are another effective way to repel mosquitoes.

Overview

Lavender is not just a beautiful plant; it's also an efficient mosquito repellent. Its fragrance is pleasant to humans, but mosquitoes hate it.

How it works

The floral scent of lavender is too strong for mosquitoes, which makes it hard for them to locate human odors.

Tips for growing lavender on balcony

• Lavender requires six hours of sunlight per day.
• Make sure the pot has good drainage and never allow it to sit in water.
• Prune the lavender regularly to keep it from getting too big.

Other ways to use lavender

• Dry the flower spikes and hang them in your house or on your balcony.
• Use lavender essential oil in a diffuser or burn a lavender candle.

Overview

Lemongrass is a tropical plant with a lemony scent that repels mosquitoes. Its native habitat is Southeast Asia, but it's easy to grow your own plant on your balcony.

How it works

The scent of lemongrass contains citral, which disrupts the mosquito's sense of smell, making it difficult for them to locate their target.

Tips for growing lemongrass on balcony

• The plant needs plenty of sunlight, at least six hours a day.
• Make sure the plant has good drainage and never sits in standing water.
• Water lemongrass every few days to keep the soil from drying out.

Other ways to use lemongrass

• Make your natural insect repellent spray by mixing distilled water and a few drops of lemongrass oil.

Overview

Catnip is not only attractive to cats, but it also repels mosquitoes. It contains nepetalactone, which studies show is ten times more effective than DEET.

How it works

Nepetalactone disorients mosquitoes, making it hard for them to locate their prey.

Tips for growing catnip on balcony

• The plant loves humidity, but it also requires direct sun for at least six hours each day.
• Keep the soil moist, but never overwater.

Other ways to use catnip

• You can make an insect-repelling tea by steeping fresh catnip in boiling water for 10 minutes.

Overview

Marigolds are another effective natural mosquito repellent plant. They also repel other insects like aphids and whiteflies, making them ideal balcony plants.

How it works

The scent of marigold masks the smells that attract mosquitoes, making it difficult for them to locate their targets.

Tips for growing marigold on balcony

• Marigolds require at least six hours of sun exposure each day.
• They prefer moist soil however make sure the soil doesn't become waterlogged.

Other ways to use marigold

• Hang dried marigold flowers around your house or balcony to keep mosquitoes away.

Overview

Peppermint is not only refreshing but naturally repels mosquitoes too. Its essential oil contains menthol, which mosquitoes avoid.

How it works

Menthol disrupts a mosquito's sense of smell hence confusing their ability to find their way to their prey.

Tips for growing peppermint on balcony

• Peppermint thrives in full sunlight up to 6 hours a day.
• Plant it in well-draining soil, and make sure the soil stays moist.

Other ways to use peppermint

• Crush leaves of peppermint and place them inside sachets and leave them around your home or balcony.

Overview

Rosemary is not just a Mediterranean herb; it's also an excellent natural mosquito repellent. It has a potent aroma that keeps mosquitoes away.

How it works

The strong scent of rosemary produces an odor barrier that makes it hard for mosquitoes to detect humans easily.

Tips for growing rosemary on balcony

• Rosemary thrives in sunlight receiving at least six hours of it daily.
• The soil must be moist but never drenched.

Other ways to use rosemary

• You can burn dried rosemary shrubs as incense; the smoke repels mosquitoes.

Overview

Basil is a fantastic natural mosquito repellent plant that you can have on your balcony. It has a sweet scent, which masks human odors that attract mosquitoes.

How it works

The essential oil of basil contains eucalyptol, a compound toxic to mosquitoes and other insects like flies, ticks, and roaches.

Tips for growing basil on balcony

• Basil requires at least six hours of direct sunlight.
• Make sure the soil stays moist but not too wet.

Other ways to use basil

• Crush basil leaves and mix them with distilled water to make a natural insect spray.

Overview

Geraniums, like citronella, are of the geranium genus and boast citronella's same properties. The plants' leaves contain citronellal, which produces a lemony aroma that mosquitoes hate.

How it works

Like citronella, geranium releases a strong fragrance that repels mosquitoes from your balcony.

Tips for growing geranium on balcony

• Geraniums need 4-6 hours of direct sun and well-draining soil.
• Don't let the soil dry out completely between watering.

Other ways to use geranium

• Take the flowers, crush them, and boil them in water. Strain the boiled mixture, transfer it into a spray bottle and use it as an insect repellent.

#10. Mint

Overview

Mint is another herb that's not just refreshing but also a potent mosquito repellent. Its aromatic scent keeps mosquitoes away.

How it works

Mint contains menthol, a compound that disrupts a mosquito's sense of smell and taste.

Tips for growing mint on balcony

• Mint thrives in sunlight receiving atl east six hours each day.
• Make sure the soil stays moist, but not too wet.

Other ways to use mint

• Crush fresh mint leaves and sprinkle them on the soil or place sachets of dried mint leaves around your balcony to repel mosquitoes.

There you have it - ten mosquito repellent plants that are perfect for your balcony. Not only will they keep those annoying insects away, but they'll also add some natural beauty to your outdoor space. So why not give them a try and see how they can improve your balcony experience?

• Q: How do I take care of these plants on my balcony? A: Water them frequently and choose well-draining soil in their pots.
• Q: What are some other natural ways to repel mosquitoes on my balcony? A: Essential oils infused bug spray or fan installation can be an effective way to repel mosquitoes naturally.
• Q: Are these plants safe for pets? A: Some of these plants like catnip and lemongrass can be toxic to cats and dogs when ingested in significant amounts. It's best to keep them out of reach of your pets.
• Q: Can I use these plants indoors as well? A: Yes, these plants could be kept inside as long as they receive sufficient sunlight.
• Q: Will these plants attract other insects besides mosquitoes? A: Generally, no- they don't attract other insects. But, some of these plants may attract butterflies and bees to your balcony.
• Q: Do I need to plant all 10 of these herbs, or can I just choose one? A: No, you can choose just one plant or a few different ones, depending on the size and exposure of your balcony.