What Plants Repel Mosquitoes?

Plants That Repel Mosquitoes

Check out this answer from Consensus:

The use of plant-based mosquito repellents offers a natural and effective alternative to chemical repellents. Plants such as Corymbia citriodora, Ocimum basilicum, and Cymbopogon citratus have demonstrated significant repellent properties, making them viable options for reducing mosquito bites and the transmission of mosquito-borne diseases.

Mosquitoes are not only a nuisance but also vectors for various diseases such as malaria and dengue fever. Utilizing plants as natural repellents offers an eco-friendly alternative to chemical insecticides. This article explores several plants known for their mosquito-repelling properties.

Corymbia citriodora and Eucalyptus camaldulensis

Corymbia citriodora, commonly known as lemon-scented gum, and Eucalyptus camaldulensis have been studied for their repellent effects against malaria vectors in Ethiopia. Corymbia citriodora showed high repellency rates, particularly when used in thermal expulsion methods, achieving up to 78.69% repellency against Anopheles arabiensis. Eucalyptus camaldulensis, while less effective, still provided significant protection1.

Ocimum suave and Ocimum basilicum

Ocimum suave and Ocimum basilicum, both types of basil, have demonstrated effectiveness in repelling mosquitoes. Ocimum basilicum, in particular, showed a high repellency rate of 73.11% when burned, making it a potent option for reducing mosquito bites1.

Hyptis suaveolens and Daniellia oliveri

In Guinea Bissau, the shrub Hyptis suaveolens and the bark of Daniellia oliveri are traditionally used to repel mosquitoes. Burning these plants indoors significantly reduced mosquito numbers, indicating their potential as effective natural repellents2.

Solanum lycopersicum (Tomato Leaves)

The ethanol extract of tomato leaves has been found to repel Aedes aegypti mosquitoes effectively. The repellent effect is concentration-dependent, with higher concentrations providing up to 83% repellency, suggesting its potential for development into a repellent lotion3.

Tagetes erecta (Marigold)

Marigold flowers contain compounds that act as natural insecticides. An ethanol extract of marigold flowers showed a high protection power against Aedes aegypti mosquitoes, with concentrations achieving over 90% repellency4.

Lantana camara (Tembelekan Flower)

Lantana camara, known as tembelekan flower, has been tested for its repellent properties against Aedes aegypti. A 17% concentration of its extract was found to be highly effective, comparable to commercial repellents5.

Cymbopogon citratus (Lemongrass)

Lemongrass is widely recognized for its mosquito-repelling properties due to its citral content. Studies have shown that lemongrass juice can provide up to 100% protection against Aedes aegypti at higher concentrations6.

Artemesia argi and Eucalyptus robusta

These traditional plant repellents have been evaluated for their effectiveness in repelling mosquitoes in Yunnan. Both plants showed a reduction in mosquito population density when burned, indicating their potential as natural repellents7.

Cymbopogon winteratus (Citronella)

Citronella oil, derived from Cymbopogon winteratus, is a well-known natural mosquito repellent. It has been shown to provide significant protection against mosquito bites, with high user satisfaction and minimal irritation8.