Top 10 Insect Repellent Plants You Must Have at Home

Who does not love sitting on the balcony in the evening and enjoy a refreshing drink with friends and family? But what comes your way are the annoying mosquitoes and other insects.

You can use insect repellents to drive them away, but most of them are harmful to your health and are not very effective.

Won't it be amazing if some herbal plants keep the pesky insects at bay? Yes, you read it right! Some insect repellent plants help you keep your home fresh and insect-free.

Here is a list of the top ten insect repellent plants for home.

1. Citronella Odomos Plant

 Buy Citronella Odomos Plant

Many brands have been manufacturing odomos cream, spray, lotion, or roll-on; you can find them in different forms. But an odomos plant is much more effective and safer than all these products.

You can grow it easily in a pot. These plants need very little space. Hence, if you are short of space, Odomos is the one for you.

2. Catnip Plant

Buy Catnip Plant

This herb is also known as catmint or nepta plant. The oil of this plant has a strong smell that keeps insects away. It is used in the commercial production of insect repellents. You can also crush the leaves to extract oil and apply it on your skin.

However, this plant can choke the neighboring plants. So, you should not plant it in your garden. The best way to grow this is to keep it separated from your flowers or vegetable plants.

3. Rosemary Plant

Buy Rosemary Plant

If you love spending time in the open with your friends or family, this plant is a must to keep the insects away. These plants attract butterflies that give you a pleasant feeling.

If you have a flower or vegetable garden, you should place a rosemary plant in the middle to keep the insects away. These plants grow well in pots, and they need very little maintenance.

4. Common Mint Plant or Pudina

Buy Common Mint Plant or Pudina

Mint is known as a wonder herb as it has many qualities. Though it smells pleasant and refreshing, yet it is very effective in repelling insects.
If you want to sit outside comfortably without getting bitten by mosquitoes, you must grow mint around your space. The herb grows very fast, so it is better to plant them in a pot and place them in your garden or the balcony.

5. Geranium Plant

Buy Geranium Plant

If you want a plant that gives beautiful flowers and keeps insects away, Geranium is the plant to look for. This plant's oil also repels mosquitoes, while the flowers have vibrant colors that beautify your garden.

It is a multipurpose plant. It can ward off the wanted mosquitoes while enhancing the aesthetic appeal of your space.

6. African Marigold (Yellow)

Buy African Marigold (Yellow)

This vibrant flower not only adds to the beauty of your home, but it is an excellent insect repellent. Farmers use this "natural insecticide" to protect their crops from insects. The leaves and flowers have a strong fragrance that repels mosquitoes and other insects.

You can grow this plant in the garden or a pot and place them in the sun. These plants require very little water, so you can maintain them easily.

7. Basil

Buy Basil

If you are looking for a plant that not only keeps insects at bay but is loaded with medicinal properties, then Basil is a must-have. These plants spread a pleasant aroma that deters insects from coming in.
You can find these insect repellent plants in every Indian home as they are used in curries, thick sauce recipes, and garnishing as well.

8. Herb-of-grace or Ruta Graveolens

Buy Herb-of-grace or Ruta Graveolens

This herb is known for its medicinal values. It also has properties that act as an insect repellent. Also known as the Marwa plant, this herb can withstand hot and dry weather, so you can plant them anywhere; in the garden, on windows, or balconies.

The best thing about this plant is, you don't need to pay too much attention to them and can spend your time on other plants in your garden.

10. Origanum Majorana

Buy Origanum Majorana

It is also known as sweet marjoram or marwa plant. This herb has a refreshing aroma that is useful in keeping insects away. It also has antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties, which effectively treat some ailments like digestive disorders, stomach infections, etc.

In today's congested city homes, most people are used to using insect repellents. Prolonged use of such chemicals has adverse effects on your health. Will it be wise to use harmful sprays, candles when you can keep insects away naturally? No.

Herbal plants are natural ways to keep your home free from insects. So, add these plants to your garden to get rid of harmful chemicals and gift yourself a healthy life. Stay tuned for more such informational blogs!