9 Powerful Mosquito Repellent Plant Philippines

Natural mosquito repellent plants contain compounds and oils that emit scents that mosquitoes find repulsive, reducing their presence in surroundings. Unlike chemical repellents, these plant-based solutions are safer and non-toxic to the environment or our health. They provide a sustainable and eco-friendly approach to mosquito control.

In this blog, I will concentrate on the best mosquito repellent plant Philippines that is suitable for any environment. My selection process involved careful consideration of the plants’ efficacy, availability, and adaptability to the Philippines’ climate. Don’t wait anymore; let’s dive into the world of special mosquito-repellent plants!

While various mosquito repellent products are available in the market, they may contain chemicals unsuitable for everyday use. Fortunately, natural methods can effectively repel mosquitoes and add beauty to your surroundings. To know more about how these plants repel mosquitoes, check out our “Natural Mosquito Repellent” post.

This section will explore the top 9 mosquito-repellent plants in the Philippines. I will review each plant’s characteristics, cultivation tips, and practical uses.

Citronella

Citronella is a popular and well-known mosquito repellent plant in the Philippines due to its strong, lemony scent. It belongs to the grass family and can grow 5-6 feet tall. It is a low-maintenance plant that thrives in warm and humid climates, ideal for the Philippines.

It effectively masks the scents that keep mosquitoes at bay. The leaves release a fragrant and mosquito-repelling oil when crushed or rubbed. Alternatively, you can use citronella essential oil to create homemade mosquito repellent sprays or candles.

Citronella can be grown in pots or directly in the ground, suitable for gardens or small balconies. It would be best if you planted citronella in well-draining soil in a sunny area. Water the plant regularly, keeping the soil moist but not waterlogged. Trim back dead or withered leaves to maintain their health and appearance.

Lemongrass

Lemongrass, or tanglad, is a common ingredient in Filipino cuisine. Besides its culinary uses, it is a natural mosquito repellent due to its lemony fragrance. It is one of my favorite mosquito-repellent plants.

Lemongrass is a tall, perennial grass that can reach heights up to 3-6 feet. Aside from deterring mosquitoes, it also repels other insects. Consider planting lemongrass near windows and doorways to create a natural barrier against mosquitoes.

Plant lemongrass in well-draining soil and in an area that receives full sun. Keep the soil moist, but avoid too much watering, as lemongrass can tolerate drought conditions. Cutting the stalks off at the base and leaving a few inches above the ground for regrowth.

Catnip

Catnip, known as Nepeta cataria, is not only a cat-attracting plant but also the best mosquito-repellent plant in the Philippines. Catnip is a perennial herb that grows up to 2-3 feet tall. It contains a compound called nepetalactone, which mosquitoes find repulsive.

Catnip is easy to grow, making it a popular choice for gardens or pots. Plant catnip in well-draining soil that gets plenty of sunlight. It doesn’t require excessive watering and can tolerate dry conditions.

Basil

Basil is an aromatic herb used in various cuisines, including Filipino dishes. Besides its culinary appeal, basil also exhibits mosquito-repelling ability.

Basil plants come in various types, including sweet basil and Thai basil. They have a pleasant scent and small white flowers. Basil contains geraniol, a compound known for its mosquito-repellent qualities. It is easy to cultivate, making it a versatile and accessible choice.

Plant basil in well-draining soil and place it in an area that receives at least 6 hours of sunlight. Water the plants regularly, keeping the soil evenly moist. Pinch off the flowers to support leaf growth and prevent the plant from turning into seed.

Lavender

Lavender is a beautiful flowering plant famous for its calming aroma and purple blooms. It is known for its soothing qualities and the ability to repel mosquitoes. It has attractive foliage and produces fragrant flowers that act as natural mosquito repellents.

Lavender is a hardy perennial plant that thrives in well-draining, loamy soil and full sun. Water regularly until the plant establishes, then reduce the frequency to once every two weeks. Prune the plant after flowering to preserve its shape and encourage new growth.

Place dried lavender flowers in sachets and hang them in areas prone to mosquitoes. You can also utilize lavender essential oil as a lotion or create candles infused with lavender for a more aromatic mosquito control solution.

Oregano

Oregano, commonly used in Filipino cuisine, has strong aromatic properties, making it an effective mosquito-repellent plant. You can place dried oregano leaves in muslin bags and hang them around your living spaces. Oregano is a perennial herb with small, oval leaves emitting a distinct scent. It naturally repels mosquitoes and other insects.

Oregano is easy to cultivate, making it accessible for home gardens. Plant oregano in well-draining soil with full sun exposure. Water the plant moderately, letting the soil dry out between watering sessions. Regular pruning encourages bushier growth and prevents the plant from becoming leggy.

Marigolds

Marigolds are vibrant and colorful flowers that also possess natural mosquito-repellent properties. They are commonly grown in gardens and are easy to cultivate.

Marigolds come in various shades, from yellow and orange to red and burgundy. Their strong fragrance acts as a deterrent for mosquitoes. Marigolds are also known to repel other bugs, making them a valuable addition to any garden space.

Arrange marigolds around your outdoor living spaces, near doorways, or in pots to help keep mosquitoes at bay. Plant marigolds in well-draining soil and place them in an area that receives full sun. Water the plants regularly, keeping the soil evenly moist.

Peppermint

Peppermint is also my favorite plant, as a refreshing herb known for its invigorating scent and cooling properties. It is assessed as the Philippines’ best natural mosquito repellent plant. You can create homemade peppermint sprays or hang dried peppermint leaves around your home to deter mosquitoes.

Peppermint is a perennial herb with a strong minty fragrance. It is a natural deterrent for mosquitoes, flies, and other insects. Peppermint is easy to grow and maintain, perfect for any garden or indoors.

Plant peppermint in well-draining soil and provide it with partial shade or filtered sunlight. Ensure the soil remains consistently moist, as peppermint prefers slightly wetter conditions. Regularly prune the plant to control its growth and encourage denser foliage.

Rosemary

Rosemary is a fragrant woody herb commonly used in cooking. It possesses a distinct aroma and acts as a natural mosquito repellent. You can burn dried rosemary on charcoal to release its aromatic and mosquito-repelling properties or create homemade rosemary-infused oils or lotions.

Rosemary, a strong-scented evergreen shrub with needle-shaped leaves and blue flowers, repels mosquitoes and other insects. It’s low-maintenance and suitable for gardens or indoors. Plant it in well-draining soil and provide it with full sun exposure. Water the plant infrequently, allowing the soil to dry out between watering sessions.

You can optimize the benefits of a mosquito-repellent plant with some factors. Here are some planting tips, guidance on the best locations to plant them, and maintenance and care tips.

Planting Tips and Techniques

To maximize the effectiveness of mosquito-repellent plants, proper planting techniques play a crucial role. From selecting the right soil to providing adequate sunlight and spacing, each step is essential for creating an inhospitable environment for mosquitoes.

• Well-draining Soil: Most mosquito-repellent plants prefer well-draining soil to prevent waterlogging and root rot. A mixture of sandy soil and compost works well for these plants.
• Sufficient Sunlight: Most mosquito-repellent plants thrive in full sun or partial shade. Ensure they receive at least 4-6 hours of sunlight daily for optimum growth and effectiveness.
• Spacing: Be mindful of the plants’ space requirements. Proper spacing allows each plant to receive adequate airflow and sunlight, preventing overcrowding and fungal diseases.
• Container Gardening: If you have limited garden space, many mosquito-repellent plants can be grown in containers or pots. That allows you to place them around your outdoor living areas or indoors strategically.

Best Locations for Planting

Strategic placement of these plants in specific areas can create a natural barrier against these insects, allowing you to enjoy the outdoors without constant buzzing and biting.

Let’s explore these optimal locations and discover how to create a mosquito-free haven in your spaces.

• Near Entranceways: Plant mosquito repellent plants near doorways, windows, and other entrances to prevent mosquitoes from entering your home. The fragrance released by these plants acts as a natural barrier.
• Around Seating Areas: Place mosquito-repellent plants near your outdoor seating areas, such as patios, decks, or garden lounges. Their scents will help create a mosquito-free zone for you and your guests.
• In Gardens and Flower Beds: Incorporate mosquito-repellent plants into your garden borders, flower beds, or alongside pathways. That protects against mosquitoes and adds visual interest and color to the landscape.
• In Stagnant Water Areas: Mosquitoes breed in stagnant water. So, planting mosquito-repellent plants around ponds, birdbaths, or other water features can help deter them from laying eggs and infesting them.

Maintenance and Care

Maintaining and caring for mosquito-repellent plants is crucial for their longevity and effectiveness in repelling mosquitoes. Adequate watering, pruning, and fertilization are necessary to keep these plants healthy while ensuring that they continue to emit their natural mosquito-repelling scents.

Here are some keys to remember:

• Regular Watering: Mosquito-repellent plants in the Philippines require regular watering, particularly during dry periods. However, be cautious not to overwater, as most plants prefer slightly moist soil rather than being waterlogged.
• Pruning and Trimming: Regularly trim your plants to maintain shape and encourage bushier growth. Trim any dead or withered leaves or flowers to enhance overall plant health.
• Fertilization: While mosquito-repellent plants generally don’t require heavy feeding, you can occasionally apply organic or slow-release fertilizers to promote healthy growth and increase their mosquito-repelling effectiveness.

• Pest Control: Watch for any pests that may attack your mosquito-repellent plants. Regularly inspect and treat for common pests such as aphids or spider mites using organic or natural methods to avoid using chemical pesticides.

With these helpful tips, you can maximize the mosquito-repelling effects of these plants. Create a mosquito-free oasis and enjoy the outdoors surrounded by these amazing plants’ natural beauty and fragrance.

Utilizing mosquito-repellent plants in the Philippines provides natural protection against these bothersome insects and enhances the beauty and fragrance of our surroundings.

Now that we have the knowledge, it’s time to take action. Let’s step towards a mosquito-free future and enjoy the outdoors without these unwelcome visitors’ constant buzzing and biting. Get started today and create a more comfortable and safer environment for ourselves and our loved ones.

P.S.: My favorite natural mosquito repellents are citronella and lemongrass. What’s yours? Let’s share with me in the comment below.

Beryl

Beryl, a Pharmacy graduate, combines her academic expertise with a passion for cozy homes at Hometoppicks. With 3+ years of experience in researching and testing household and home care products, Beryl manages related content at Hometoppicks. Trust in her meticulous nature and profound knowledge to provide reliable advice and product suggestions, ensuring your home remains comfortable and convenient. You can find more about her here.