WHAT IS THE REPELLENT PLANT? (Part 1)

MOSQUITOES (or Nyamuk in Malays) is the Culicidae, are a family of small flies consisting of 3,600 species. Anyhow the word mosquito is Spanish and Portuguese word for little fly. Mosquitoes have a slender segmented body, one pair of wings, three pairs of long hair-like legs, and specialized, highly elongated, piercing-sucking mouthparts. Mosquitoes are also a common flying insect that live in most parts of the world including in Malaysia and all the Asean countries. Reported that there are over 3,700 types of mosquitoes can be found worldwide. Normally when a mosquito bites a person, common reactions to the bite are itching and swelling depending on individual. However, some mosquitoes are vectors. A vector is an animal, insect, or tick that spreads germs to people or animals that can make them sick. The facts about mosquitoes in which I belived that almost everyone has been experience once bitten by a mosquito. Mosquitoes can spread pathogens (germs) through bites. A person who gets bitten by a mosquito and gets sick has a mosquito-borne disease like West Nile virus, dengue, or malaria. Adult mosquitoes live indoors and outdoors. Most mosquitoes can bite day and night. The adult mosquitoes live for about 2 to 4 weeks depending on the species, humidity, temperature, and other factors. Females often live longer than males. Actually, only female mosquitoes bite people and animals to get a blood meal. Most female mosquitoes need a blood meal to produce eggs. Mosquitoes get infected with germs, such as viruses and parasites, when they bite infected people and animals. Cases in a few infected mosquitoes can start an outbreak in a community and put you and your family at risk of becoming sick. Most insect-repelling plants do so with their natural fragrances, which keep annoying mosquitoes away and introduce wonderful scents throughout your garden. If you don't want to douse yourself or your garden in chemical bug sprays you can grow some of these plants to help keep mosquitoes away naturally. Plant these plants in areas where guests will be often such as by a seating area or a doorway. This article in "Anim Agriculture Technology" I write in few articles about some repellent plants for mosquitoes as explained.

LEMON GRASS or SERAI or Citronella Grass are known for its distinct smell, citronella grass (or lemon grass) is the most commonly used natural ingredient in mosquito repellants. In fact, the Brooklyn Botanic Garden recommends lemon-scented plants such as citronella grass to keep mosquitoes at bay. And the good news is that the living plant is the most effective at repelling pests. This low-maintenance plant does best in large planters because it cannot withstand frost, but in warmer climates, can be planted directly a sunny area in the ground.

Lemongrass is a widely recognized and effective natural mosquito repellent. Its essential oil, primarily citronella, contains compounds that mask the scents mosquitoes use to find their targets, like carbon dioxide and lactic acid. This makes it harder for mosquitoes to locate humans, reducing bites and the risk of mosquito-borne illnesses.

Lavender Plant with purplish color of the flower are easy to grow in Malaysia. Many readers ever noticed that insects or even rabbits and other animals have never decimated your lavender plant. It is because of their lovely fragrance, which comes from its essential oils that are found on the leaves of the plant. It is even argued that lavender oil hinders a mosquito’s ability to smell! This plant is very tough and drought-resistant once established and only needs full sun and good drainage. And while it can endure many climates, it thrives in warmer areas.  Lavender is a well-known natural repellent for various insects and pests. Its strong, fragrant scent is unpleasant to many insects, including mosquitoes, flies, moths, and fleas. Lavender can be used in various ways to deter insects: planting lavender in gardens, using dried lavender sachets, or creating a spray with lavender essential oil.

Marigolds Plants are an easy-to-grow annual flower, emit a smell that deters mosquitoes. Grow them in pots and place them near your patio or entrance to your home to keep bugs out. Marigolds are also a popular addition to borders and vegetable gardens. According to NYBG, not only can they keep away mosquitoes, but they also dissuade aphids, thrips, whiteflies, Mexican bean beetles, squash bugs, and tomato hornworms. Read more about growing marigold flowers.

Marigolds are well-known for their ability to repel various pests due to their strong scent and root exudates. They are effective against insects, nematodes, and even some larger animals like deer and rabbits
 
 

Catmint Plant is a natural insect repellent and particularly effective against mosquitoes and other pests. It contains nepetalactone, a chemical that repels insects, including mosquitoes, cockroaches, and termites. Catmint can be used as a natural alternative to chemical repellents, offering a safer option for families and pets. Known as Catnip (catmint) can be found thriving almost anywhere. It is from the mint family and grows abundantly both as a commercial plant and as a weed. It is very easy to take care of and may even start to invade other areas of your garden. However, if you are willing to forgo this plant’s insidious nature, they are amazing mosquito repellants and another recommendation from the BBG. In a study at Iowa State University, catmint was found to be ten times more effective than DEET, the chemical used in most insect repellants. There are many nursery in Malaysia selling catnip plant and ready to plant. Thanks...

By,

M Anem,

Melaka,

Malaysia.

(May 2025).  

Updated September 2025.