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. This article in "Anim Agriculture Technology" I write in few articles about some repellent plants for mosquitoes as explained.
Floss Flower identified as a plants that contain coumarin, a chemical used in some commercial insect repellent sprays. Mosquitoes don't like the smell of this chemical, also found in sweetgrass. Not only do they help keep biting bugs at bay; they're also notably ornamental, producing blue, pink, and white blooms in the summer and fall. Their attractive annual flower makes great bedding or container plants. Floss flower contains coumarin, a chemical that helps repel mosquitoes but also makes it toxic if ingested by pets or humans. The Floss Flower is an annual plant, native to Mexico in which they are great plants for containers or for mass plantings in your flower beds, or as border plants. Floss Flowers can be grown in full sun except in very hot climates, where it should be planted in partial shade. Floss Flowers dislike drying out, so regular deep watering is essential. Once established, feed monthly with a balanced NPK at the formulation of 10:10:10 fertilizer in which the plant Floss Flowers 6"-12" apart in the garden any time after all danger of frost has passed. Pinch back new growth on young plants to encourage them to branch out. Be sure to remove spent blooms regularly to induce continued flowers. Usually the plants will not be disturbed by pests, especially if grown within the proper environment.
Sage Plant or Sage and also known as Salvia officinalis, is a fragrant herb that is not only used in cooking but also possesses mosquito-repellent properties. Its strong aroma acts as a natural deterrent, making it an effective tool in your battle against mosquitos. Reported that if you love gathering around a fire pit in your backyard, then plant some sage nearby. Toss some of the plant into the flames and its earthy smell will ward off bugs. Sage can also be dried and used to make homemade bug spray. To grow a sage plant for its insect-repelling properties, focus on providing it with the right conditions, including sunlight, soil, and water. Sage is generally easy to care for, but it can be affected by pests and diseases, so be mindful of those as well. Sage can also be used in companion planting to deter pests from other plant.
Allium Plants (Perennial Crop are among herbs including leeks, chives, and shallots in which ita can help repel aphids, cabbage worms, slugs, and carrot flies. Plant Alliums next to rose bushes or in your vegetable garden to protect your tomatoes, peppers, cabbage, carrots, broccoli, etc. Their bulbs in which include garlic and onions able to release a strong fragrance that mosquitoes don’t like. You’ll enjoy the whimsical globe-shaped flowers of allium that seem to float atop long slender, stems. To use alliums as a natural repellent for pests like rabbits and deer, plant them around your garden or mixed in with other plants. Alliums, including onions, garlic, chives, and leeks can produce a scent that can deter these animals. In addition to growing the plants listed above, you should also practice good mosquito control in your garden so that the pests don’t get out of hand. The best thing you can do is prevent water from collecting and becoming stagnant; mosquitoes can lay hundreds of eggs even in a tiny spoonful of standing water. For mosquito rings reported that it can be used virtually anywhere you have standing water rain barrels, birdbaths, water gardens, ponds and even animal watering troughs. They contain a naturally occurring such asa pategen ma,ed as Bacterium (Bt israelensis) that kills mosquito larvae in which there are also other natural products available that can help ward off mosquitoes in your garden. These situation include known as citronella torches and candles, as well as essential oils derived from the plants listed here. Talk about the importance of Mosquito Control in which throughout the years, mosquitoes have transmitted many diseases including malaria, dengue, yellow fever, encephalitis, and more recently the West Nile and Zika viruses. Mosquitoes are even to blame for heartworm in dogs. So, it isn’t just about the annoyance or the itchy bite, it is a health concern for your family and pets. Thanks... M Anem,
Malacca,
Malaysia.
(May 2025).
Updated October 2025.
Reported that Citronella or Scented Geranium are also a popular mosquito-repelling plant. Recommended by PlantShed, BBG, and NYBG, the favored scent seems to be lemon scented, which is reminiscent of citronella grass. The strong fragrance keeps several types of pests away. These fast-growing plants like warm, sunny, and dry climates, but if you are in a cold-climate area, they can be grown in planters with constant pruning. Citronella plants, particularly citronella grass (Cymbopogon nardus) and citronella geraniums, are known for their mosquito-repelling properties. Citronella grass is known for its strong, lemony scent that mosquitoes dislike. Citronella geraniums, while also containing citronella, are more grown for their fragrant leaves and attractive flowers rather than for commercial oil extraction.
Bee Balm Plant (Monarda) is a perennial plant known for its fragrant scent, which helps to repel mosquitoes, and its ability to attract pollinators like bees and butterflies. It releases a strong, incense-like odor that can confuse mosquitoes by masking the smells given off by humans. As a perennial plant that looks gorgeous in the garden, horsemint (aka bee balm) offers two useful characteristics: It attracts pollinators (like bees) but repels mosquitoes. It gives off a strong, incense-like odor that confuses the pests by masking the smells given off by humans. Anybody want to attract good bugs like bees and butterflies, while deterring the bad ones? Then bee balm, also known as Monarda or horsemint, is the plant for you. Simply crush its leaves to release the fragrant oils. Plus, you’ll get to enjoy colorful flowers, in shades of red, pink, lavender, white, or purple, all summer long. This article segmented in 3 segmen. Thanks...
By,
M Anem,
Malacca,
Malaysia.
(May 2025).
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... M Anem,
Melaka,
Malaysia.
(May 2025).
Updated September 2025.
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...
