5 Plants That Keep Mosquitoes and Pests Out of Your Home

Even with insecticide-treated nets and indoor spraying, malaria still hits hard. An estimated 597,000 people died from it worldwide in 2023, and over 95% of those deaths were in Africa, especially in Nigeria. Dengue is also on the rise: By December 2023, the WHO African Region had recorded nearly 172,000 suspected cases and 753 deaths from dengue fever. These illnesses bring on fever and chills, sleepless nights, additional hospital bills, and concern for families.

While chemical controls like sprays, mosquito nets, and coils have their place, there's also a green, simple, natural trick you can try at home that won't break the bank. There are certain plants that produce natural chemicals—citronella, pyrethrum, eugenol, and menthol—that mosquitoes and flies cannot stand. 

If you're tired of battling mosquitoes and other pesky insects in your home, these five natural insect-repellent plants are effective and eco-friendly solutions.

Price: ₦9,600. Where to Buy: Shop Savvy Gardens.

Citronella oil is a common ingredient in many commercial insect repellents and is extracted from the lemongrass, also known as "fever grass" in Nigeria. You know it’s effective because it’s like an antidote to the ailments mosquitoes cause. 

There are many ways to use lemongrass to repel mosquitoes. You can plant it around your home in porous soil, especially near entrances and windows, where it can receive plenty of sunlight. You can crush and rub the leaves on your skin as a natural mosquito repellent. 

Another effective method is to boil the leaves to make a tea. This releases the aromatic oil into the air. If growing a plant is challenging, consider buying 10ml of lemongrass essential oil for ₦2,500 on Deeza Organics and using it in a diffuser.  

Growing Tips: To grow it healthily, water it regularly and trim it occasionally. You can also plant it in a flowerpot or clean container and move it indoors.

Locally known as "Efirin" among the Yoruba and "Nchuanwu" among the Igbo, scent leaf is a staple in Nigerian cuisine and traditional medicine. But beyond its culinary uses, the plant has a strong aroma that repels mosquitoes and other insects. 

I mostly see the scent leaf planted outdoors, but you can crush the leaves and place them in rooms to release their insect-repelling aroma into the air. Some people also burn dried scent leaves to ward off mosquitoes.

Growing Tips: The scent leaf grows well in pots and the ground, requiring moderate watering and partial sunlight. Pruning the leaves regularly will make them grow faster and bushier. 

Price: ₦9,600. Where to Buy: Shop Savvy Gardens

Marigolds are colourful flowers that beautify gardens and homes. They also contain pyrethrum, a compound used in many insecticides. This makes them effective as natural insect repellents, and their distinct scent deters mosquitoes, aphids, and other pests.

You can plant marigolds around your home or garden, or place them in pots near windows and entrances to create a barrier against insects. Their bright colours add aesthetic value while serving a functional purpose.

Growing Tips: Marigold seeds thrive in full sunlight and well-drained soil. They are relatively low-maintenance plants that can withstand various weather conditions. To ensure continuous growth throughout the seasons, remove dead flowers regularly. 

Price: ₦8,500. Where to Buy: Shop Savvy Gardens.

Basil, also known as sweet basil, is a popular herb in Nigerian kitchens. Beyond its culinary uses, its strong aroma naturally repels mosquitoes and flies. The essential oils in basil possess insecticidal properties, making it a useful plant for the kitchen and repelling pests.

To use basil as an insect repellent, place potted plants near windows and doors, or crush the leaves to release their fragrant aroma into the air.

Growing Tips: For healthy growth, basil should be kept in sunny spots with porous soil. Regular watering and trimming will help it flourish. 

Price: ₦9,600. Where to Buy: Shop Savvy Gardens.

Rosemary’s intense, woody aroma comes from its essential oils, eucalyptol and camphor, which are highly unpleasant to mosquitoes, ticks, and other garden pests.

Grow potted rosemary near doorways, windowsills, or verandas to repel insects. For extra effect, crush fresh sprigs between your hands and rub them gently on exposed skin or toss them into braziers or coils to release rosemary essential oils into the air. 

You can also create your DIY spray by steeping chopped rosemary in hot water, allowing it to cool, and then straining it into a spray bottle—ideal for misting around seating areas or hanging baskets.

Growing Tips: To prevent root rot, ensure rosemary is planted in very porous soil by mixing coarse sand or grit into the planting beds or using clay pots with drainage holes. Place in full sun and water sparingly.

Price: ₦19,300. Where to Buy: Shop Savvy Gardens.

1. Garden World Nigeria

• Address: 7 Sunday Adigun St, Oregun, Ikeja 101233, Lagos

• Areas served: Nigeria

• Hours: Open 24 hours 

2. Taison Horticulture

• Address: Block 36, Admiralty Way, E, Lekki 105102, Lagos

• Hours: Open Monday - Saturday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.

3. Plant Villa

• Address: 19/21 Adekunle Fajuyi Way, opposite GRA primary school, Ikeja GRA, Lagos 100271, Lagos

• Areas served: Lagos and the nearby regions.

• Hours: Open Monday - Saturday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.

4. Savvy Gardens

• Address: Km 27, BY HFP SHOPPING COMPLEX After Abraham Adesanya roundabout, Eti-Osa, Lekki 101245

• Hours: Open Monday - Saturday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.

These five plants are a natural and effective way to reduce the presence of mosquitoes and other pests in your home and environment. They serve a functional purpose and elevate the beauty and aroma of your surroundings.