Which Indoor Plants Attract Mosquitoes: A Comprehensive Guide

When they’re not looking for blood, both the males and females feed on a wide variety of plants, though each species has its preferences. According to the Encyclopedia of Entomology by John L. Capinera, early spring Aedes mosquitoes have been recorded nectar-feeding on Canada plum, pin cherry, and a variety of woodland plants. Even in the high Arctic, mosquitoes have been observed feeding on the nectar from the flower Dryas integrifolia – a small white Arctic flower.

Do Indoor Plants Attract Mosquitoes?

We usually talk about plants that repel mosquitoes or other insects. However, it's important to understand that the moist environment around indoor plants can attract mosquitoes and other insect pests. While mosquitoes are uncommon in indoor plants, there is still a possibility of mosquito breeding in still water.

The most common flying pest found indoors is the fungus gnat. These tiny insects can turn any decor or space into a nightmare due to the constant itching and patting involved in getting rid of them.

How to Prevent Mosquito Breeding in Indoor Plants

One of the easiest ways to prevent mosquito breeding is to ensure that you flush your sump pump daily after watering the plants. Always remove saucers that have excess water and wash them with dish soap to destroy any mosquito eggs. Invert the saucers to dry them completely. Blossoming flowers may also catch excess water, so ensure they are also monitored for standing water.

Controlling Fungus Gnats in Indoor Plants

To control fungus gnats in indoor plants, water only to the depth of 1/2 or 1 inch of soil that can quickly dry out. This ensures the soil does not remain wet for too long and the moisture is not retained. When keeping indoor plants, avoid having any containers with standing water, as it can easily become a breeding site for mosquito eggs.

Specific Tips for Attracting or Repelling Mosquitoes

Burying Raw Potato Slices: Peeling and burying raw potato slices in the soil (3/8 inch deep) can help infested soil get rid of mosquito and fungus gnat larvae. It is recommended to change the potato slices weekly.

Bacillus thuringiensis Subspecies: nematode feltiae: Applying this can kill fungus gnat larvae or mosquito eggs that are breeding in the soil of indoor plants.

Plants that Attract or Repel Mosquitoes

While certain plants can attract mosquitoes, several houseplants can help repel them and add to the liveliness of your space. Here’s a short list of plants that can help keep mosquitoes, insects, and pests at bay:

Citronella grass Basil Catmint Lavender Garlic Rosemary Bee balm Lemongrass Lemon balm Lemon-scented geraniums Cadan trees Clove Flossflower Lemon thyme Mint Lemon eucalyptus Nodding onion Pineapple weed Pitcher plant Wormwood Snowbrush Sweet fern Stone root Tea tree Tansy Vanilla leaf Bergamot

It can also be said that indoor plants may or may not attract mosquitoes depending on the breed and type of the plant. So if you are struggling to find ways to get rid of mosquitoes and pests, it's best that you consult a pest controlling service and take the required initiative and steps.

Conclusion

By simply following the above-mentioned tips, you can easily plant your favorite indoor plants without sweating over the tension of flying pests and mosquitoes ruining the look and feel of your indoor space!