This pandemic has surely forced many to go back to basics, revisit nature and relearn the benefits of plants.
Whether it’s for food or garden and indoor decoration, plants add unparalleled value to our lives.
When it comes to indoor plants though, we all have this nagging concern: do houseplants attract mosquitoes?
We commonly hear that indoor plants don't necessarily attract mosquitoes, but there is a possibility of mosquito breeding in stagnant water from watering the plants.
Tenor
If you're a nature lover and have indoor plants but have a constant struggle with mosquito invasion, here are some tips that can help you.
Indoor plants may or may not attract mosquitoes depending on the breed and type of the plant. And on how you maintain your plants.
Follow these simple tips so you can keep your favourite indoor houseplants without worrying about pests and mosquito invasion.
Do Houseplants Attract Mosquitoes?
The most common mosquito species is fungus gnat that can be often found flying on your favourite indoor house plant.
Mosquitoes can turn your sanctuary into a nightmare!
The constant itching and the annoying buzz in your ear when you're trying to rest...ugh!
Not to mention, they're difficult to catch sometimes.
Tenor
How to Keep Mosquitoes from Breeding in Your House Plants
- Flush your sump pump daily after watering the plants.
- Remove saucers that collect excess water.
- Wash the saucer with dish soap to get rid of mosquito eggs.
- Invert the saucer to dry it completely.
Fungus Gnat control with indoor plants:
- Water plants only up to 1/2 or 1 inch of soil so it can dry quickly.
- If possible, plant in pots with a quick and fast drainage mix. This can help the plant soak and absorb water more quickly. This way the soil does not remain wet for too long.
- While keeping indoor plants, check that there are no containers with stagnant water as it can easily become the breeding ground of mosquitoes.
- Bury peeled raw potato slices 3/8 inch deep in the soil. This can help the infested soil rid of the mosquito and fungus gnat larvae. Change the potato slices weekly.
- Applying Bacillus thuringiensis subspecies or nematode feltiae can kill fungus gnat larvae or mosquito eggs that are breeding in the soil of the indoor plants.
It’s known that mosquitoes are drawn to water.
Plants that attract mosquitoes
- Water lily
- Water -hyacinth
- Water lettuce
- Papyrus
- Taro plants
Giphy
Mosquito-repellent indoor plants for beginners
There are few indoor plants that may help repel mosquitoes while adding to the aesthetics of your home.
- citronella grass
- basil
- catmint
- lavender
- garlic
- rosemary
- cedar
- bee balm
- lemongrass
- lemon balm
- lemon scented geraniums
- cadaga trees
- clove
- floss flower
- lemon thyme
- mint
- lemon eucalyptus
- nodding onion
- pineapple weed
- pitcher plant
- worm wood
- snowbrush
- sweet fern
- stone root
- tea tree
- tansy
- vanilla leaf
- bergamot
So...do houseplants attract mosquitoes?
Indoor plants may or may not attract mosquitoes depending on the breed and type of the plant. And on how you maintain your plants.
If you're still struggling to find ways to get rid of mosquitoes and pests in your home, it's best that you consult a pest controlling service.
Follow these simple tips so you can keep your favourite indoor houseplants without worrying about pests and mosquito invasion.
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