Mosquitoes on Balconies With Plants: How to Keep Them Away

A balcony garden is a lovely thing, until the evenings fill with mosquitoes. Plants, saucers, watering cans and damp corners create exactly the small pools of water and shaded resting places that mosquitoes like. The good news is that a few habits make a big difference.

This guide explains how to keep mosquitoes away without giving up your plants.

The short answer

Mosquitoes breed in even tiny amounts of standing water, such as plant saucers, trays under pots, water-filled decorations, clogged balcony drains, buckets and watering cans, and they rest in dense, shaded foliage. To keep them away, empty saucers and trays after watering, avoid overwatering, clean and clear balcony drains, store buckets and containers upside down, change water in vases and bowls often, trim dense foliage and keep screens or mesh on balcony doors. Check for larvae, and treat or remove any water you cannot empty. Weekly checks are the key habit.

Common breeding spots on a balcony

• Saucers and trays under plant pots.
• Water-holding decorations, such as bowls, plates and ornamental containers.
• Blocked balcony drains and gutters.
• Buckets, watering cans and storage containers.
• Rainwater collected in pots, covers and folds of tarpaulin.
• Money plants and other plants grown in water.
• Air cooler tanks and tubs.

Weekly routine

1. Empty and scrub plant saucers and trays, or remove them.
2. Check the balcony drain for blockage and standing water.
3. Empty and dry buckets, containers and watering cans.
4. Replace the water in vases and water-grown plants, scrubbing the container and roots.
5. Check for water collected in covers, toys and decorations.
6. Look for tiny wriggling larvae in any water you find.

Plant care that helps

• Do not overwater. Let excess water drain away.
• Use well-draining pots and soil.
• Prune dense foliage that gives mosquitoes shaded resting spots.
• Remove dead leaves and debris from corners.

Protecting yourself

• Fit screens or mesh on balcony doors and windows.
• Use a fan on the balcony, since mosquitoes are poor fliers in moving air.
• Use repellents suitable for the people present, as directed.
• Avoid sitting out at peak mosquito times, or use protective clothing.

About plants that repel mosquitoes

Plants such as citronella, lemongrass and basil are often said to repel mosquitoes, but evidence is weak and the effect is limited. Do not rely on them in place of removing standing water.

If you find larvae

Empty the container and scrub it. If you cannot empty it, ask a professional about safe larvicide treatment for plants and water features.

When to call a professional

If mosquitoes persist, a professional can find hidden breeding sites on and around the balcony and shared areas.

Frequently asked questions

Do plants attract mosquitoes?

The plants themselves less so. The water and shade around them do.

Is it okay to grow plants in water?

Change the water at least weekly, or switch to soil.

Do mosquito-repelling plants work?

Not reliably on their own.

How often should I check?

Weekly, and after rain.

This guide is part of IPest's complete resource on mosquito control. For identification help, prevention and treatment options, see our full mosquito control guide for Bangalore.