Mosquito Repellent Plants - Story, Key Notes & 15 Top MCQs for UPSC

Mosquito-borne diseases remain a serious global concern, making knowledge of mosquito genera and natural repellents extremely important. Understanding Aedes, Anopheles, and Culex mosquitoes helps identify disease risks, while learning about repellent plants supports eco-friendly prevention methods essential for both public health awareness and NEET preparation in environmental biology.

This topic explores disease-causing mosquitoes such as Aedes aegypti, Aedes albopictus, Anopheles, and Culex, along with plants like marigold, lemongrass, citronella, drosera, and brahmi that naturally repel mosquitoes. Such information strengthens NEET students’ knowledge of vector ecology, disease transmission, and sustainable biological control methods for mosquito management.

Why Does "Mosquito Repellent Plants" Matter for UPSC

“Mosquito repellent plants” matter for UPSC because they link environment, health, biodiversity, traditional knowledge, vector-borne disease control, and sustainable living. They are relevant to GS-3 topics like medicinal plants, public health, climate impact on diseases, and eco-friendly practices. Prelims, Mains, and Interview questions often cover natural repellents and environmental solutions.

Quick Revision Notes - Mosquito Repellent Plants

Keywords & Definitions

Aedes aegypti: A major mosquito vector for dengue, chikungunya, and Zika. It breeds in clean stagnant water, bites mainly during the daytime, and thrives in urban environments, increasing human exposure significantly.

Anopheles: This mosquito genus transmits malaria-causing Plasmodium parasites. It prefers clean water for breeding and primarily shows nocturnal biting behavior, playing a critical role in malaria transmission in tropical regions globally.

Culex: A common mosquito genus spreading West Nile virus and filariasis. Culex species breed in polluted water, are active at night, and often infest crowded residential areas with poor sanitation conditions.

Aedes albopictus: Known as the Asian tiger mosquito, it spreads dengue and chikungunya. Its aggressive biting nature, adaptability to various climates, and broad breeding habitat range make it a challenging global vector.

Mosquito-Repellent Plants: Plants like marigold, citronella, brahmi, lemongrass, and drosera naturally repel mosquitoes due to strong aromatic compounds or unique biochemical properties, offering safe and eco-friendly alternatives to synthetic mosquito-control products.

Every concept you master brings you one step closer to your NEET goal—keep learning, keep growing, and believe in your dedicated effort.

Multiple Choice Questions - Mosquito Repellent Plants

Straight MCQs

1. Which mosquito species is the primary vector for dengue?
A. Culex
B. Aedes aegypti
C. Anopheles
D. Aedes albopictus

Press Here for Answer & Explanation

Answer: B. Aedes aegypti. It efficiently transmits dengue because of its daytime biting, rapid breeding in clean water, and close association with human dwellings, increasing its chances of spreading infection widely.

2. Which disease is transmitted by Anopheles mosquitoes?
A. Zika
B. Malaria
C. Filariasis
D. West Nile Virus

Press Here for Answer & Explanation

Answer: B. Malaria. Anopheles mosquitoes carry Plasmodium parasites that infect human blood, causing malaria, a potentially fatal disease prevalent in tropical and subtropical regions needing continuous control strategies.

Fill in the Blanks

3. Culex mosquitoes are responsible for spreading ________.
A. Malaria
B. Filariasis
C. Dengue
D. Zika

Press Here for Answer & Explanation

Answer: B. Filariasis. Culex mosquitoes commonly breed in polluted stagnant water and transmit Wuchereria bancrofti, the parasite responsible for lymphatic filariasis, particularly in densely populated environments with poor sanitation.

4. Lemongrass acts as a natural mosquito ________.
A. Attractant
B. Fertilizer
C. Repellent
D. Growth promoter

Press Here for Answer & Explanation

Answer: C. Repellent. Lemongrass contains citronellal, an aromatic compound that deters mosquitoes effectively, making it a natural and eco-friendly solution commonly used in oils, sprays, and garden planting.

Statement-Based MCQs

S1. Statement I: Aedes albopictus can transmit chikungunya.
Statement II: Aedes albopictus lives only in forest habitats.
A. Both statements true
B. Both statements false
C. I true, II false
D. I false, II true

Press Here for Answer & Explanation

Answer: C. I true, II false. Aedes albopictus spreads chikungunya effectively but thrives in forests, urban regions, and water-holding containers, showing adaptability beyond natural vegetation and forest areas.

S2. Statement I: Culex mosquitoes breed in polluted water bodies.
Statement II: Culex mosquitoes are vectors of West Nile Virus.
A. Both statements true
B. Both statements false
C. I true, II false
D. I false, II true

Press Here for Answer & Explanation

Answer: A. Both statements true. Culex species often reproduce in dirty stagnant water and are medically important as vectors for West Nile Virus, especially in poorly maintained environments.

Assertion–Reason MCQs

A1. Assertion: Lemongrass oil is widely used as a mosquito repellent.
Reason: Lemongrass contains citronellal that repels mosquitoes.
A. Both A and R true; R explains A
B. Both A and R true; R does not explain A
C. A true, R false
D. A false, R true

Press Here for Answer & Explanation

Answer: A. Both statements are true, and the reason correctly explains the assertion because citronellal is the principal compound responsible for mosquito repelling effects in lemongrass.

A2. Assertion: Anopheles mosquitoes transmit malaria.
Reason: Malaria is caused by a virus carried by Anopheles mosquitoes.
A. Both A and R true; R explains A
B. Both A and R true; R does not explain A
C. A true, R false
D. A false, R true

Press Here for Answer & Explanation

Answer: C. Assertion is true but reason is false. Malaria results from Plasmodium parasites, not viruses, which Anopheles mosquitoes introduce into the bloodstream during biting.

Matching Type MCQs

Column A	Column B
1. Aedes aegypti 2. Anopheles 3. Culex 4. Aedes albopictus	A. West Nile Virus B. Dengue C. Malaria D. Chikungunya

Press Here for Answer & Explanation

Answer: 1-B, 2-C, 3-A, 4-D. These mosquito genera are matched with their most common associated diseases, helping students recognize vector-specific disease transmission patterns essential for NEET biology.

Column A	Column B
1. Marigold 2. Citronella 3. Drosera 4. Lemongrass	A. Carnivorous plant B. Strong citrus aroma C. Used in mosquito-repellent candles D. Emits pungent repellent scent

Press Here for Answer & Explanation

Answer: 1-D, 2-C, 3-A, 4-B. These plants naturally repel mosquitoes through either biochemical secretions or aromatic oils, making them popular eco-friendly options to reduce mosquito presence without chemicals.

Advanced Reading - Mosquito Repellent Plants

🎧 Listen to Nivarika’s Green Shield & Top 10 Tips

Nivarika’s Green Shield

The Problem with City Living

Nivarika lived with her husband, Arun, and their two children—eight-year-old Aarav and six-year-old Meera—in a sunny penthouse at the city’s edge. The open terrace was their favorite spot for evening tea and games, but one constant problem spoiled the peace: mosquitoes.

Every summer and monsoon, the buzzing invaders brought itchy bites and the fear of dengue, chikungunya, and malaria. Nivarika disliked chemical sprays with their harsh smells and side effects. She longed for a natural solution.

Discovering Nature’s Defenders

One afternoon, while browsing gardening forums, she read about mosquito-repellent plants of India. Excited, she decided to create a living shield in front of her penthouse. That weekend, the family visited a nursery.

The first plant Nivarika picked was Tulsi, the holy basil every Indian household treasures, its clove-like fragrance naturally repelling mosquitoes. Nearby, she found the tall blades of citronella grass, famous for its lemony scent that insects despise.

Meera fell in love with the refreshing aroma of lemongrass and begged to take a pot home. Aarav, always drawn to color, spotted rows of bright marigolds and declared they belonged on the terrace.

Just as they were about to leave, Aarav noticed a small glass tank with strange plants inside. Their leaves sparkled as if sprinkled with dew. The gardener explained it was Drosera, also called sundew, an insectivorous plant that lured mosquitoes with sweet droplets and trapped them in sticky tentacles. Fascinated, Aarav pleaded, “Amma, can we take this one too? It’s like a mosquito catcher!” Intrigued, Nivarika agreed.

Adding a Water Guardian

Back home, Nivarika arranged the plants thoughtfully. She placed a wide terracotta trough filled with shallow water and planted Brahmi, the creeping herb that spread beautifully across the surface. It discouraged mosquito breeding while adding calm greenery. Next to this trough, she positioned Drosera. Its damp-loving roots thrived in the moist air, and its glistening leaves stood ready like tiny guardians.

Transforming the Terrace

Within weeks, the terrace bloomed into a fortress. Tulsi stood near the entrance, citronella and lemongrass lined the railings, marigolds brightened the corners, Brahmi floated gently in the trough, and Drosera spread its sparkling red leaves.

One afternoon, Aarav and Meera leaned over the trough. A mosquito landed on Drosera, drawn to the shiny droplets. To their amazement, it stuck fast as the tentacles curled inward. Meera gasped, Aarav clapped. “Amma! Look—it’s eating the mosquito!” From that day, they visited it daily, calling it their little guardian.

Lessons for the Children

That evening, Aarav asked, “Amma, do these plants really protect us?”

Nivarika smiled. “Yes, beta. Some repel with their smell, some stop breeding, and Drosera even traps them. When we care for them, they care for us.”

Meera watered the marigolds every morning, Aarav proudly showed Drosera to friends, and even Arun, once doubtful, enjoyed tea surrounded by the living shield.

Inspiring the Neighborhood

Soon, neighbors noticed the terrace seemed free from mosquitoes. Curious, they visited, marveling at the Brahmi trough and the unusual Drosera. They left inspired to try natural methods themselves.

A Living Shield

What began as Nivarika’s effort to protect her family became something bigger. Her terrace was no longer just a garden—it was a sanctuary where Tulsi, citronella, lemongrass, marigold, Brahmi, and Drosera stood guard. Her children learned nature’s wisdom, and the city breeze returned to their evenings, free from the silent threat of mosquitoes.

Top 10 Natural & Physical Mosquito Control Tips

Protecting families from mosquitoes is possible through simple, natural plants and physical prevention methods combined.

Grow Tulsi; its strong clove-like aroma naturally keeps mosquitoes away from your home environment.

Plant citronella grass; its lemony fragrance effectively repels insects and reduces mosquito presence nearby.

Keep lemongrass pots on balconies for freshness and natural mosquito resistance around living areas.

Add marigolds; their bright color and fragrant scent help discourage mosquito presence in gardens.

Place Drosera near water; it traps mosquitoes with sticky, glistening leaves in damp locations.

Use a Brahmi trough; water coverage prevents mosquito breeding while providing calm greenery to terraces.

Remove stagnant water from containers, plant saucers, and drains to stop mosquito breeding grounds.

Install fine mesh screens on windows and doors to block mosquito entry into indoor spaces.

Wear light-colored clothing; mosquitoes are attracted to dark shades and avoid lighter-colored fabrics.

Apply citronella cream on exposed skin for natural mosquito protection when outdoors or in gardens.

Table: Mosquito Species & Diseases

Here is a table showing different mosquito species and the diseases they cause.

Mosquito Species	Diseases Caused
Aedes aegypti	Dengue, Zika, Chikungunya
Anopheles	Malaria
Culex	West Nile Virus, Filariasis
Aedes albopictus	Dengue, Chikungunya

Video: Top 10 Natural & Physical Mosquito Control Tips | Easy Home Remedies to Repel Mosquitoes

Conclusion

Nivarika’s terrace garden became a living shield, protecting her family naturally from mosquitoes. Tulsi, citronella, lemongrass, marigold, Brahmi, and Drosera worked together to repel, trap, and prevent breeding. Her children learned the importance of caring for plants while enjoying safe outdoor play. Alongside these natural defenses, simple physical methods like removing stagnant water, installing mesh screens, wearing light clothing, and applying citronella cream ensure comprehensive mosquito control. Nature and vigilance together keep homes safe and healthy.