People are burning rosemary indoors on 1 October – it's rooted in ancient tradition to boost your wellbeing, deter pests, and more

While you may have heard of burning rosemary for spiritual cleansing, something which people typically do in October, that's not the only use our pros recommend it for.

In fact, they say, you can also improve the air quality in your home and even deter pests with this common garden herb.

Here, they share how to use rosemary to repel mosquitoes and freshen up your space.

How to use rosemary to repel pests

Tony King, pest expert and founder of The Pied Piper Pest Control, says burning rosemary can be used as a natural pest control method.

'Rosemary, when burned to repel insects, works because of the strong aromatic chemicals released during combustion,' he explains. 'Rosemary contains essential oils like cineole, camphor, and pinene, which are natural insect repellents.

'These oils evaporate in the form of smoke when burned, and this environment disrupts the sensory mechanism of the insects, particularly their ability to detect humans or food sources, so they are less likely to remain nearby.

'This also renders burning rosemary a completely natural deterrent that doesn't employ chemical pesticides, making it ideal for those who prefer an organic method,' and non-toxic pest control alternatives.

It's a scent that deters mosquitoes, including keeping mosquitoes away from windows and the front door, advises Tony, as these flying insects are very sensitive to strong smells.

In the same way, burning rosemary will also work as a home remedy to get rid of flies, get rid of gnats, and even some moths.

'It will not get rid of all of the insects, but it can make a significant difference in outdoor areas or closed spaces,' he adds. 'For example, if you are having a party in the backyard, burning rosemary in seating areas where people are congregating or along the perimeter of the area can make a noticeable difference in the number of mosquitoes,' while also working as a non-toxic way to make a home smell nice.

To do so, says Tony, start with fresh rosemary sprigs if possible, as they contain more volatile oils than dried ones.

'Light the tips of the sprigs using a lighter or match, then gently blow out the flames so that the rosemary smolders, producing thick smoke rather than open fire,' he continues. 'Use a metal or fireproof container [such as the American Metalcraft Steel Pail available at Amazon] to catch any ash and prevent accidents.

'You can also bunch several sprigs together for a longer-lasting smoke source. For even more effectiveness, combine this with other natural repellents, like citronella candles or lavender, to create a broader insect-deterring area.'

For this, we recommend the Mainstays Citronella Scented Metal Bucket Candle available at Walmart.

Of course, in the case of more extreme infestations, you'll still need to keep an eye out for any signs it's time to call pest control, like those at Orkin, who can deal with the problem quickly, professionally and properly.

How to use rosemary to improve air quality

That's not all, either. You can also use rosemary to improve air quality indoors, and as a quick way to make a home smell nice.

Josh Mitchell, HVAC expert and founder of AirConditionerLab, explains, 'Burning rosemary can improve air quality by releasing antimicrobial compounds as it smolders.

'When rosemary burns, it releases compounds such as 1,8-cineole and camphor. Some lab tests have shown that these can reduce certain airborne bacteria. I’ve used it in homes that feel stale or musty after being shut up for a few days. It’s not a replacement for good ventilation, but it can help freshen the air in the short term.'

For that reason, it's still important to open windows, even in winter.

To try this natural way to improve the air quality in your home when living in a city, Josh says that he bundles rosemary sprigs with a cotton string, available at Walmart, before lighting the end and blowing it out so it smolders.

'It should give off light smoke, not an open flame,' he advises. 'I either place it in a small cast-iron pan or walk it slowly around the space. One bundle usually smokes for 10 to 15 minutes, depending on how dry it is.

'I always open a window so the smoke has somewhere to go. This works best in smaller rooms under 200 square feet. In larger spaces, the effect fades faster unless the windows and doors are kept closed while burning.'

Josh says that he usually does this once a week, particularly after cooking something with a strong odor, like fish.

'I also recommend storing rosemary bundles in a paper bag or a sealed glass jar,' he adds, such as the ComSaf Airtight Glass Jars available at Amazon, as if they pick up any moisture, they won't burn properly, and may produce harsh smoke instead of the clean herbal smell you want.

Importantly, continues Josh, this method doesn't help with particles like dust, pet dander, VOCs from paint or cleaning sprays.

'For those, I still recommend using a properly sized air purifier or making sure your HVAC system is running a MERV 11 or better filter,' he suggests. 'Burning rosemary is more of a supplement than a fix.'

Additionally, if anyone in the house has asthma or reacts to strong smells, Josh recommends skipping this altogether or sticking to burning rosemary outdoors only.

'The smoke is light, but it still contains particulates,' he explains.

What to shop

All prices were correct at the time of publication.

Meet our experts

Tony King

Tony founded The Pied Piper Pest Control in 1992, mainly dealing with rodent control, bedbugs, insect control, and bird control.

Josh Mitchell

Josh founded AirConditionerLab in 2014, and has been improving it ever since, with a focus on bringing quality content that covers all aspects of home heating, cooling, and air quality.

You can also use rosemary as a way to make your fire smell good, or try cleansing a house with sage.