In today’s world with all its modernisation and technological advancement the mosquito menace is still highly prevalent all around the globe. Mosquitoes are carriers of various diseases like malaria, dengue, and chikungunya virus that have caused health issues and deaths among wide population around the world.
Global warming, unplanned sewerage systems and insects developing resistance to available medicines, have made the battle against pests and mosquitoes a challenge. As an answer to the threat of mosquito-borne diseases, science developed N-diethyl-meta-toluamide, (DEET) chemical based mosquito repellents. However this chemical is toxic for humans and is known to cause rashes, anaphylactic shock, seizures out of the many side effects, when used in high concentration.
Since ages many plants have been used as essential oils, sprays and ointments. However what many of us do not know is that the mere presence of certain plants can naturally keep mosquitoes at bay in a given area. Here is a list of some plants worth having around your house, that are not only pretty, produce a nice aroma, but also that can help in the constant war against mosquito bites.
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Citronella:
Citronella is officially known as the Citrosum plant and helps to repel mosquitoes. This plant can be planted in the ground or pots and grows in the form of grass upto 5 to 6 feet.
It is one of the many natural ingredients in Dabur Odomos natural mosquito repellent cream along with Aloe Vera. It is skin friendly and helps in providing effective protection against mosquitoes. Cymbopogon nardus or Citronella winterianus are the preferred variety, though there are various species to choose from depending on the locale.
2. Lavender:
Lavender not only offers an aromatic fragrance but is great at repelling mosquitoes. The pleasant aroma of lavender keeps the mosquitoes away.
Lavandula angustifoli, the most favoured variety, is 1.5 feet tall evergreen perennial plant with purple flowers.
3. Basil:
Basil plant is an excellent natural mosquito repellent. It can be grown in pots and placed in the garden or indoors to prevent mosquitoes.
4. Marigolds:
The bright sunny marigolds not only make the landscape attractive but they also carry Pyrethrum which is a compound which is used in several insect repellents. Potted marigolds can be placed near doors, windows as well as common mosquito entry points.
5. Peppermint:
Peppermint’s minty clean smell is significantly better than that awful chemical smell. It acts as a natural insecticide which can be used to repel mosquitoes. The crushed leaves from the plant to release scents and oils acts as an instant insect repellant.
6. Lemon Balm:
This plant is also known as Horsemint. Lemon balm’s aromatic scent wards off mosquitoes. It is a rapid-growing plant so it is better to plant it in a pot rather than the yard to avoid a lemon balm invasion in the garden. Place the pots near windows and doors to curb the access of mosquitoes inside the house.
7. Catnip:
Catnip is considered as one of the best plants that keep mosquitoes away. It contains a natural chemical called Nepetalactone, which acts as an insect repellent as well as feline attractant. Catnip grows rapidly and repels mosquitoes that are in close proximity to it.
8. Sage:
Sage belongs to the mint family and has grayish-green leaves along with woody stems. The leaves of this herbaceous plant have a powerful aroma and also produce oils that help repel mosquitoes.
9. Eucalyptus:
This plant is a genus of shrubs and trees. The oil released from this tree has an outstanding property of repelling the mosquitoes, naturally, when planted in the garden. The oil produced by eucalyptus is gentle on human skin and its use can protect you from deadly mosquito bites.
10. Rosemary:
This beautiful plant is usually used in cooking dishes but it is an excellent mosquito repellent too. It prefers full sunlight and is an ideal plant to grow outdoors.. For repellent purpose, both the live plant and the cuttings are effective to get rid of those disease spreading bugs.
