10 Plants that can shoo away mosquitoes



 

10 Plants that can shoo away mosquitoes

 

Mosquitoes are the most famous uninvited guests which always turns up for any outdoor gatherings. Sometimes they sneak into the house and disturbs our peace of mind. These pesky pests are not just annoying but they posses a threat to human and animal health. They are known to transmit many deadly diseases like malaria, dengue, yellow fever to mention some. Mosquitoes are attracted to the certain aroma and warm bodies making humans their first choice. Mosquito bites are sometimes very painful and also cause certain allergic reactions. Mosquitoes are indeed attracted to a certain aroma but it is also true that they don’t like some specific aromas release by some plants.

 

Following is the list of 10 plants that can shoo away the mosquitoes from our gardens and our homes. The addition of some of these plants can chase away the mosquitoes and we can enjoy evening tea or barbeque in our garden.


 

1. Marigold

 

Marigold contains a unique substance called pyrethrum whose unique aroma can shoo away the mosquitoes. Marigolds also release volatile substances like thiophenes that can repel mosquitoes. Planting couples of marigold plants in the garden or placing few potted marigolds in the entry points of the house like windows, balconies, etc. can be a smart decision to shoo away these uninvited guests. Planting marigold plants in the garden will not just repel mosquitoes but also attracts pollinators and natural enemies of insects that attack our garden and also make our garden more colorful and lively during the flowering season.

 

2. Basil

 

Planting of few basil plants around the house can also repel the mosquitoes. Chemical called tarragon present in basil is also a volatile compound and can effectively repel mosquitoes. Basil is also used in many cuisines, so planting few basil plants will not just repel mosquitoes but can also use in making those delicious cuisines, and hence dual purpose is served by planting few basil plants.

 

3. Lemon Grass

 

The essential oil extracted from lemongrass the commonly used as a mosquito repellent. Famous brands of mosquito repellent available in the market generally contain lemongrass essential oil as one of the important ingredients. These companies either use natural oil extracts or replace them with synthetic chemicals that can mimic the smell of lemongrass.

 

4.Citronella Grass

 

Essential oil extract from citronella grass also has a strong fragrance that is objectionable to mosquitoes. Citronelle scented candles can repel the mosquitoes from the houses. Citronella is sometimes referred to as a mosquito plant.




 

5. Garlic

 

Garlic possesses a pungent smell that can repel mosquitoes. Consuming garlic can mildly repel mosquitoes. Squeezing and rubbing the garlic juice directly on the skin before going out to work in the garden can also keep mosquitoes at bay.

 

6. Mint

 

Most of the members of the mint family have a unique fragrance that can effectively repel mosquitoes. Crushing few leaves of mint and rubbing the juice on the exposed parts of bodies can keep the mosquitoes at bay and you can work peacefully in the garden or enjoy your evening tea in your backyard or at your balcony.

 

7.Lavender

 

Lavender extracts are commonly used in making room fresheners or scented candles. Human loves the smell of lavender as the relaxation-inducing aroma. But on the other hand, mosquitoes hate the smell of lavender. They always avoid these beautiful perennials at all costs.





 

8.Rosemary

 

The use of rosemary as natural pest control is known for years, as insects shy away from its piny scent. A simple repellent spray is made from dried rosemary flowers that can repel mosquitoes.

 

9.Lantana

 

Lantana flowers have such a potency to effectively repel the mosquitoes. Researches have found out that lantana flower extract in coconut oil provided 94.5 percent protection from Aedes albopictus and Aedes aegypti mosquitoes. Lantana is offer considered an invasive and hard to control weed. But owing to their beautiful flowers and hardy stems they are often planted as the fence around the garden.

 

10.Scented Geranium

 

Varieties of geraniums are grown for their colorful flowers. Many varieties of this annual are grown, but lemon, lime, orange, and peppermint geraniums have peculiar scents that are most effective at repelling mosquitoes. Planting few scented geranium plants will not only keep away the mosquitoes from the garden but also will beautify the garden.

 

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