There is probably nothing more annoying than the sound of a mosquito swatting and gnawing when you are taking a break in the yard in the evening. Mosquitoes are not just a nuisance, they are also the cause of many diseases in our country, such as dengue and chikungunya. So, there is nothing we can do to avoid these mosquito problems, right? Most of the time, we use store-bought mosquito repellents, that is, products containing `(DEET)` or `(Picaridin)`. These provide good protection. But some people are a little reluctant to use these chemicals, especially in homes with small children. So, are you also wondering, "Isn't there a natural solution to this?" That's where the topic of "mosquito-repelling plants" comes in. Let's see what is true or not in this story, do these plants really work, and how should we use them.
Why can these plants repel mosquitoes?
Simply put, this is due to the essential oils that naturally occur in these plants. These oils protect the plant from insects, viruses, and bacteria. The smell we smell comes from these oils. But the biggest problem here is
that mosquitoes will not stop coming to the plant in a pot in the garden. The essential oils in that plant need to be released into the air. All you need to do is take a couple of leaves of that plant, crush them well with your hands, and apply the juice to your skin.
Important: Before applying the juice of any plant to your skin, first test it on a small area of your skin (for example, the inside of your arm) to see if you have an allergy . If your skin becomes red or itchy, do not use it.
Let's now see what types of plants can be used in this way.
| Plant name | Description and functionality |
|---|
| Citrus (Citronella) | This is the most popular plant used to repel mosquitoes. Its strong lemon scent makes it difficult for mosquitoes to find us. It contains chemicals called (Citronellol, Geraniol) . |
| Lemongrass | The lemon we eat is a plant related to citrus. It contains a chemical called citral, which repels mosquitoes. It is also easy to plant in your yard. |
| Neem | The oil extracted from the seeds of the kohomba tree, which is very popular in our country, is very effective in repelling mosquitoes. An old method is to mix a little kohomba oil with coconut oil and rub it on the skin. |
| Marigolds | This plant, which blooms beautiful yellow and orange flowers, contains an insect repellent chemical called Pyrethrin . It not only adds beauty to the garden, but also provides protection from mosquitoes. |
| Lavender | Lavender, which has beautiful purple flowers and a calming scent, can also repel mosquitoes. However, some research suggests that it is not very effective against the mosquitoes that breed dengue. |
| Mint / Peppermint | Mosquitoes don't like the strong smell of mint. Crushing mint leaves and applying them to the skin provides a cooling sensation and also provides relief from mosquitoes. |
What plants are safe for pets?
If you have a dog or cat at home, some plants may be unpleasant for them. However, there are also some plants that repel mosquitoes and are not too harmful to pets.
- Basil/Tulsi: This plant, which we also eat, is safe for dogs and cats.
- Rosemary: The scent of this plant repels mosquitoes.
- Sage: The smoke from burning the leaves of this plant repels mosquitoes and other insects.
More tips for creating a mosquito-free yard
Apart from planting plants, there are many important things you can do to control mosquito breeding.
These are the most important things in our country where there is a dengue epidemic. 1.
Eliminate waterlogging: This is number one. Clean all the places where water can collect in your garden and balcony, such as
coconut shells, old tires, yogurt cups, flower pots, trays, and rain gutters . Even a drop of water can be a breeding ground for mosquitoes. 2.
Don't overwater your plants:When you water a lot, water collects at the bottom of the pot, creating a breeding ground for mosquitoes. 3.
Keep the yard clean: Remove fallen leaves and unwanted bushes. Since moisture accumulates in such places, mosquitoes have more opportunities to live. 4.
Places to plant plants: Plant mosquito-repellent plants in places where you often hang out, for example, near the doors and windows of the yard. Then you will both smell and be a hindrance to mosquitoes.
Natural things? Chemical things? What's really good?
We have to be honest here. Natural plants are an environmentally friendly solution that provides some relief from the mosquito problem. However,
to protect against serious diseases like dengue, the protection provided by these plants alone is not enough. If you want complete protection from disease-carrying mosquitoes, doctor-recommended, government-approved mosquito repellents containing chemicals such as DEET or Picaridin provide the most effective and long-lasting protection.
Don't think twice about using a repellent like this, especially if you live in a dengue-prone area, have young children, or are a pregnant woman. Read the instructions carefully before using it. If you have any doubts, ask your
family doctor for advice. Also, there are other simple ways to protect yourself from mosquitoes:
- Reduce your exposure to the outdoors during the early morning and evening hours (when mosquitoes are most active).
- If you go outside, wear long pants and long-sleeved clothing that covers your body well.
- Be sure to use a mosquito net when sleeping.
- If you have screens on your windows and doors, always check them for holes.
Take-Home Message
- Mosquito-repelling plants planted in the yard will not stop mosquitoes from coming. The leaves should be crushed to release their essential oils and applied to the skin.
- Before applying any plant to your skin, test it on a small area to see if you have any allergies .
- To protect yourself from diseases like dengue , the most important thing is to destroy mosquito breeding sites. Keep your garden clean.
- Natural methods of protection are not 100% effective. To protect yourself from diseases like dengue, it is best to use mosquito repellents recommended by doctors.
- If you have any concerns about using mosquito repellent on young children or pregnant women, be sure to consult your doctor .
Mosquitoes, mosquito plants, dengue, mosquito repellent plants, citronella, neem, DEET, sera, cohosh, protection from mosquitoes, natural mosquito repellent
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