Flies, mosquitoes, ants... It's really hard to find a house in our country without these annoying creatures, isn't it? Sometimes the harassment they cause is unbearable. So we use one method after another to keep these insects away from our homes and bodies. Although there are many types of bug repellents available in the store, some people prefer to use something natural, made from plants. Today we are talking about a few types of plants that can repel insects naturally.
Why do we seek out natural things?
The strong scent and chemicals in many store-bought insect repellents sometimes make us uncomfortable. Especially in a home with young children, we think twice about putting anything on our skin. Also, some people can be allergic to these chemicals. For reasons like these, many people are now turning to natural products like extracts or oils obtained from plants. Let's see what these plants are.
Plants that repel annoying ants
There are over 12,000 species of ants worldwide. They usually bite us only when they feel threatened. But the problem is, ants can carry bacteria and fungi into our food. This can cause illnesses like food poisoning.
Research has found that the essential oils extracted from these plants help repel ants.
- Chili: Chili oil has been found to be very effective in repelling fire ants in particular.
- Peppermint and Clove: Peppermint and clove oils are very effective in repelling species like carpenter ants from our homes.
- Pine, Cedar: The oils from these plants also work well against ants.
You can add a few drops of peppermint oil to some water, mix well, and spray it on the areas where ants are coming and going. However, if you have small children or pets at home, you should be very careful when using these.
Solutions to the problem of flies
House flies are a very annoying and dangerous species of insects. Although they don't bite, they are suspected of spreading nearly 65 diseases. This is something that should not be taken lightly.
| Diseases that can be transmitted by flies | A simple explanation |
|---|---|
| Anthrax | A bacterial infection that causes serious illness and can even lead to death if left untreated. |
| Cholera | A bacterial infection that causes severe diarrhea and is spread through contaminated water and food. |
| Dysentery | An infection caused by bacteria or parasites that affects the digestive system. |
| Tuberculosis | A bacterial infection that usually affects the lungs, but can affect any part of the body. |
| Typhoid fever | A fever caused by bacteria that can be life-threatening. |
So these plants help repel flies that spread dangerous diseases like:
- Lemongrass: Citronella, which is found in many insect repellents available in stores, is made from lemongrass. So planting a lemongrass plant in your garden can help repel flies as well as mosquitoes.
- Peppermint: Flies dislike the smell of peppermint. Peppermint can also kill fly larvae.
- Eucalyptus: The plant called ``Blue gum``, a type of eucalyptus, has the ability to repel and even kill flies.
- Catnip: While this is a favorite for cats, research has found that this plant also helps repel flies.
Mosquitoes - Let's escape from the world's most dangerous killer
Mosquitoes are not just a nuisance. They are one of the most dangerous animal killers in the world. That's because of the deadly diseases they transmit.
- Dengue: We all know how serious a problem dengue is in our country. It can range from fever and body aches to death.
- Malaria: A disease caused by a parasite called Plasmodium. Some types of malaria are severe enough to cause death within 24 hours.
- Chikungunya: A viral disease that causes fever and joint pain, sometimes leading to chronic conditions.
- Zika virus: Although symptoms are mild in adults, if a pregnant mother is infected, the baby can have serious birth defects.
Numerous studies have found that the extracts and oils of many plants have the ability to repel mosquitoes.
The most effective plants
The oils extracted from these can provide protection from mosquitoes for a long time, about 9-11 hours.
- Citronella oil
- Peppermint oil
- Pine oil
- Licorice root extract
Plants that provide protection for up to 8 hours
Oils from a number of plants, such as lavender, cinnamon, eucalyptus, citrus plants, and clove, can also provide some level of protection.
Be careful when using these natural things.
There are many natural insect repellents on the market, but not all of them are equally effective. The main problem with these is that the essential oils extracted from plants evaporate quickly. This means that they do not provide as long-lasting protection as chemical repellents. You have to reapply them.
Another important thing is that these essential oils are highly concentrated. It is not good to apply them directly to the skin. Doing so can cause skin burns and allergies. If you use these, you should dilute them well with a carrier oil like coconut oil.
You can find ways to make these kinds of natural repellents online. But when making something like that, you need to think about what kind of insect you want to repel, and whether you're using it indoors or on your body.
Take-Home Message
- Natural plants have the ability to repel insects such as ants, flies, and mosquitoes. Sage, mint, lavender, and cinnamon are just a few of them.
- These may be less effective than chemical repellents, and they also need to be used more frequently.
- Do not apply essential oils directly to the skin. Always dilute them well with a carrier oil, such as coconut oil.
- Most importantly: If you live in an area where a disease like dengue is common, relying solely on natural remedies can be risky. In such a case, ask your doctor for advice on the best, proven insect repellent to protect you and your family.
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