Mosquitoes are not only insects that spoil your night on the terrace, but also a nuisance that can cause more serious health problems.
Mosquitoes feed on our blood and carry diseases and viruses such as malaria, West Nile virus, and other infections. However, chemical insect repellents can cause us more health problems.
The best solution is to use the power of smell. Mosquitoes are attracted to sweat and body odor, but some scents that many of us find pleasant are not so pleasant to mosquitoes. For this purpose, we can use citronella candles, or sweet-smelling preparations that have strong insect-repellent properties.
Indoor plants to repel mosquitoes
Discover these 10 aromatic plants that will beautify your garden and offer quiet nights without bites.
1. Citronella
While citronella candles are often full of chemicals, we can grow the same plant in our garden as an insect repellant.
The plant transmits the scent of citronella to its foliage, and if you crush a leaf and rub it on your skin, it will leave behind a scent that can be strong, but it will keep mosquitoes away. The plant is not expensive, nor does it have dangerous chemicals, and when you grow it, it will always be at your disposal.
This perennial plant reaches 1.5 or 2 meters and can grow in pots, loves full sun and well-drained soil.
2. Honeysuckle
Its green leaves smell like lemon with a hint of mint. This plant protects against mosquitoes, while attracting important pollinators such as butterflies and bees. For quick fixes, crush a handful of the leaves in your hand and rub them on your skin.
You can have honeysuckle in your garden and you can plant it directly in a pot. It does not require much watering, grows quickly and is easy to transplant.
3. Mayo herb
Not only cats love it! Mayo herb is considered one of the best natural insect repellants. It contains a natural chemical known as nepetalactone, which is a natural insect repellant and is thought to be about 10 times more effective than DEET.
4. Marigolds
Marigolds contain pyrethrum, a compound used in many insect repellents. Place pots of marigolds near entrances to your home and by open windows to keep mosquitoes away from your home.
5. Basil
This plant is an excellent natural insect repellent. According to research, basil essential oil has a strong insect-repelling effect. In addition, you can also use it in the kitchen, since it has a wonderful flavor. It is easily planted in pots and keeps for a long time. Rub a handful of basil leaves on your skin to repel mosquitoes.
6. Lavender
Most of us love the scent of lavender, but few know that lavender not only relaxes us but also repels mosquitoes.
The aroma of lavender, which is very pleasant for us, is very unpleasant for mosquitoes. This plant grows easily in pots or in the garden. Make sure it’s near doors and windows. For better protection, rub its leaves on your skin to release its oil.
7. Mint
Its strong smell is a natural insecticide that repels mosquitoes. According to research, peppermint is able to repel mosquitoes, killing mosquito larvae 24 hours after exposure to a solution of peppermint oil and water.
You can crush and rub the exposed parts of your skin with mint leaves for better results.
8. Fliskouni
This is another famous natural insect repellent. Plant it around your house and mosquitoes will never get in, or leave a pot of fliskouni in a room to repel mosquitoes. It can be grown both indoors and outdoors.
9. Rosemary
This beautiful flowering plant is commonly used to flavor our dishes, but it also makes an excellent insect repellant.
You can keep it indoors or outdoors, just make sure it gets enough sun. Rosemary is very effective when burned. Add some to an ashtray and burn, its aromatic smoke will repel unwanted animals (and many other types of insects).
Geranium
Aromatic geranium is a well-known insect repellant. Lemon-flavored geranium is more effective, as is citronella. Geranium flowers are beautiful and decorate the space with their vivid color. Although they love sunny, dry weather, in areas with cool weather, you can grow geraniums from seed, as long as you prune them often.