Mosquitoes are dangerous pests and among the deadliest human disease agents. One bite can cause a range of vector borne diseases like malaria, dengue, elephantiasis, etc.
Use of chemical sprays and smokes is common when it comes to keeping these pests at bay. But we can also use some natural methods to get rid of them. There are a few shrubs and plants that can help to keep mosquitoes away. If we grow these plants in our balconies, they can serve double purpose. Keep our balcony looking green plus keep menace of mosquitoes under control.
Plants not only have medicinal properties, they also happen to be environmental friendly mosquito repellent. With this we now know one more use of plants!
Grow Basil: Basil is a very common, easily found aromatic plant. It grows easily and doesn’t require care beyond watering it every day. In very hot season/weather may be twice a day. All types of basil plants have pungent odor that helps to keeps mosquitoes away. Not just mosquitoes’, basil keeps many other insects away too. Among all varieties of basil, cinnamon basil, lemon basil and Peru work the best due to their stronger odor.
Grow Marigold: In season ensure that you plant a few marigolds in your garden. This is another plant that’s easy to grow and maintain. It is a seasonal plant and the bright flowers will add a lot of life to your garden. There are many varieties of marigold. Besides known for its medicinal properties it is also a mosquito repellent due to its typical and strong smell.
Besides those mentioned above lemongrass, rosemary and lavender plants also make for natural mosquito repellents. They are all easy to grow and maintain and can be potted plants. Meaning you don’t need to necessarily grow them in traditional garden space. You can also grow them in pots in your apartment garden.
Make Mosquito Repellent at Home:
- Take half cup of Vodka and apple cedar vinegar (organic) each and two table spoons of lemon balm essential oil. (by the way lemon balm plant also makes for a mosquito repellent). Mix all three and keep it in an air tight bottle. Apply it on your skin, is smell will drive mosquitoes away!
- To make another type of repellent you will need one cup of grain alcohol, two tea spoons of rosemary essential oil, one tea spoon of lemon essential oil, half a tea spoon of lemon balm essential oil. Mix them and store in air tight bottle and apply it on skin to keep menacing insects at bay.
- Take 2 table spoons almond oil add half quantity Aloe Vera gel and 20 to 30 drops of lemon balm essential oil and make it into a solution to be applied on skin. Works against mosquitoes!
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