Eight plants that repel mosquitoes

Mosquitoes awake with the failing light, able to find their victims when we can only hear their whine. Above all they suck blood in order to reproduce, or at least the females do.

How much we enjoy summer depends a lot on how many mosquitoes there are waiting for us outside. Their bites are itchy and their drone annoying, but there’s also concern that mosquitoes carrying dangerous diseases are knocking on our door

There are more than 3,000 species of mosquitoes buzzing about on this planet, and only a handful of those species actively hunt humans.

Here are 8 of the most effective mosquito repelling plants which are easy to grow in most regions.

Lemongrass

Among the anti-mosquito plants, lemongrass is the best known. It is also used in the manufacture of candles and anti-mosquito spirals.

How to use it?

Lemongrass is a plant that can grow up to two meters tall if you plant it in a garden, or you can plant it in pots that you place near your windows to keep mosquitoes away. Its essential oil is also interesting but beware, its smell is very strong,

The Basilic

In addition to being an excellent aromatic plant, basilic has the characteristic of repelling mosquitoes.

How to use it?

Place a few pots of basilic on the windowsill or on the table of your garden. You can also burn some branches with green wood on your terrace or in your garden to enjoy a sweet summer evening without getting stung.

Geranium

How to do? Place pots of geranium on your windows so you do not get stung on hot summer nights. Their smell repels these insects. Note: You can also turn to the essential oil of this plant. Thus, "a drop of essential oil geranium arranged on a handkerchief or on the label of a garment will be a good repellent against mosquitoes," says Mezerai. "Avoid depositing undiluted essential oil directly on the skin," she warns.

Lavender

Lavender has a strong smell that displeases mosquitoes.

How to use it?

Place some pots in your windows to deter mosquitoes from entering your home. Note: "Although fragrant plants such as lavender are a barrier for mosquitoes, they will not completely prevent their passage. The most effective solution against these insects is the mosquito net that completely blocks their passage," says the naturopath.

Catnip

Researchers report that nepetalactone, the essential oil in catnip that gives the plant its characteristic odor, is about ten times more effective at repelling mosquitoes than DEET — the compound used in most commercial insect repellents.

How to use it?

Place some pots of Catnip on the windowsills or on your garden table.

The combava

Combava is a citrus fruit that has a lemony smell.

How to use it?

In the form of essential oil. For an adult: mix 2 ml of essential oil in 20 ml of vegetable oil and apply this oil on the skin, at the exposed parts. More than 10 years, reduce the dose to 1 ml for 20 ml and for children 7 to 10 years, reduce to 0.5 ml for 20 ml. Do not use essential oil in children under 7 years, pregnant and lactating women (details Mezerai)

Lemon eucalyptus

The lemon eucalyptus is a tree from South America whose leaves have a lemony scent. How to use it?

In the form of essential oil. For an adult: mix 2 ml of lemon eucalyptus essential oil in 20 ml of vegetable oil and apply this oil on the skin, at the exposed parts. more than 10 years, reduce the dose to 1 ml for 20 ml and for children 7 to 10 years, reduce to 0.5 ml for 20 ml. Do not use essential oil in children under 7 years, pregnant and lactating women.

Marigold

Easy-to-grow, annual flower, emit a smell that deters mosquitoes

contain Pyrethrum, a compound used in many insect repellents.

You can plant it in a garden, or you can plant it in pots that you place near your windows to keep mosquitoes away.