Citronella, Horsemint, Ageratum, Marigold, Catnip, Lavendar plant and peppermint are some of the mosquito repellent plants.

Mosquitoes have been a recurring problem in many households and I am sure most of you will agree to it. Mosquitoes are not only dangerous because of their stings but also in regards to the bacteria and germs they leave behind in the body of the victim. Mosquitoes are responsible for multiple diseases like malaria, dengue, chikungunya and many more. In a home which is the abode to young kids and babies the risk of infections and diseases become all the more alarming making the parent look into multiple aspects of protection from the disease. Diseases caused by these bacteria’s are extremely difficult to get rid of and therefore demands sensitivity.

Pest control methods are a lot more common nowadays because of the increasing viruses yet these techniques are not long lasting neither do they help you achieve guaranteed results. Many of us do not trust the chemical borne repellents that may be harmful for the skin or cause an allergic reaction. Therefore a number of natural alternatives are available now a day that can help you curb the threat of breeding mosquitoes in your yard or the front of the house. A number of natural plants can be an excellent way of treating the problem of increasing mosquitoes. Plants often have a strong and pungent smell that acts as a mosquito repellent and prevent the entry of such disease-causing insects in the house.  Some of the most effective mosquito repellent plants that can be easily cultivated and grown in the compound are;

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7 Mosquito Repellent Plants that Keep You Away from Mosquitoes

Citronella

Generally, it is observed that mosquitoes tend to be more attracted and drawn towards its prey because of some distinctive body odour we all emit. Citronella then comes in as a handy repellent for these pests since the plant itself emits a strong aroma that never fails to cover any type of smell that may be the cause for a mosquito breech in the yard. Citronella is the most common natural ingredient found in multiple repellents that are sold in the market. The plant is easily available in nurseries and is ready to be transplanted at your house as a shield for your family.

Horsemint

Horsemint is commonly addressed as Bee balm and is a strong mosquito repellent. Just like Citronella, Horsemint also emits strong incense-like smell that confuses the mosquitoes by masking the smell of its regular host. Horsemint is a home friendly plant that grows around 2-3 feet in height and can be kept inside the house. It does not require much care as it can survive even in droughts. The plant needs sunlight to prosper and is extremely shade intolerant. As a multipurpose plant, horsemint not only is a good mosquito repellent but also a good ingredient infused in many tea recipes.

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Ageratum

Also known as Floss flowers, it emits a strange smell which the mosquitos find particularly offensive but causes no harm to humans. Ageratum is known to secrete coumarin, a product which is widely used in the production of commercial mosquito repellents. The beautiful flowers borne by the plant also has ornamental virtues and can therefore be used by individuals for the decoration of the house. The violet, pink and purple coloured flowers not only keep you safe but also give you a sense of peace being surrounded by the beauty of nature.

Marigold

Commonly grown as an ornamental and devotional border plant, marigolds are evergreen annual plants you can gain access to throughout the year. The flowers of this plant have a distinctive smell which mosquitoes find intolerable. Marigolds contain Pyrethrum, a compound commonly used in many insect repellents. Potted marigolds can be placed near the entrance of your home and any common mosquito entry points, such as open windows. The strong smell of the plant will deter mosquitoes from going past this effective barrier. While marigolds can be used as repellents around the patio, it is not advisable planting them on the patio table since the bright blooms may attract wasps into the house.

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Catnip

Catnip is a naturally occurring mosquito repellent. Studies conducted in August 2010 by entomologists at Iowa State University reported to the American Chemical Society that catnip plant is ten times more effective than Deet, the chemical found in most commercial insect repellents. The smell of the plant act as a strong irritant for mosquitoes yet it cannot be ascertained as to which characteristic of the plant makes it unapproachable by these pests. Crushed catnip leaves and oil can be applied directly on the body to protect the children and other family members as they move out of the house.

Lavender plant

Lavender has a strong and vibrant smell that not only disrupts with the natural smelling process of these insects but also cause extreme discomfort for mosquitoes to breach the strong barrier created by the plant. It is a definite that we all would prefer our house to be as fragrant as the lavender plant and not smelling like a bottle of the bug repellent. Lavender leaves are generally crushed and applied on the body as immediate protection for children who go out in the gardens to play.

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Peppermint

This active member of the mint family is known for its multiple benefits and one amongst the many is the ability of the peppermint to effectively eliminate any mosquitoes or pests that may be lurking in the compound or near the house. The keen senses of the mosquitoes are hampered by the minty smell of the peppermint plant and therefore the presence of this plant in the vicinity can lower the number of the pests loitering near the house.

Thus here is a list of some of the most effective and easy to grow plants that would not only add to the beauty of your house but also act as extreme mosquito repelling agents when put to use adequately. These plants will ensure the safety and health of your family without the penetration of any artificial agent in the house.

Read More: Dengue Fever In Children And Measures To Avoid It

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