The following five plants will help you keep away the unwanted mosquitoes and bugs. Before you start using chemical sprays, try some of these fragrant and colorful plants.
1. Basil
Basil (Ocimum basilicum) contains essential oil or phytoextracts, which has been shown to be an effective mosquito repellant. According to researchers, the extracts, most particularly petrolium ether leaf, were not only effective for repelling mosquitoes, but also for killing mosquito larvae.
2. Citronella
Citronella is the most common ingredient used in making mosquito repellents. It has a strong lemon-scented smell which masks attractants to mosquitoes, and it makes it harder for them to find you.
Citronella is used in many forms, such as torches and scented candles, but you can try using the living plant since it is more effective due to its stronger smell.
3. Lemon Grass
Lemon grass (Cymbopogon citratus) contains citronella, which is a natural oil that repels mosquitoes. It is also used as an added flavor to foods such as chicken in Southeast Asia, and it is used as an anti-inflammatory medicine in India. Lemongrass is famous for its wonderful aroma, which is the reason why it is often used in making perfumes and other toiletries.
4. Rosemary
Rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis) is an herb that is familiar to most of us. You can plant it in your garden to control mosquito infestation. You can also mix it with various lotions and formulas and use it as a mosquito repellent for the body.
5. Marigold
Marigold contains Pyrethrum, which is a compound that is most commonly used in many insect repellents. It also has a distinctive smell which some gardeners and mosquitoes find particularly unpleasant, and that makes it an effective mosquito repellent.
Sourced: 1mhealthtips
