Watch Video
Read Article
Dengue, a mosquito-borne viral infection caused by the dengue virus, affects millions of people across the globe. Approximately 100 to 400 million infections occur every year, and about half of the world’s population is now at risk, according to the World Health Organization. Stagnant water can attract the infected female Aedes aegypti mosquito, which can easily transmit the virus to you and your family members. That’s why it is essential to keep your surroundings clean and remove stagnant water from the area. Another thing you can do is to grow some plants that keep mosquitoes away. As India observes National Dengue Day on May 16, let’s pledge to go greener and cleaner!
After an infected mosquito bites you, you may experience sudden high fever, severe headache, pain behind the eyes, muscle and joint pain, nausea, skin rash, and fatigue. “These dengue symptoms can last for 2 to 7 days,” says internal medicine expert Dr Abbas Chopdawala. If you don’t want to experience these symptoms, bring home the following plants that keep mosquitoes away:
“Known for its clean, menthol-like aroma, eucalyptus contains eucalyptol (cineole) and citronellal, both highly effective in repelling mosquitoes,” says the expert. During a study, published in BMC, it was found that eucalyptus protected against mosquitoes for 8 hours. You can plant eucalyptus trees outdoors or get a small one indoors or crush a few leaves to release the oils.
These flowers contain pyrethrum, a natural compound found in many insect repellents. “Their strong, musky scent deters mosquitoes and other pests like whiteflies and aphids,” says the expert. They can be planted around the garden borders, window sills, or near doorways.
This is one of the plants that keep mosquitoes away. “Citronella grass emits a strong citrusy scent that masks human odours,” says the expert. It’s the commonly used ingredient in citronella candles. It grows well in pots and needs a warm, sunny spot.
Lavender, one of the plants that keep mosquitoes away, contains linalool, a compound with proven insect-repelling properties. Its sweet floral scent is pleasing to humans but disliked by mosquitoes. It grows well in pots near windows or garden borders.
The benefits of holy basil or tulsi are not limited to better digestion and immunity. It is among the plants that keep mosquitoes away, as tulsi emits eugenol and estragole, which act as natural mosquito deterrents. You can plant it in sunny areas near windows or doors.
It is mint-family plant rich in citronellal and geraniol. Its lemony scent confuses the insects, which is why it is part of the list of plants that keep mosquitoes away. Lemon balm acts as natural insect repellent, especially against mosquitoes, according to research published in Complementary And Alternative Medicine.
You may be using peppermint oil to get rid of dark circles. Turns out, its menthol content gives it a cooling aroma that mosquitoes avoid. “Crushed leaves can be rubbed on skin, but patch test first,” suggests the expert. It spreads quickly, so make sure to grow it in containers.
If you are a cat momma, you may be familiar with catnip or Nepeta cataria. It is a plant known for the excitement it is able to create in cats. Your furry friend may love it, but it is part of the list of plants that keep mosquitoes away. It contains nepetalactone, which may be more effective than DEET in repelling mosquitoes. In comparison with other mosquito repellents like DEET and picaridin, catnip oil can be considered as a relatively safer option, according to research published in Medical And Veterinary Entomology. Researchers found that applying it may only cause minor skin irritation.
“Woody and aromatic, rosemary contains camphor and rosmarinic acid, which work as natural deterrents,” says the expert. Burn rosemary during family gatherings outside your home, as it releases a fragrant smoke that keeps mosquitoes away.
While there are plants that keep mosquitoes away, poor plant care can create breeding grounds. Here’s how to care for them:
There are plants that keep mosquitoes away by releasing strong scents that interfere with their sense of smell, and make it harder for them to locate people. Incorporating these plants into your home can serve as a safe, eco-friendly deterrent, which is particularly important during dengue season. However, make sure to clean the pots and don’t go overboard with watering plants.
Mosquitoes are repelled by a range of strong natural scents. Their heightened sense of smell helps them locate hosts, but certain odours interfere with their ability to detect humans. Found in citronella grass, lemon balm, and lemongrass, citronella masks human scents and confuses mosquitoes.
Derived from the leaves of the lemon eucalyptus tree, oil of lemon eucalyptus contains para-menthane-3,8-diol, a compound that can be used as a plant-based alternative to DEET. When used as a topical application, it offers up to 6 hours of mosquito protection.
Get latest updates on health and wellness along with Preventive Care, Family Care, Reproductive Care, Self Care
Disclaimer: At Health Shots, we are committed to providing accurate, reliable, and authentic information to support your health and well-being. However, the content on this website is intended solely for informational purposes and should not be considered a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider for personalised advice regarding your specific medical condition or concerns.
