The small-sized mosquitoes humming around not only irritates but leaves an itchy skin, red spot, and sometimes lead to malaria or dengue. Therefore, mosquitoes cannot be allowed at all inside your indoor space. If you have kids, you must take special care. Many precautions can be taken to ward off mosquitoes like using a mosquito net while sleeping, using mosquito repellant creams, or using mosquito coils.
There is no end to the list of benefits that one can draw from plants. There are various types of plants – some provide lovely flowers, some produce tasty fruits, some grow vegetables, some produce herbs and spices, and then there are some that repel mosquitoes. Yes, you heard that right. The coils that you have been using and complaining about the headache-inducing smell can be substituted with some plants.
Here are the Top 8 Mosquito Repellant Plants that you can bring home and stay safe:
Marigold Plant:
The pungent smelling flowers of this plant don’t let mosquitoes stay for long. If you want to stay away from mosquitoes, you can plant marigold direct into the soil or in a pot outside your window. You may also choose the entrance of your home to plant these mighty marigolds. Why? Because they carry pyrethrum- a compound that used in many repellents and sometimes referred to as “nature’s insecticide.” Here in India, marigolds grow all through the year. Apart from mosquitoes, marigolds also help in keeping other insects and bugs away like whiteflies, squash bugs, aphids, thrips, etc. It is said to plant a marigold beside your tomato plant to keep the bugs away. Just provide full-sun and well-drained soil and see how helpful marigolds are to you.
Basil Plant:
Our ancestors were truly intelligent without Google! Remember, in all the old houses, there used to be a Tulsi or Basil plant right at the entrance or at the center of the courtyard. This plant is still worshipped because it is believed to be holy. From curing cough and cold to providing a good digestive system – there are endless benefits of Tulsi. Now, research has also proved that the smell coming from the leaves of this plant are great at discarding mosquitoes. If you plant it near standing water, it will kill the mosquito larvae too. Keep it in your home in well-drained soil and a sunny side to stay safe from mosquitoes.
Garlic Plant:
Some people cannot eat raw garlic due to its strong and pungent smell. But if you do so, mosquitoes won’t sit near you because your exhalation will also have that smell of garlic that deters mosquitoes. The nanny-grannies used to say that crushing a few garlic and applying that juice on the skin is the best natural mosquito repellent. But surely you cannot do that now as everyone else will go away from you. So, bring garlic plants in your home and stay safe not only from mosquitoes but also from ants and aphids.
Lavender Plant:
Lavenders have a soothing fragrance which is why it is used in aromatherapy and spa treatments. Apart from providing relaxation to your mind and body, this pleasant-smelling plant also repels mosquitoes. Check which type of lavender will grow in your climatic zone and bring that home to keep not only mosquitoes but also the flying pests away.
Peppermint Plant:
This is another plant with a refreshing fragrance. Peppermint oil is used in many ways in the cosmetic industry and it can also treat the mosquito bites that itch you badly. So, apart from growing peppermint plants, you can also keep a bottle of peppermint oil. You can grow it in pots on your balcony and enjoy your mosquito-free life. You can use a few leaves for your tea also.
Geranium Plant:
This is a flowering plant and research says that this is a great mosquito repelling plant. The fragrance is similar to lemon and the flowers have a strong smell that keeps the pests away. As the flowers are vibrant, you won’t mind keeping a few of them indoors. But remember to water them daily and place them in a sun-facing place.
Sage Plant:
The name itself has a spiritual connection – isn’t it? That’s true – the sage plant is common in spiritual cleansing in various cultures across the world. In some rituals, sage leaves are often burned and they are excellent in keeping mosquitoes away. You can simply throw some sage leaves in your fire pit or fireplace and feel the beautiful aroma in your home which will also ward off mosquitoes away. If you don’t have a fireplace, simply put some sage leaves in a vessel along with dry twigs and burn them and keep it in a corner.
Rosemary Plant:
Rosemary is a famous herb that is used in many dishes around the world. It has a woody smell that repels mosquitoes. Even the carrot flies and cabbage moths also fly away if there is a rosemary plant nearby. So, you can grow rosemary in your kitchen or your balcony and stay safe.
One thing is common among most of these plants – they have a strong pungent smell that keeps the mosquitoes away. Most of these plants are easy to maintain and thus you can bring them home anytime to win against the mosquitoes.
