Summer is officially here and 2024 has reported numerous cases of mosquito-borne diseases worldwide.
CDC has warned of rising West Nile virus fever cases in several parts of the United States. If the DIY natural mosquito repellent we showed earlier isn’t much of use, try planting these plants in your garden.
Credit: Supachai Panyaviwat | Getty Images
5 plants that act as ‘natural mosquito repellent’
A garden expert from Armstrong Garden Centers shows how to plant 5 different types of plants in a pot to create a “mosquito repelling planter”.
Lavender
The garden expert starts by planting lavender plants into the pot. It would be best if you rubbed its leaves to activate ‘linaloo’, which smells good to humans but the odor repels mosquitos. The expert uses an English variety Lavendula Angustifolia.
The pretty flowers are an excellent mosquito-repellent. Marigold is said to contain a compound called Pyrethrins, used in several mosquitos and bug repellents.
As marigolds and lavender have the same sun and watering requirements, they can be used together in the mosquito repellent potter.
Nature’s mosquito repellwnt in a pot!! 🦟💜🌿 Lavender: 💜Lavender (Lavandula spp.) is a beautiful plant with a delightful fragrance. Essential oil from lavender contains a compound known as linalool, which produces a strong odor that is pleasant to humans and detestable to mosquitos. This is primarily because it overloads their sensitive olfactory organs, much in the same manner as DEET. A 2009 study found that lavender oil possessed a 93% repellant rate against mosquitos indoors and a 53% repellant rate against mosquitoes outdoors. Lavender oil is one of the most effective natural mosquito repellants, especially when used as part of a larger natural repellant regimen. Mint: 💚Menthol, the active insect-fighting ingredient in mint and peppermint oil, has biocidal properties that help repel and control mites, mosquitoes, and various other pests. Marigolds: 🧡Marigolds (Tagetes spp.) are colorful flowers that mosquitoes dislike. They contain pyrethrum, a compound found in many mosquito repellents. The compounds are found in marigold petals and work best on living plants. These are great to create a ring of repellent, say around a seating area or pool. Catnip: 🐈Catnip (Nepeta cataria) contains a compound called nepetalactone, which mosquitoes find highly repelling. It’s estimated to be 10 times more effective than Deet, a common mosquito repellent. Fresh, home-grown catnip can be vigorously rubbed between your hands and then applied to your skin to provide approximately 30 minutes of mosquito-free time. Remember that while these plants can help deter mosquitoes, they might not provide complete protection. To enhance their effectiveness, consider crushing the leaves or using essential oils extracted from these plants. Additionally, it’s important to remove any standing water around your home, as it serves as a breeding ground for mosquitoes. #gardentok#gardenhack#mosquitorepellant#companionplants#containergarden#lavenderplant#bugrepellent#plantswithpurpose
The plant considered safe for your kitty keeps mosquitoes away. The expert uses two types of genus nepeta, which she says are “estimated to be ten times more effective than DEET.” DEET is a man-made chemical used as an active ingredient in many insect repellents.
Bacopa
She then adds some bacopa – often used as a filler plant in mixed containers. You can activate the repellent property in the plant by rubbing the leaves on yourself.
You must first tear the leaf up and then vigorously rub the oil on your body to keep the insect away.
Mint
Mint has the most potent smell that naturally keeps mosquitos away. Because it’s an aggressive grower, it can’t be planted in the same pot as the rest of the plants.
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