National Dengue Day 2025: 9 plants that repel mosquitoes

Dengue, a mosquito-borne viral an infection attributable to the dengue virus, impacts thousands and thousands of individuals throughout the globe. Roughly 100 to 400 million infections happen yearly, and about half of the world’s inhabitants is now in danger, based on the World Well being Group. Stagnant water can appeal to the contaminated feminine Aedes aegypti mosquito, which might simply transmit the virus to you and your loved ones members. That’s why it’s important to maintain your environment clear and take away stagnant water from the realm. One other factor you are able to do is to develop some crops that maintain mosquitoes away. As India observes Nationwide Dengue Day on Could 16, let’s pledge to go greener and cleaner!

Crops that maintain mosquitoes away

After an contaminated mosquito bites you, it’s possible you’ll expertise sudden excessive fever, extreme headache, ache behind the eyes, muscle and joint ache, nausea, pores and skin rash, and fatigue. “These dengue signs can final for two to 7 days,” says inner medication professional Dr Abbas Chopdawala. If you happen to don’t wish to expertise these signs, convey dwelling the next crops that maintain mosquitoes away:

1. Eucalyptus

“Recognized for its clear, menthol-like aroma, eucalyptus incorporates eucalyptol (cineole) and citronellal, each extremely efficient in repelling mosquitoes,” says the professional. Throughout a research, printed in BMC, it was discovered that eucalyptus protected towards mosquitoes for 8 hours. You possibly can plant eucalyptus timber open air or get a small one indoors or crush just a few leaves to launch the oils.

2. Marigold

These flowers comprise pyrethrum, a pure compound discovered in lots of insect repellents. “Their sturdy, musky scent deters mosquitoes and different pests like whiteflies and aphids,” says the professional. They are often planted across the backyard borders, window sills, or close to doorways.

3. Citronella grass

This is among the crops that maintain mosquitoes away. “Citronella grass emits a robust citrusy scent that masks human odours,” says the professional. It’s the generally used ingredient in citronella candles. It grows effectively in pots and desires a heat, sunny spot.

4. Lavender

Lavender, one of many crops that maintain mosquitoes away, incorporates linalool, a compound with confirmed insect-repelling properties. Its candy floral scent is pleasant to people however disliked by mosquitoes. It grows effectively in pots close to home windows or backyard borders.

5. Holy basil (tulsi)

The advantages of holy basil or tulsi aren’t restricted to raised digestion and immunity. It’s among the many crops that maintain mosquitoes away, as tulsi emits eugenol and estragole, which act as pure mosquito deterrents. You possibly can plant it in sunny areas close to home windows or doorways.

6. Lemon balm

It’s mint-family plant wealthy in citronellal and geraniol. Its lemony scent confuses the bugs, which is why it’s a part of the listing of crops that maintain mosquitoes away. Lemon balm acts as pure insect repellent, particularly towards mosquitoes, based on analysis printed in Complementary And Various Drugs.

7. Peppermint

Chances are you’ll be utilizing peppermint oil to eliminate darkish circles. Seems, its menthol content material offers it a cooling aroma that mosquitoes keep away from. “Crushed leaves will be rubbed on pores and skin, however patch take a look at first,” suggests the professional. It spreads shortly, so ensure that to develop it in containers.

8. Catnip

If you’re a cat momma, it’s possible you’ll be conversant in catnip or Nepeta cataria. It’s a plant identified for the joy it is ready to create in cats. Your furry pal could find it irresistible, however it’s a part of the listing of crops that maintain mosquitoes away. It incorporates nepetalactone, which can be more practical than DEET in repelling mosquitoes. Compared with different mosquito repellents like DEET and picaridin, catnip oil will be thought of as a comparatively safer possibility, based on analysis printed in Medical And Veterinary Entomology. Researchers discovered that making use of it might solely trigger minor pores and skin irritation.

9. Rosemary

“Woody and fragrant, rosemary incorporates camphor and rosmarinic acid, which work as pure deterrents,” says the professional. Burn rosemary throughout household gatherings outdoors your own home, because it releases a aromatic smoke that retains mosquitoes away.

Crops that maintain mosquitoes away: How one can care for them?

Whereas there are crops that maintain mosquitoes away, poor plant care can create breeding grounds. Right here’s take care of them:

• Keep away from stagnant water: Many mosquito species lay eggs in nonetheless water, so be certain that pots, trays, or plant containers don’t accumulate and retain water. Ensure that to empty saucers after watering the crops.
• Correct drainage: Use well-draining soil and pots with drainage holes. Elevate pots in the event you really feel the necessity. This manner it can maintain water from pooling beneath.
• Prune often: Overgrown crops can appeal to pests and cut back airflow. So, trim often to maintain them wholesome and bushy.
• Water appropriately: Overwatering not solely kills crops, but additionally creates extra moisture that pulls mosquitoes. Water crops throughout early morning hours and solely as wanted.

There are crops that maintain mosquitoes away by releasing sturdy scents that intervene with their sense of odor, and make it tougher for them to find individuals. Incorporating these crops into your own home can function a protected, eco-friendly deterrent, which is especially essential throughout dengue season. Nevertheless, ensure that to scrub the pots and don’t go overboard with watering crops.