National Dengue Day 2025: 9 plants that repel mosquitoes

Dengue, a mosquito-borne viral an infection brought on by the dengue virus, impacts hundreds of 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, in line with the World Well being Group. Stagnant water can appeal to the contaminated feminine Aedes aegypti mosquito, which may 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 world. One other factor you are able to do is to develop some crops that hold mosquitoes away. As India observes Nationwide Dengue Day on Might 16, let’s pledge to go greener and cleaner!

Vegetation that hold mosquitoes away

After an contaminated mosquito bites you, chances are 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 drugs knowledgeable Dr Abbas Chopdawala. Should you don’t need to expertise these signs, carry dwelling the next crops that hold mosquitoes away:

1. Eucalyptus

“Identified for its clear, menthol-like aroma, eucalyptus accommodates eucalyptol (cineole) and citronellal, each extremely efficient in repelling mosquitoes,” says the knowledgeable. Throughout a examine, revealed in BMC, it was discovered that eucalyptus protected in opposition to mosquitoes for 8 hours. You possibly can plant eucalyptus bushes open air or get a small one indoors or crush just a few leaves to launch the oils.

2. Marigold

These flowers include 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 knowledgeable. They are often planted across the backyard borders, window sills, or close to doorways.

3. Citronella grass

This is likely one of the crops that hold mosquitoes away. “Citronella grass emits a robust citrusy scent that masks human odours,” says the knowledgeable. 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 hold mosquitoes away, accommodates 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 usually are not restricted to higher digestion and immunity. It’s among the many crops that hold 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 hold mosquitoes away. Lemon balm acts as pure insect repellent, particularly in opposition to mosquitoes, in line with analysis revealed in Complementary And Different Drugs.

7. Peppermint

You could be utilizing peppermint oil to eliminate darkish circles. Seems, its menthol content material provides it a cooling aroma that mosquitoes keep away from. “Crushed leaves may be rubbed on pores and skin, however patch take a look at first,” suggests the knowledgeable. It spreads rapidly, so ensure to develop it in containers.

8. Catnip

In case you are a cat momma, chances are you’ll be accustomed to catnip or Nepeta cataria. It’s a plant identified for the thrill it is ready to create in cats. Your furry pal might like it, however it’s a part of the listing of crops that hold mosquitoes away. It accommodates nepetalactone, which can be simpler than DEET in repelling mosquitoes. As compared with different mosquito repellents like DEET and picaridin, catnip oil may be thought-about as a comparatively safer possibility, in line with analysis revealed 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 accommodates camphor and rosmarinic acid, which work as pure deterrents,” says the knowledgeable. Burn rosemary throughout household gatherings outdoors your own home, because it releases a aromatic smoke that retains mosquitoes away.

Vegetation that hold mosquitoes away: The way to care for them?

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

• Keep away from stagnant water: Many mosquito species lay eggs in nonetheless water, so make sure that pots, trays, or plant containers don’t accumulate and retain water. Make certain to empty saucers after watering the crops.
• Correct drainage: Use well-draining soil and pots with drainage holes. Elevate pots for those who really feel the necessity. This fashion it would hold 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 accurately: Overwatering not solely kills crops, but in addition creates extra moisture that draws mosquitoes. Water crops throughout early morning hours and solely as wanted.

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