7 Plants That Can Help You Keep Dengue Away

If you love plants, we’re sure you’re aware of plants that can help clean the air and green wonders that aid you in getting a good night’s sleep. Have you heard about plants that can repel mosquitoes?

Several articles, including one published by Real Living, list down plants that help get rid of mosquitoes in the home. But can they really save you from unpleasant bites? According to an article on Dallas News, it all depends on how you use them.

Author Daniel Cunningham writes, “There is no doubt that some botanical compounds repel mosquitoes, but most often they have to be extracted from the plant to be effective…the mere presence of these plants themselves in your landscape – even in close proximity to a patio, pergola or seating area – won’t quite do the trick. In almost every case, action needs to be taken to get those plant-based oils out where they can have some effect. This might be as simple as crushing the leaves, but making essential oils or even burning certain plant parts (like you would incense) in an area can also be effective.”

Here are 7 plants that are believed to have components that can repel mosquitoes:

Peppermint

It has impressive health benefits with a refreshing smell and oils that can ward off pests.

Marigolds

Bright and captivating, marigolds contain a compound that’s often used in insect repellents.

Lemongrass

According to Mother Nature Network, “the oil of lemongrass contains citral, geraniol, myrcene, limonene, and citronellal, a natural oil found in insect-repelling candles.”

Catnip

Though adored by our feline friends, catnip contains the chemical nepetalactone which repels insects.

Lavender

While many use lavender to get a restful slumber, many also depend on it to ward off pests. An article on Country Living states that if you’re going for lavender, you may want to plan the lavandin variety as it has a “high concentration of campor.” It can also help you get rid of flies and moths!

Basil

We use basil to make dishes extra flavorful, but you can depend on this trusty herb to keep bugs at bay. The best part? It has a strong scent that repels pests even if you don’t crush the leaves.

Sage

Keep bad vibes and pests away by burning a bit of sage in a dish and letting the scent dominate your home.

Mosquitoes are pesky insects that invade the home, causing diseases like dengue, malaria, and yellow fever. While these plants can help, it’s still best to use repellent lotions and creams to avoid nasty mosquito bites.

Make sure there are no possible breeding grounds around the house, from dark corners to standing water in vases and containers. As part of your cleaning routine, don’t forget to replace water in vases and storage containers. Prevention is better than cure — it’s a must to get rid of potential breeding grounds as soon as possible.

This story originally appeared on Smartparenting.com.ph.

* Minor edits have been made by the Realliving.com.ph editors.