11 Effective Plants to Have for a Dengue-free Home
Inject life into your home by bringing nature indoors and stay protected from dengue at the same time!
In the midst of the spread of COVID-19 in Singapore, experts have suggested that in order lessen the chances of catching the virus, we should turn off our ACs and open our windows to make our homes less conducive for the virus to thrive. While we do so, however, another concern comes up: mosquitoes. These dengue-carrying creatures float in unannounced while we’re trying to aerate our rooms. So to combat these bloodsuckers, we’ve compiled a list of indoor plants that repel mosquitoes, allow you to leave your windows open and worry-less about mosquitos.
11 indoor plants that repel mosquitoes
1. Lemongrass
Image | Maxpixel
As well as being a staple South East Asian ingredient used in many dishes, lemongrass is one of several indoor plants that repel mosquitoes. Citronella oil found in this plant act as a natural repellant by blocking scents of carbon dioxide and lactic acid, which mosquitoes are attracted to.
2. Lavender
Image | Pixabay
Yes, this purple pleasant-smelling plant is also a great mosquito repellent!
According to Country Living, lavender contains camphor. The smell drives away the mosquitoes. The sleep-inducing plant is one of the indoor plants that repel mosquitoes we can add to our tables or areas of leisure!
3. Basil
Image | Pexels
Great for making pesto, basil is also one of the indoor plants that repel mosquitoes. The plant gives off a natural aroma that is toxic to the larvae of mosquitoes. Putting it near water discourages them from laying eggs so you don’t have to worry about more growing in your house!
4. Marigolds
Image | Pexels
Beautiful and great at repelling mosquitoes. Full of pyrethrum, it is a safe organic repellent to keep your home dengue-free.
5. Lemon balm
Image | Pixabay
This stress-reducing plant might look like mint. While it does have a natural remedial effect for certain ailments, it is useful for fighting off mosquitoes. You can crush the leaves and rub it on your skin as a wearable repellent. Just be aware that they are an invasive species so plant it in a pot rather than a garden.
6. Catnip
Image | Pixabay
Your cats will love you even more if you have this around. And you’ll benefit from one of the strongest insect repellents! Thanks to the nepetalactone found in the plant, it’s keeps dengue-carrying mosquitoes at bay.
7. Garlic
Image | Pixabay
Just like the myth of vampires, the smell of garlic also drives away mosquitoes! You can crush and squeeze the garlic juice onto your skin! Just be aware it might be a people repellent!
8. Rosemary
Image | Pixabay
Naturally aromatic, rosemary is great to as a seasoning for meat. And it’s a great insect repellent. Throwing it in a fire can fill the house with the plant’s smell. And having a pot of it means you’ll have seasoning ready any time of year!
9. Citronella
Image | Pixabay
The low-maintenance plant is a key ingredient found in chemical mosquito repellents and fragrant candles. You can crush the leaves and rub on your skin if you’re planning to be out of the house.
10. Geranium
Image | Pixabay
Geraniums are lemon-scented and are the second best mosquito repellent after citronella. They come in all sorts of colours as well, so they make for beautiful decor!
11. Floss flower
Image | Flickr
Floss flowers have the chemical coumarin. The scent repels mosquitoes and can be coupled with other flowers in a bouquet to make a super dengue-repelling floral arrangement!
Stay dengue-free while adding that extra bit of colour in your home.
