The spring season has arrived, and although many regions of the United States are still stuck with freezing cold temperatures, the summer heat will soon bring mosquitoes out of hiding. Given the increase in mosquito-borne disease awareness surrounding the recent Zika outbreaks many people will be struggling to keep the tiny bloodsuckers at bay during the upcoming summer season. When it comes to warding off mosquito bites, and therefore mosquito-borne diseases, there is nothing more effective than mosquito repellent. With the exception of remaining indoors during the summer, DEET-based mosquito repellent and long-sleeved clothes offer the best protection against mosquito bites. However, there are supposedly some plants that are effective at repelling mosquitoes. Some experts may balk at the idea that says certain plants are effective mosquito repellents. Despite the inevitable skepticism it cannot hurt to conduct your own informal experiments with some of the more popular types of plants that are purported to ward off mosquitoes.
There is much controversy surrounding the use of citronella as a mosquito repellent. There is some convincing evidence to suggest that citronella candles are completely ineffective at repelling mosquitoes, but citronella grass may yield more promising benefits than the manufactured candles. Citronella is a perennial grass that produces a strong odor that you are likely familiar with. It is believed by some that this very odor repels mosquitoes. Of course, this claim is unsubstantiated by science.
According to at least one study conducted in 2010, catnip is more effective at repelling mosquitoes than DEET. In fact, the study claimed that catnip is ten times more effective than DEET at repelling mosquitoes. Catnip is easy to grow, so this claim may be worth investigating on your own time. There is also a fair amount of evidence to suggest that marigolds are effective mosquito-repelling flowers. Marigolds contain a chemical that is known as pyrethrum. Pyrethrum is an ingredient in many bug sprays, and it will supposedly work to ward off a number of different insect species, not just mosquitoes. Another flower with supposed anti-mosquito properties is lavender. According to popular belief, a flower bed containing lavender and marigold flowers should effectively keep mosquitoes away. While some of these claims may need further scientific verification, there is no harm in trying something new to keep mosquitoes away from your home this summer.
Do you believe that more research should be invested into finding natural mosquito repellents so that even those who lack financial resources can still manage to find mosquito-repelling compounds in nature?
Also read: 54 Easy and Cheap Ways To Repel and Kill Flies
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