Every year, dengue fever causes hundreds of millions of people in the world to suffer from the disease. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), about half of the global population is currently living in areas at risk of being attacked by disease-carrying mosquitoes. The disease-causing mosquito species is the Aedes aegypti ruoi mosquito, which is often thriving during the rainy season, especially in places with stagnant water.
Many plants such as eucalyptus, lemongrass, lavender... contain essential oils or natural compounds that keep mosquitoes away, said Dr. Abbas Chopdawala, a internist in Mumbai (India).
Here are 9 types of plants that can repel mosquitoes, should be grown at home:
Eels (Leopard): Issued with a strong aroma, contains citronellal to effectively repel mosquitoes.
Cuc Van Dai: Has the scent of secretion and pyrethrum compound, chasing mosquitoes and small insects.
lemongrass: The strong orange-lemong scent covers the smell of the human body, causing mosquitoes to lose direction.
lavender: sweet and pleasant to smell, but mosquitoes hate it.
Basil (Tulsi): Issued as eugenol, a natural mosquito repellent, easy to grow around the house.
Dredging: The mild smell of lemons makes mosquitoes confused, highly effective in the living environment.
Peppermint: The cool smell from menthol keeps mosquitoes away, which can rub directly on the skin.
Cat mint: Contains nepetalactone, which is stronger than DEET in chasing mosquitoes.
Rosemary: Natural wood scent helps repel mosquitoes, especially when burned outdoors.
When planting plants, be careful not to plant them incorrectly, causing more mosquitoes to grow, especially if water stagnates in the plant pot. Therefore, when planting a mosquito repellent, you need to pay attention to:
Do not leave water stagnant in trays, pots or plates to collect water after watering the plants.
Choose pots with drainage holes, use loose, easy-to- drain soil.
Water just enough, do not water too much, causing low humidity.
Quitting pruning regularly, helps the plants to be airy and not a place for insects to live.
If properly cared for, these plants can both keep the air fresh and protect the health of the whole family from disease-carrying mosquitoes, added Dr. Abbas.
With just a few small potted plants left on window shelves, balconies or entrances to the house, you can contribute to creating a safe and natural "green shield", helping to effectively prevent dengue fever.
