Mosquitoes, more than any other pest, may dampen our enthusiasm for the great outdoors. If you’d rather not use chemical repellents, there are certain plants you may cultivate in your yard whose scents deter mosquitoes. You’ll need to do more than just plant these plants to keep mosquitoes away. To make the plants even more effective in warding off mosquitos, it is necessary to allow their essential oils to permeate the air.
Here are the common natural oils and plants used in mosquito control.
- Lemongrass
Geraniol, found in lemongrass, is a powerful insect repellant. Lemon grass, which is brightly colored and tastes like lemons, can help ward off mosquitos. In addition to being effective in keeping mosquitoes at bay, lemongrass is also aesthetically pleasing and smells great.
In what ways can it be applied?
When using it as a mosquito repellent, you must add some finely chopped lemongrass to a bowl of water and let it sit for a while. Afterwards, strain it to spray. You may also buy concentrated lemongrass oil and dilute it if this isn’t how you want to utilize the herb or if you feel that the extraction process is boring. Warning: geraniol may cause eye irritation, so handle it with caution.
- Cinnamon Oil
Besides being used as a topping to your oatmeal and applesauce, cinnamon oil also helps relieve itching, and red skin caused by mosquito bites. Researchers have also shown that cinnamon oil is effective in deterring adult mosquitoes, including the Asian tiger mosquito.
In what ways can it be used?
Typically, a 1% oil solution is necessary when using cinnamon oil. The solution may be made by combining 24 drops of oil (or 1/4 teaspoon) with 4 ounces of water. The oil is most effective when applied to the skin, clothes, environment (including plants), and places mosquitoes are likely to congregate. Warning: Avoid applying too much cinnamon oil on your skin to avoid skin irritation.
- Lemon Eucalyptus Oil
In 2014, researchers found that a repellent containing 32% lemon eucalyptus oil effectively warded off mosquitoes and other small parasites for up to 3 hours. The major component, citronella, which accounts for 85% of lemon eucalyptus oil, is responsible for its efficacy. In addition, research conducted by the cosmetics and cleaning industries found that lemon eucalyptus oil effectively deters mosquitoes (including those that spread yellow fever and malaria).
In what ways can it be used?
Mixing 1 part of lemon eucalyptus oil with 10 parts of sunflower or witch hazel oil is all that’s required to make a mosquito-repelling combination. Warning: Do not use this concoction with anybody younger than three.
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