As dengue fever outbreaks rage, the issue of how to prevent this disease is of great concern to many people.
Top 8 Scents That Repel Mosquitoes
From the annoying buzzing to the itchy bites and various diseases they cause, including dengue fever, mosquitoes are truly one of the worst pests affecting humans. According to India Times, to prevent mosquito-borne diseases, here are some scents that can help keep these insects at bay.
Lemongrass
This is likely the first scent that comes to mind when thinking of mosquito repellents. Lemongrass essential oil, extracted from the lemongrass plant, is commonly used in insect sprays and scented candles. Its citrusy scent, reminiscent of lemon, is unpleasant for mosquitoes but extremely pleasant for humans.
Lemongrass can be planted outside your home as an attractive yet effective insect repellent. Additionally, lemongrass essential oil can be applied directly to the skin or mixed with other essential oils to create a natural mosquito repellent.
The scent from lemongrass or lemongrass essential oil can repel mosquitoes. (Image: Timesofindia).
Peppermint
The peppermint scent is unpleasant to the sensitive senses of mosquitoes. The mere presence of peppermint plants can help repel these pesky flying insects to some extent.
You can crush peppermint leaves and rub them on your skin to keep mosquitoes away. Furthermore, if you do get bitten by mosquitoes or other bugs, peppermint oil is also effective in reducing itching.
Basil
This delicious herb not only enhances the flavor of dishes but can also be used as a natural mosquito repellent. The essential oils found in basil emit a strong aroma that is unpleasant for these insects.
You can maximize the benefits of basil by planting it in your yard or creating a homemade spray from this plant.
The scent from lemongrass or lemongrass essential oil can repel mosquitoes. (Image: Timesofindia).
Garlic
When you consume garlic, the active compound allicin alters your natural scent, helping to mask you from mosquitoes. Garlic can also be used to repel mosquitoes even if you don’t eat it. You can slice garlic and scatter it around your outdoor living space or mix it with oil and other liquid ingredients to create an insect repellent spray for your garden.
Additionally, you can blend garlic with essential oils to create a mosquito repellent spray for your body. Mosquitoes will not be able to tolerate the unpleasant odor.
Perilla
As a member of the mint family, perilla has a light, strong lemony scent that many insects find unpleasant. Planting this herb in specific areas where you want to repel mosquitoes or applying crushed leaves to your skin can effectively deter them.
You can also add perilla leaves to your herbal teas to help relieve stress.
Lavender
Lavender also keeps mosquitoes away from all family members.
While lavender may be a favorite scent for many, mosquitoes despise it due to its strong fragrance. Like most plants on this list, lavender can be used by extracting its oil and applying it directly to the skin or making a body spray.
You can also simply plant lavender in your garden. Not only does it beautify your landscape, but it also keeps mosquitoes away from all family members.
Rosemary
This aromatic herb works wonders when planted in the garden, easily addressing mosquito invasions. When grilling, place a few sprigs of rosemary on the grill to repel mosquitoes. Additionally, rosemary can be mixed into lotions or sprays to create a simple insect repellent for the body.
Eucalyptus
Similar to lemongrass, eucalyptus has a strong scent that disrupts the sensitive senses of mosquitoes, making it difficult for them to locate their food source. The oil from this plant also repels other insects such as ticks, mosquitoes, and sand flies. Eucalyptus essential oil can also be applied directly to the skin regularly for optimal protection.
