Mosquito repellent plants for balconies or interiors: here are the 5 best
Summer is the season of mosquitoes, how to fight them without using aggressive methods? Mosquito repellent plants are valid allies, to be kept on the balcony, at home or in the garden. There are several species, we have selected 5 including the classic lemongrass. It can be a good way to protect yourself from bites without resorting to chemical repellents, especially if you are always a favorite target of mosquitoes at home or wherever you go. And, to avoid, a crowded garden with absolutely no dwarfs ... they are terrible!
1. Catambra
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The catambra is called the mosquito repellent plant par excellence. Patented in Brescia, it is an ideal plant for the garden, the balcony and also the interior, which makes it excellent for any living situation. Especially in the cities, not all of them have large balconies on which to keep plants. The catambra contains a substance which makes it the best natural mosquito repellent in circulation: catalpolo is also an effective repellent against the tiger mosquito, the detested daylight mosquito. It is not yet as famous as lemongrass, but catambra is definitely worth trying.
2. Lemongrass
Here we are with the famous lemongrass, a well known and used mosquito repellent plant. It is a perennial evergreen, and its typical odor, a bit acrid, confuses mosquitoes that are guided by the body odors of the unfortunate. Lemongrass is also often used as a substitute, or in the form of candles, oils and torches for terraces and gardens. The plant is however more effective, because it has a concentrated odor more useful for your needs. For this reason, the ideal is to keep it on the balcony or on the landing of the house, and not inside the house.
3. Lavender
Lavender is an easy plant to have and to grow, both in pots and in the garden. Also perfect for perfuming rooms, it is an excellent natural mosquito repellent: the flowers and leaves keep away insects such as flies and mosquitoes, which hate the smell. Among its derivatives, the essential oil of lavender can be useful to create a mosquito repellent. natural for the body.
4. Lantana
Lantana grows well and adapts to mild climate areas, such as Italy. It is therefore perfect to use as a natural remedy against mosquitoes, and it is a plant for both indoor and outdoor use. It is very fragrant, but unlike others are toxic if ingested, and can irritate the skin, so be careful and use it with more moderation, keeping it away from pets.
5. Catnip
Catnip grows in temperate areas of Europe, so it is easy to find and grow. Its strong mint-like aroma keeps insects such as mosquitoes away. Again, the resulting oil can be used on the skin to prevent insect bites. A recent study showed that catnip is 10 times more effective than chemical repellents.
The pots and planters for your summer garden
See also: The green summer. Vases and planters for your outdoor area
Other mosquito repellent plants
In addition to those mentioned, which are the most common, we point out that there are other plants that keep mosquitoes away.
- Calendula - contains pyrethrum, a compound that is not surprisingly used in many chemicals against mosquitoes. The intense smell of the marigold confuses or disturbs the insects, so they will stay away.
- Geranium - a well-known plant in Italy, characterized by a strong smell that keeps mosquitoes away. Geraniums will not only beautify the home, but also have the dual function of keeping insects away.
- Even verbena, monarda, and the most common basil, thanks to the scent they emanate, unwelcome to mosquitoes, manage to keep them away so that you can enjoy the garden.
