Repel mosquitos by growing these 13 anti-Dengue plants in the Philippines

While it is not the dengue season yet, mosquitoes thrive all year round and can pose a risk to your family at any time of the year. While there are a lot of products and chemicals available that repels mosquitoes, it is also great to invest in natural mosquito repellent plants as early as now. 

What can you read in the article?

• Anti dengue plants in the Philippines
• Natural mosquito repellent plants
• Tips to prevent Dengue

What smell do mosquitoes hate?

Mosquitoes are attracted to a variety of scents, including natural aromas. What’s more, these scents are natural and may be cultivated both inside and outside your home. Here they are:

• Clove
• Lavender
• Eucalyptus
• Citronella
• Peppermint
• Lemongrass
• Rosemary

Let’s take a look at these mosquito repellent plants.

Natural mosquito repellent plants

1. Citronella 

Because the chemicals in its leaves are a popular constituent in commercial repellent products, this is by far the most well-known mosquito repellant. It has a lovely lemon scent and is highly effective in repelling mosquitoes.

It is a tropical plant that thrives in hot weather and direct sunlight. If you have really short days, it may benefit from frequent fertilizer and even a little more artificial light throughout the winter months.

2. Lavender

Aside from its smell and beautiful flowers, Lavender is also known for being one of the mosquito repellent plants. Although it is an outdoor plant, Lavender can also be a mosquito repellent plant indoor. Just make sure that there is enough sunlight and proper ventilation. 

Lavender can grow to be huge under the right conditions. Prepare to re-pot this perennial in a larger container as it develops, or split it into tiny plants as it matures.

3. Catnip

Catnip is a member of the mint family that grows swiftly and has the perfect fragrance to keep mosquitoes away. Place your plants in a sunny location, water them regularly, and pinch out the blossoms as they bloom to encourage the plant to produce more leaves.

A catnip plant, like Lavender, can grow very large over a few seasons, so be prepared to re-pot or divide the plant when it outgrows its windowsill location.

If you have cats, you’ll want to put your catnip plant in a secure location, such as a very high shelf or perhaps a hanging basket.

4. Rosemary

Rosemary is another flavoring herb with mosquito-repelling properties. Perhaps not the ideal choice for a newbie gardener, but it’s worth a go.

You’ll need as much sunlight as possible, and you should be aware that it can be finicky when it comes to watering. Beware that it is susceptible to both too much and too little water. Water when the surface is dry to the touch and use a well-draining potting soil mix.

Powdery mildew is a problem for rosemary, so make sure there’s plenty of air movement around the plant to avoid it. As with Lavender, try to find a shady spot or even place a small fan around your plants to keep proper ventilation. 

5. Peppermint

Because most pests detest the scent and taste of peppermint, it’s one anti dengue plants in the Philippines.

Plus, if you get bitten, peppermint leaves applied straight to the skin provide effective bite relief. The delightful minty aroma that makes a fantastic addition to food and beverages is also a bonus. 

6. Eucalyptus

Eucalyptus, a native of Australia, can grow 60 feet tall after several years. It is one of the most viable mosquito repellent trees. However, because the eucalyptus is a delicate plant that won’t withstand a strong winter, many gardeners prefer to cultivate it as a potted plant. 

Eucalyptus is locally known in the Philippines as Bagras. 

READ MORE: 

Surviving Dengue: how to protect your kids from mosquitoes

Parent’s Guide: 7 things you need to know about this deadly disease caused by mosquitoes

Study: Mosquitoes are more attracted to pregnant women

7. Lemon balm

Lemon balm is an excellent choice for a mosquito plant. It has a light lemon and minty aroma, making it perfect for salad dressings, fish seasonings, tea brewing, and other therapeutic uses.

This herb thrives remarkably well in humid tropical climates making it to the anti dengue plants in the Philippines list.

8. Lemongrass

Lemon verbena is another name for this plant. Citral, an oil used in mosquito repellents, is abundant in lemongrass, thus making it one of the most helpful mosquito repellent plants. 

This decorative plant is also delicious in soups and other recipes. Pregnant women and new mothers should avoid lemongrass because it has been linked to birth abnormalities.

9. Basil

Basil is already an excellent herb to have in the kitchen, and now you can use it as an insect repellent as well. If you’re planning to make it a mosquito repellant plant indoor, make sure to keep your potted basil in a bright window, as it requires a lot of light.

Water it regularly. Basil doesn’t fare well in dry weather, but you don’t want to drown the roots. The key is moist, well-draining soil.

Also, they prefer a warm atmosphere, so if you live in a cold place during the winter, they might not be the best indoor houseplant for you. Aside from that, they should be fine. You can also harvest a few leaves for cooking now and then

10. Marigolds

Marigold is an easy flower to grow that emits a mosquito-repelling odor, making it one of the finest mosquito repellent plants indoors. 

To keep the bugs away, grow them in holders or pots and place them near the front door. In addition to mosquitoes, aphids, thrips, whiteflies, squash bugs, and tomato hornworms are also repelled by marigolds. 

11. Garlic

Did you know that garlic is also one of the natural mosquito repellent plants? Plant garlic in your flower bed or vegetable garden if you want to keep mosquitoes at bay. Not only will you keep mosquitoes at bay, but you’ll also have plenty of garlic to flavor your food and reap the health benefits of garlic.

12. Sage

Sage is frequently burned in particular rites and is commonly utilized for spiritual cleansing in various cultures. However, it’s also a fantastic technique to keep mosquitoes away by burning sage!

To fill your home with soothing aromas and use them as mosquito repellent plants indoors, light some sage leaves or throw some in your fireplace.

13. Thyme

Thyme is the last savory herb on the list of insect repellents. Try planting thyme between the stepping stones in your garden or front yard. Your footstep will break part of the leaves and produce mosquito-repelling oils—one of the best natural mosquito repellent plants. 

Tips to avoid Dengue

Aside from these mosquito repellent trees and plants indoors, you can also follow these tips at home to prevent mosquitoes and Dengue from affecting your family.

1. Water containers should be covered and cleaned regularly. Mosquitoes like to lay their eggs in standing water, so common household items like pet water containers, planter dishes, and flower vases can serve as breeding grounds.
2. Consider installing screens on your windows and doors to keep mosquitoes out of your house.
3. Waste should be appropriately disposed of. Use closed garbage bins if at all feasible, and take out your trash on a regular basis. Keeping your trash separated may help keep insects out of your home.
4. To avoid water buildup, drain and clean your roof gutters as well as your pools, fountains, and baths. 
5. Maintain a clean and orderly environment in your home. Avoid putting garbage inside and outside the house that could harbor mosquitoes and their eggs, such as old tires and other water-filled storage containers.

Here at theAsianparent Philippines, it’s important for us to give information that is correct, significant, and timely. But this doesn’t serve as an alternative for medical advise or medical treatment. TheAsianparent Philippines is not responsible to those that would choose to drink medicines based on information from our website. If you have any doubts, we recommend to consult your doctor for clearer information.