Mosquito repellent plants can be a more health-friendly alternative than mosquito repellents. This is because the active ingredient diethyl-meta-toluamide (DEET) in mosquito repellent has the potential to have a negative impact on health.
Certain plants, such as citronella, lavender, lemon eucalyptus, and mint, are believed to be mosquito repellent plants. These plants do not kill mosquitoes, but they can reduce mosquito-human interactions to prevent mosquito bites.
Dangers of Chemical Mosquito Repellent
Mosquito repellent lotions or sprays are usually added with 5–99% DEET. On the one hand, this chemical offers protection against mosquitoes for up to 12 hours. But on the other hand, using chemicals has the risk of having a bad impact on health.
DEET can irritate the skin, and in some cases can even cause a severe skin reaction. There are some reports that exposure to high doses of DEET also has the potential to cause insomnia, impaired cognitive function, and mood disorders.
Mosquito lotion or spray with a DEET level of 10–30% is considered safe for use in small children aged 2 months and over to adults.
Choice of Mosquito Repellent Plants
You may be interested in getting rid of mosquitoes in a more natural way, namely using plants. The following are plants that are believed to help repel mosquitoes:
1. Lemongrass
Lemongrass or citronella has long been known as a mosquito repellent plant. The scent of this plant is fresh for humans but is not liked by mosquitoes. You can plant citronella in the yard or in a pot in the house to prevent mosquitoes from coming.
2. Cinnamon
A study revealed that cinnamon oil can kill mosquito eggs. Not only that, spraying cinnamon oil on the skin or around the house can also repel adult mosquitoes.
3 . Thyme
Oil from thyme extract can also provide protection from mosquito bites. If you want to make your own insect repellent from this mosquito repellent plant, try mixing 60 milliliters of water with 5 drops of thyme oil . Spray on body parts or places you want to keep mosquitoes away.
4. Mint
The fragrant and refreshing mint leaves are also one of the most effective mosquito repellent plants. Research reveals that mint leaf extract in the form of oil is effective in preventing Anopheles mosquitoes from perching on the body.
5. Lavender
The crushed lavender will produce oil. The oil is what is used to repel mosquitoes. Apply the oil from the plant to repel mosquitoes on the limbs so that you avoid mosquito bites.
6. Lemon eucalyptus
Lemon eucalyptus oil can help prevent mosquito bites and can work for up to 2 hours. Mosquito repellent containing lemon eucalyptus oil can work as effectively as insect repellent containing 6.65% DEET. However, this oil is not suitable for use in children under 3 years of age.
Make no mistake when you want to buy. Opt for lemon eucalyptus oil which is made as a mosquito repellent and not as an essential oil.
7. Soybean
Soybeans can be processed into soybean oil to avoid mosquito bites. For optimal effect, mix soybean oil with lemongrass oil. Research reveals that a mixture of these two formulas is effective at eradicating more than one type of mosquito.
These mosquito repellent plants are natural, but you also have to be careful using them, especially if in the form of oil, because there is a possibility you are allergic to these ingredients.
As a precaution, try to apply a little first on the skin of the hands and let stand for a while. If there is no rash or irritation, then you are not allergic to the oil. You can go to the doctor to get the right treatment.