TOPIC : botanical plants use as mosquito repellent

Authors :

Muhammad Umar Javed (department of Entomology ,University of agriculture Faisalabad )

Faryal Fatima (Department of Pure and applied Biology ,Bahauddin Zakariya University)

Uswa Javed (Department of Food science, Government College University Faisalabad )

Introduction:

Mosquito repellant botanical plants are paramount importance in the present day in Pakistan where there
is rising number of mosquito borne illnesses. Alarming increase in the range of mosquitoes in Pakistan, is
as a result of deforestation, stagnant waters, artificial containers, non-recyclable tires, trees holes, water
drainage systems, ditches, ponds, lakes, lagoons, marshes, swamps, floodwater sites, dirty environments,
industrialized farming/irrigated fields. The mosquito repellant plants were preferred over chemical
mosquito repellents. It was observed that some botanical plants serve as retardant of mosquito’s’ growth
where they were planted and also prevent the incidence of malaria among the residents. Mortality of
Mosquitoes was found to increase proportionately with increase in planted of mentioned plants given
below

Mosquito-repelling plants:
Lavender:

Scientific name: Lavandula

Higher classification: Nepetoideae

Rank: Genus

DESCRIPTION:
• A lovely fragrance comes from its essential oils
• Tough and drought resistance once established
• Need full sun shine and good drainage
• Thrives in warm areas

Insects or even rabbits and other animals have never decimated lavender plant. It is because of
their lovely fragrance, which comes from its essential oils that are found on the leaves of the
plant. It is even argued that lavender oil hinders a mosquito’s ability to smell! This plant is very
tough and drought-resistant once established, and only needs full sun and good drainage. And
while it can endure many climates, it thrives in warmer areas.

Marigold

Scientific name: Tagetes

Higher classification: Daisy family

Rank: Genus

DESCRIPTION
• Ornamental annual flowers
• Easy to grow
• Does well in pods and gardens

Marigolds, an easy-to-grow annual flower, emit a smell that deters mosquitoes. Grow them in
pots and place them near your patio or entrance to your home to keep bugs out. Marigolds are
also a popular addition to borders and vegetable gardens. It not only can they keep away
mosquitoes, but they also dissuade aphids, trips, whiteflies, Mexican bean beetles, squash
bugs, and tomato hornworms.

Citronella Grass

Scientific name: Cymbopogon

Rank: Genus

Higher classification: Grasses

DESCRIPTION:

• Lemon scented
• Most commonly use as Natural ingredient
• Does best in large planters (cannot withstand worst )

Known for its distinct smell, citronella grass is the most commonly used natural ingredient in
mosquito repellants. In fact, the Brooklyn Botanic Garden recommends lemon-scented plants
such as citronella grass to keep mosquitoes at bay. And the good news is that the living plant is
the most effective at repelling pests. This low maintenance plant does best in large planters
because it cannot withstand frost, but in warmer climates, can be planted directly a sunny area
in the ground. Also, when buying Citronella, make sure you buy

Cybopogon nardus

Citronella winterianus, which are true varieties.

Catnip

Scientific name: Nepeta cataria

Rank: Species

Higher classification: Catmints

DESCRIPTION

• Very easy to take care of

• Can become invasive
• Found to be ten time more effective to repel mosquito
Catnip (catmint) can be found thriving almost anywhere. It is from the mint family and grows
abundantly both as a commercial plant and as a weed. It is very easy to take care of and may
even start to invade other areas of your garden. They are amazing mosquito repellants and
another recommendation from the BBG. Catmint was found to be ten times more effective than
Plants, the chemical used in most insect repellants.

Rosemary

Scientific name: Rosmarinus officinalis

Rank: Species

Higher classification: Rosmarinus

DESCRIPTION

• An herb with woody scent

• Does best in hot and cold season
• Wilt thrives in containers
• Can be creatively pruned for decorations

Another great mosquito repellant is rosemary. Rosemary is an herb that many of us are very
familiar with and their woody scent is exactly what keeps mosquitoes as well as cabbage moths
and carrot flies away. They do best in hot and dry climates and thrive in containers, which may
be ideal for areas with winters. They can also be pruned into all sorts of shapes and sizes and
make great borders or decorations. While the pests stay away you can enjoy the herb’s scent
and also use it to season your cooking.

Basil
Scientific name Ocimum basilicum

Rank: Plantae

Higher classification: Ocimum

DESCRIPTION

• All the types of basil can be used as repellents

• Plants can grown in containers
• Good sun light and good drainage
• All flies and mosquitoes live away from this plant

Basil is another herb that can also double as a pest repellent. The pungent smells the basil
leaves give off are what keep pests at bay. And since all kinds of basil work to keep flies and
mosquitoes at bay, feel free to explore and find the right types of basil to mix into your garden.
This herb likes to be kept damp, needs good drainage, and enjoys lots of sun. You can plant
basil in containers or in the garden, alone or with other flowers, as long as both plants meet the
same requirements.

The importance of mosquito control

Throughout the years, mosquitoes have transmitted many diseases including malaria, dengue, yellow
fever, encephalitis, and more recently the West Nile and Zika viruses. Mosquitoes are even to blame for
heartworm in dogs. So it isn’t just about the annoyance or the itchy bite, it is a health concern for your
family and pets.

In addition to growing the plants listed above, you should also practice good mosquito control in your
garden so that the pests don’t get out of hand. The best thing you can do is prevent water from
collecting and becoming stagnant, mosquitoes can lay hundreds of eggs even in a tiny spoonful of
standing water.