KOMPAS.com – During the current rainy season, diseases caused by mosquito the number of cases is increasing.
Some of the diseases caused by mosquito bites are: Malaria and Dengue Hemorrhagic Fever (DHF).
Dengue Hemorrhagic Fever (DHF) is a disease caused by four types of dengue virus, namely DEN-1, DEN-2, DEN-3, and DEN-4. Each species has its own characteristics and distribution patterns.
However, this virus is definitely carried by the mosquito vector Aedes aegypti.
Meanwhile, Malaria is a disease caused by the Plasomodium parasite. This disease is transmitted through the bite of a female Anopheles mosquito infected with the parasite.
Mosquito bites make parasites enter, settle in the liver, and infect red blood cells.
Also read: 5 Mosquito Repellent Plants, from Zodia Trees to Basil
So, to prevent you and your family from being infected with these two diseases, the Ministry of Health through the Directorate of Prevention and Control of Vector and Zoonotic Infectious Diseases (DIT.P2PTVZ) recommends cleaning the environment around your residence so it doesn’t have the potential to become a mosquito breeding ground.
Also, try to plant plant mosquito repellent at home.
Among the plants that can be used for Chase away mosquitoes are Zodia tree, lavender, basil, lemongrass, mintrosemary and marigolds.
1. Pohon Zodia
Zodia (Euodia sauveolens) is a plant belonging to the citrus tribe (Rutacea) which is endemic to Indonesia from Papua.
Papuans use this plant to repel mosquitoes by rubbing the juice of zodia leaves on the skin.
Although the Zodia tree was originally an endemic plant for Papua, now this ornamental plant has begun to be cultivated in various places.
Plant This decoration is perfect for placing on the side of the house or on the table.
Zodia leaves contain substances linanool and a-pinene which mosquitoes do not like.
The shape and color of the zodia plant is no less beautiful than the Geranium flower. In Papua, this native Indonesian plant is the mainstay of the population to repel mosquitoes.
2. Lavender
Also read: 3 reasons mosquitoes like buzzing in their ears, here’s how to get rid of them
Lavender flowers are known to have a calming aroma.
This plant is very well known as an effective mosquito repellent and is often used as a commercial mosquito repellent mixture.
Lavender produces an essential oil with a scent that humans love, but mosquitoes hate.
Lavender is very drought tolerant and can grow well in a location with full sun and adequate drainage.
Plant lavender in front of the house, or on the windowsill to prevent mosquitoes from entering the house.
3. Lemongrass or Lemongrass
Lemongrass or Citronella is the number one best mosquito repellent plant. This plant is often used as a natural ingredient in commercial mosquito repellent sprays, candles, and other products.
Lemongrass has a distinctive aroma that is fresh and pleasant to humans, but mosquitoes do not like it.
Its shape is like grass, but large, it can also be a decoration in the garden side by side with other plants.
You can also harvest lemongrass, and then place it in the room with a cup of water, or water in a vase, to prevent mosquitoes from entering the house.
4. Basil or Basil
Also read: These 9 Plants Can Help You Repel Mosquitoes from Your Home
Maybe you know the basil plant only as an additional spice for cooking or fresh vegetables because of its distinctive aroma and delicious taste.
However, it turns out that besides being useful for mixing dishes and vegetables, Basil, also known as Basil, can be used as a mosquito and fly repellent.
You can plant them in pots or sow directly into the garden.
There are several types of basil to grow, including sweet basil and Genovese basil, both of which can be used to repel mosquitoes.
Keep in mind that basil thrives in moist, sunny areas, and has a good drainage system.
Mint leaves can not only be consumed with tea or cocktails, but also can repel mosquitoes.
Even mint leaves are also effective at repelling ants and flies. You can use mint in a diffuser, making a mint spray.
You can also plant some fresh mint plants around the seating area where you and your family often enjoy the fresh air on the terrace.
6. Marigold
Marigolds or Tagetes erecta have bright colors and beautiful shapes that can decorate your home at the same time.
The flowers produced are brightly colored, such as yellow, orange, and red.
Marigolds grow well in the ground, in a pot, or even alongside a vegetable garden.
Not only mosquitoes, marigolds are also known to repel other pests.
7. Rosemary
Rosemary has a pleasant woody fragrance. While it grows best in hot, dry climates, it is also tolerant of all other conditions.
Also read: This country is not inhabited by mosquitoes at all, what causes it?
You can plant it as a border plant to beautify the appearance of your small garden or plant it in a pot.
How do plants work?
Mosquito repellent plants work best when the leaves are crushed, as this will give off the scent in the oil.
Therefore, many of these plants are most effective when the leaves are burned, crushed, and mixed with certain oils for use as insect sprays.
Not only do you have to plant special mosquito repellent plants, you also have to keep doing 3M, namely, draining water reservoirs, closing water reservoirs, and burying used items.
(Source: Kompas.com Author: Dian Reinis Kumampung, Ellyvon Pranita | Editor: Sakina Rakhma Diah Setiawan, Bestari Kumala Dewi)
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