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Lavender
Lavender
oil has a calming scent
and widely used in the medicines
for reducing tension, migraine,
anxiety, and depression. However,
another important use is as a repel-
lant against harmful insects. The
advantage of using lavender oil
over other chemical repellants is
that it is completely natural and
also has a sleep-inducing effect.
It also nourishes the skin with no
side-effects unlike other synthetic
repellents. Moreover, the aroma is
also pleasant when compared to the
strong-smelling mosquito repellent
creams.
Lemon balm
Lemonbalm
is a herb in the mint
family that has a variety of uses such
as flavoring in herbal teas. One can
make a quick mosquito repellent
by crushing a handful of leaves and
rubbing on exposed skin. Lemon
Balm, also known as Horsemint,
is a fast growing, shade-tolerant
and drought-resistant plant which
reaches a height and width of two to
three feet. It does well in dry soil and
can tolerate salty conditions, which
explains the reason it is often found
in coastal and beach areas.
Catnip
In August 2010, Entomologists at
Iowa State University reported that
catnip is ten times more effective
than DEET
(diethyltoluamide)
, the
chemical found inmost commercial
insect repellents.
Catnip
is very
easy to growand this perennial herb
is related to mint. While catnip will
repel mosquitoes in close proximity
to the plant, some people apply
crushed catnip leaves or catnip oil
for more robust protection. Bear
in mind, however, that cats will
respond to you similarly as they
would respond to the plant itself.
Cat owners may want to choose
an alternative plant for repelling
mosquitoes.