Growing specific spices may help keep mosquitoes away.
Mosquitoes are almost guaranteed to ruin summertime fun. These insects can not only be a nuisance, but they can also carry diseases such as malaria, and encephalitis, according to the Illinois Department of Health. Many chemical products can repel mosquitoes; however, natural spice repellents can also keep the pesky bugs away.
Basil
Basil is an often-used spice in many dishes and comes in a variety of colors. You can keep mosquitoes at bay by planting basil in small tabletop planters around your home.
Lemon Grass
In a 2004 at the California State Science Fair, a study compared the effectiveness of lemon grass at repelling mosquitoes to a Deet-based mosquito repellent. While the study showed lemon grass to have only a 51 percent efficiency rate compared to Deet's 81 percent efficiency rate, many people may be allergic to Deet, making lemon grass a functional alternative.
Rosemary
Rosemary is an attractive tropical plant that can live outdoors, but must be brought indoors during cold weather. The spice can also be added to your favorite dishes.
Garlic
Colorado State University researchers have found that the oil in garlic is successful in repelling certain kinds of mosquito larvae. A mixture of 1 percent garlic oil, petroleum jelly and bees wax rubbed on the skin can keep you from getting mosquito bites. Eating a large amount of garlic or taking garlic supplements may also repel mosquitoes due to their use of smell to find victims.
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