10 plants that are known to repel mosquitoes and other insects

News24xx.com - Indonesia's hot and humid climate is the perfect breeding ground for mosquitoes and, therefore, mosquito-related illnesses like dengue fever and zika.

In September 2019, a new Zika cluster was confirmed in Serangoon Gardens' Hemsley Avenue, when three people got infected with the mozzie-borne virus. The last cluster was reported in July 2017.

As of June 3 this year, the National Environment Agency (NEA) reports that there are over 9,000 dengue infections and 12 deaths, with the number of cases expected to soar even further.

Read more: This is Hana Hanifah explanation about her case

While it makes perfect sense to use insect repellent on yourself when heading out, you really ought to protect your family at home as well.

One of the easiest ways to do it is to keep a low-maintenance plant or two that's known to repel mosquitoes and other pesky insects:

1. Basil
Besides being a tasty addition to pasta, stir-fries, and pizzas, this aromatic herb is also good at beating mosquitoes and houseflies. In fact, a 2009 study found that basil is toxic to mosquito larvae.

2. Rosemary
Besides flavoring your favorite meats like lamb and chicken, rosemary is also a great natural insect repellent. These flowering plants also grow pretty purple blooms to beautify your garden and home.

3. Lavender
While the soothing and lovely scent of lavender might seem to calm to us, insects tend to stay away from it.
These beautiful purple flowers might not grow as well in Singapore but there are essential oils and sprays that you can purchase from stores here.

4. Geranium
Another flowering plant, geraniums are also great for repelling mosquitoes thanks to the chemicals inside them. Their beautiful flowers are also perfect for beautifying your home with!

5. Catnip
If you've got cats, you'd know how effective catnip is at repelling pests. In fact, scientists have found that catnips are 10 times more effective at repelling mosquitoes than the chemical DEET, found in most insect repellents.

6. Garlic
Add garlic to your flower beds or around the house to repel mosquitoes. Garlic contains allicin, a chemical that's harmful to mosquitoes and other insects. You can cut and scatter garlic cloves around your yard or balcony area.

7. Citronella
Also called "mosquito plant", citronella is one of the most common natural ingredients used in mosquito repellents. For citronella to work most effectively, be sure to crush some of the leaves so it releases some of that fragrant natural oil it contains, which you can apply directly onto your skin.

Read more: Jake Paul’s Calabasas Home Raided by the FBI

8. Marigold
These beautiful blooms help brighten your living space while repelling mosquitoes. They contain the compound pyrethrum, which gives off an odor that insects like mosquitoes hate (thankfully, we're not affected by this).

Keep a gorgeous pot of marigold at the main door, in the balcony or other areas, and be warned - they might attract other insects like bees and wasps.

9. Lemongrass
The plus point about planting lemongrass? You could harvest them for the kitchen once especially if you're used to cooking South East Asian dishes.

10. Mint
Just like lemongrass, mint can also double up for use in the kitchen. Crushing a few of the leaves will also help to release the natural oils to repel mosquitoes.