How to prevent mosquitoes using nature

Joyce Kiyingi could not use insecticides because her children are allergic to such chemicals and they found it hard to sleep under treated mosquito nets because of their strong scent.

"I kept on using different chemicals thinking a particular one will not hurt my children. But the more I changed, the more it worsened; they would find it difficult to sleep. I ran out of options on how to get rid of mosquitoes in my home," said Kiyingi, a mother of three.

Plants which repel mosquitoes

According to Huzaifah Rutonyi, a gardener, people can use nature to stop mosquitoes from invading their homes. Before using a mosquito repellant chemical, think of ways like nature to turn your house into a mosquito free environment.

He says on the local market there are plants like lemon tree, it is an ornamental tree which repels mosquitoes by its scent.

"It is available on the local market at sh10, 000. People can also plant a few in their yards for shades during the day," he says.

Rutonyi adds that lemon grass also deters mosquitos; it can be mixed in the flower beds. The attractive ornamental grass has a strong fragrance which repels mosquitoes.

‘It should be planted along walk ways, near doors, windows and in locations close to seating areas. The grass grows up to a height of six feet. A person in need of it can purchase it at sh5000," he said.

Rutonyi, also said that rosemary and all types of lantana plants are unfriendly to insects like mosquitoes because of their scent.

He added: "Create a few beds of lantana plant in the compound, a seedling of each goes for sh1500 while rosemary sh3000.  

Maureen Nassozi, also a gardener said despite marigold's scent which is not appreciated by most people, if planted in the yard, it repels mosquitoes from going in a house. "Marigolds do more than repelling mosquitoes, it also deters insects which attack tomatoes if mixed in a tomato bed," she advised.              

She said lavender is a beautiful flower which can be planted either indoors or in the garden. "If planted indoors, put it near a window so that it gets enough sunlight, its soothing aroma repels mosquitoes and bugs if planted in the garden," she said.

She said other plants that repel mosquitoes include: cedars, pennyroyal, basil, beebalm, catnip, geranium, pitcher, floss flower among others.