07 June 2024 , 13:47
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As the UK enjoys rising temperatures, the prospect of late-night barbecues and sleeping with windows open becomes more appealing.
However, for those who are mosquito magnets, the impending summer might be a source of anxiety. But fear not, a gardening enthusiast from Miller Flowers has taken to TikTok to share a natural solution to keep these biting insects at bay. The gardener suggests planting Citronella, an evergreen shrub that emits a fresh lemon scent, making your home less attractive to mosquitoes.
These sun-loving plants need six or more hours of sunlight daily but can also thrive indoors if placed in a sunny spot. The green-fingered TikToker also mentioned lemongrass and lavender as other mosquito-repelling plants. She said: "I've also heard of peppermint, catmint, marigold, scented geranium and bee balm helps repel mosquitos as well."
One TikTok user confirmed: "Lemongrass around our shed has worked wonders. No more mosquitoes." Yet, another user shared their less successful experience: "I have a huge lavender and citronella plants on my small patio and we still get eaten alive! " Another added: "They only work when you shake them." While someone else noted that lemongrass only works when you "break it and let the scent come out".
While these plants possess mosquito-repelling qualities, Professor Emeritus of Entomology at Iowa State University, Joel Coats PhD, explains this doesn't automatically deter mosquitoes from biting you, reports the Express. "These plants have compounds that keep insects from feeding on them, but they don't release them into the air," he highlighted.
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For this reason, Prof. Coats endorses wearing repellent as the best protection against mosquito bites. The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) likewise advised using an insect repellent containing 50 per cent DEET. For safety reasons, it's essential to strictly follow usage instructions when applying any DEET-based repellent.