This aromatic plant keeps mosquitoes away from the house, it is easy to grow even on the balcony
Spring is the ideal time of year to enjoy your balcony plants and their colorful foliage. Aromatic herbs are one of those plants that also provide important virtues. Discover this herb capable of scaring away mosquitoes from your home while you enjoy its good smell. Discover its many virtues!
Like rosemary, bay leaf or basil, which add flavor to the kitchen, there are other plants with extraordinary culinary capabilities but less known for repelling mosquitoes. We can mention lemon verbena with multiple virtues . Of South American origin, its leaves remind us of the smell of lemon and also add flavor to our soups and salads.
How to grow lemon verbena at home and take advantage of its mosquito repellent action?
Very easy to grow, this plant repels mosquitoes and perfumes your home. Thanks to its lemon-scented leaves, it provides both freshness and protection against any mosquito attack. Here’s how to maintain it so that it is well protected from these insects.
– Where to place lemon verbena ?
As soon as verbena sprouts form, they should be moved to an individual jar or pot. lemon verbenaIt needs a mild, temperate climate and neutral, well-drained soil. Sun exposure is important to keep it alive and also allows it to release its beautiful aromatic substances. Lemon verbena does not tolerate low temperatures well. That is why it is better to keep it in a pot to move it when it is cold to a sunnier place. Verbena can be placed in your garden or orchard. Forming a small shrub with light leaves, it propagates by cuttings from August to September and produces flowers in autumn. To make a cutting, you should cut a 10cm wet stem in the morning and then remove the leaves at the base as well as the flowers. The only thing you have to do is place it in a hole in the garden soil or in the pot that you have previously prepared. It is recommended to use garden soil mixed with a little river sand. After flowering, lemon verbena leaves can be stored for two years after drying well in the sun.
Aromatic verbena, an effective mosquito repellent!
There are several plants whose strong odors act effectively against mosquitoes and other insects. Aromatic herbs such as lemon verbena will save you from unpleasant mosquito bites. Although there are citronella products on the market, it is possible to take advantage of the natural virtues of this plant by placing it in your house, on your terrace or in your garden. Lemon verbena with its repellent power keeps mosquitoes away and allows you to protect your skin from any bite or attack.
To repel mosquitoes, it is also possible to burn dried verbena in a saucer. This not only allows it to emit citrus aromas that keep these pests away, but also produces a natural fragrance for the interior of your home. In case of a bite, you can apply citronella essential oil diluted 10% in vegetable oil or aloe vera gel to your skin.
Warning : This technique is not suitable for children under 6 years of age and pregnant women during the first months of pregnancy.
In addition to verbena, other plants work to repel mosquitoes
For its part, lemon balm with its lemony foliage produces the same effect as lemon verbena. Recognized for its mosquito repellent effectiveness, it can be installed next to your mint, lavender or basil to protect you from these insects. Additionally, lemon basil can be placed on a windowsill, giving it a good growing environment to protect your home from mosquitoes.
It is possible to grow lemon verbena at home to benefit from its anti-mosquito action. Place it in your house on the windowsill or balcony in the sun. You will enjoy its pleasant fragrance and fresh leaves throughout the season