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Some plants are adored for their beauty and scent, while others are popular for their health benefits and other uses. Best examples of the latter are plants that naturally repel insects like mosquitoes.

Insect-repelling plants provide extra protection from mosquitoes

The rainy season is here and unfortunately, that also means that dengue season has arrived. So, if you want extra protection from these bloodsuckers that carry dengue, you should consider having insect-repelling plants at home.

Here are mosquito-repellent plants that are totally a must-plant this rainy season.

1. Lemongrass or tanglad

Lemongrass or tangled is popularly used in the Philippines as an ingredient in cooking.

But it also has the natural ability to repel mosquitoes, through the citronella oil that it produces.

You can plant lemongrass in pots or directly in your garden bed. Just a heads up though, citronella can grow at about five or six feet. So, they will need some pruning.

Catnip | Source: @Forest & Kim Starr (Wikipedia)

2. Catnip

Who knew the feline favorite is also a mosquito repellent?

The nepetalactone found in catnip is the organic compound that deters mosquitoes and also cockroaches and termites.

Surprisingly, nepetalactone is also the same thing that makes catnip irresistible to our female friends.

3. Basil

Another famous cooking ingredient that can double as a mosquito repellent is basil. It is easy to keep the basil plant alive, so it's perfect for newbie plantitos and plantitas.

4. Lavender

Believe or not, the lavender scent that humans love, is the same scent that mosquitoes hate. So, if you want a plant with beautiful flowers and a relaxing scent that deters mosquitoes at the same time, then you should certainly plant lavender in your home.

5. Marigold

Another beautiful flowering plant that drives away mosquitoes is the marigold plant. It has Pyrethrum, which is also used as an ingredient in insect repellent products.

Marigold flowers come in different bright colors that can instantly beautify your garden, while keeping mosquitoes and other bugs away.

So, if you want to deter mosquitoes this rainy season, better plant these mosquito-repellent plants in your garden.

Not only will you have instant cooking ingredients and beautiful flowers in your garden, but you'll also have added protection against dengue.

And, just to be sure, don't forget to put on insect repellent lotion or spray. You can't take chances with those disease-carrying bloodsuckers.

Stay safe and plant away, mga Kapuso!

For more lifestyle content, head out to GMA's Lifestyle page.

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