While we are most concerned about the spread of the COVID-19, we must also take care not to catch another virus brought by the Aedes Aegypti mosquito which is still prevalent in Indonesia.

Beware of Dengue! There were 16.099 cases with more 100 dengue victims from all over Indonesia since January to early March 2020. The highest death cases were registered in Nusa Tenggara East, West Java and East Java.

It is impossible to eliminate all mosquitoes from our environment, but minimizing their breeding activity is a must and should be done regularly, especially while we still have rainy days.

Watch out for those water pools in our bathroom and other water storage places but also please bear in mind that the mosquitoes also look for stagnant water to lay eggs in some type of plants that captures water and create a puddle which can turn into mosquito nests.

Seeing plants grow well and lush makes us all happy! When you are checking on them, pay more attention to leaves that could hold water from the rain or even from watering such as Bromelia, Banana trees and the like. If you have similar plants as these, you can prevent the mosquitoes from nesting on it by giving larvacide or abatesasi.

Alternatively, you can also consider planting different varieties which mosquitoes do not like! Here are some suggestions:

1) Lemongrass
It is not only used as a food or drink flavouring, but it can also be used as a mosquito repellent. Lemongrass can survive in various climate and soil types that makes it easy to be maintained at home. You can outsmart mosquitoes by planting the lemongrass under the window around your house to prevent them from entering the house.

2) Geranium
Also known as “Tapak Dara”, contains geraniol and citronella which mosquitoes dislike. You can plant these plants in pots and place them indoors to repel mosquitoes that may enter the house. Geraniums are also very suitable to be used as an ornamental plant as they have a beautiful color and brightens up the room!

3) Lavender
The purple flowers have a very fragrant aroma. Many people like the aroma, but mosquitoes avoid it because it contains Linalool and Linalyl acetate which mosquitoes are not attracted to. Place it in the pots near windows or doors to prevent mosquitoes.

4) Zodia
This plant contains Evodiamine and Rutaecarpine which also threatens the comfort of mosquitoes. Papuans usually used them before hunting in the forest. It is suitable to plant in the yard as they can also repel pests. You may plant in small pots too and care at home.

5) Rosemary
It has a scent that resembles eucalyptus oil, the type of scent that we know repels mosquitoes. Rosemary can be planted in a container or in the yard, place them near to the window or the door of the house.

Choose your plants wisely and enjoy its beauty while keeping mosquitoes away!