With the rising temperatures, mosquitoes are starting to breed in large numbers, appearing indoors or outdoors, and even biting you or your family. So, apart from using chemical sprays, is there any natural way to get rid of these annoying pests?
The American mosquito repellent manufacturer “Mosquito Magician” pointed out on its website that marigolds have excellent insect-repellent effects. Simply planting these beautiful and fragrant plants at home can keep mosquitoes at bay.
According to the website, marigolds contain a certain oil that gives them a strong odor and mosquito-repelling ability. Specifically, this is pyrethrum, which is present in dozens of mosquito-repelling plants such as chrysanthemums, commonly used in insecticides.
A study in the 1990s found that the compound in marigold plants had insecticidal properties. This was considered a significant discovery as this compound can kill mosquitoes. If mosquitoes come into contact with marigolds and ingest the compound through their mouth or feet, they are likely to die quickly.
The website suggests that the best way to use marigolds to repel mosquitoes is to make full use of the plant’s complete form. You can plant them in flower pots around your backyard, porch, or balcony, or even outside door and window areas.
Although marigolds can indeed repel mosquitoes, they typically only work within a few feet of the plant. Planting marigolds near outdoor seating is a good way to keep mosquitoes out of your yard.
If you want to make a mosquito repellent using marigolds, the simplest and most effective method is to use essential oil. Marigold essential oil, known as calendula oil, is derived from the scientific name Calendula officinalis.
Unlike other mosquito-repelling essential oils, calendula oil is safe when it comes into contact with the skin. Therefore, unless you spray it directly on yourself or your clothing, it doesn’t need to be heavily diluted. However, the website still recommends diluting it for better coverage.
If you want to apply calendula oil as a mosquito repellent on your skin, you can mix it with other oils or lotions for a uniform blend. Using lotions or skin-safe oils like olive oil, coconut oil, or chamomile oil can be beneficial.
Because calendula oil has minimal skin irritation, there is no fixed dilution ratio. You can decide on the dilution ratio that suits your scent preference.
Additionally, you can also make a spray repellent using marigolds. While its mosquito-repelling effectiveness may not be as strong as the above methods, you don’t have to worry about oil stains on your clothes from spraying.
Since this solution lacks oil as a carrier for pyrethrum adherence, you should shake it before each use. Also, you may need to spray this solution onto your skin more frequently as the water content evaporates.
Before making this solution, you will need a pot, heat-resistant bowl or cup, 1.5 to 2 ounces (42.5 to 56.7 grams) of marigold flowers, 8 ounces (227 grams) of distilled water, a coarse cotton cloth or coffee filter, and a spray bottle.
The production process is as follows:
(1) Crush the marigold flowers and place them in a heat-resistant bowl or cup.
(2) Bring water in the pot to a boil.
(3) Pour the boiling water over the flowers in the heat-resistant bowl or cup.
(4) Let the flowers soak in this solution for 10 to 20 minutes.
(5) Strain out the flowers using a coarse cotton cloth or coffee filter, leaving only the liquid.
(6) Pour this solution into a spray bottle.
(7) Spray this solution on the skin to create a protective effect.
Technically, marigolds can kill mosquitoes, but this is unlikely to occur naturally. The pyrethrum in marigolds repels mosquitoes, so mosquitoes are not likely to come close enough to ingest a lethal dose.
However, you can pour calendula oil into stagnant water to kill mosquito larvae. To make this method effective, you need to add enough oil to create a thin film over the entire water surface. It will suffocate the mosquitoes before they mature and leave the water.
In addition to planting marigolds, you can also plant lavender, chrysanthemums, lemongrass, catnip, rosemary, basil, or scallions, or use lemongrass essential oil candles, or place garlic, onions, lemons, and grapefruits to achieve mosquito-repelling effects. (For more information, please click here.)