Mosquitoes attack to some degree in almost every season. It is winter now, and although nature wraps itself in a cold sheet at this time, mosquitoes become much more of a nuisance. Plants can be a solution. Some plants that are often left neglected are deadly to mosquitoes, and bringing a few indoors will help control them while adding a touch of green.

Tulsi, mint, lavender and marigold-type plants contain some insect-repellent compounds. Active compounds of the cypermethrin and malathion type work to stop and destroy mosquito eggs, larvae and mosquito growth. Compounds usually have two kinds of properties, physical and chemical, and the strong smell of a plant's leaves or flowers comes from its physical properties. Along with the smell, insect-repellent compounds must be actively present; only then will such plants work to drive away or, in many cases, destroy mosquitoes. So said Nuhu Alam, a professor in the botany department of Jahangirnagar University.

Some other plants can also drive away insects such as mosquitoes. The grass species citronella, as well as rosemary and lemon balm, can keep mosquitoes away.

Seedlings of these plants are available at any nursery, including in Agargaon, Gulshan, Dhanmondi, Mohammadpur and the Doel Chattar area, for between Tk 70 and Tk 300 depending on their age.

Source: Staff Correspondent. First published in Bengali on The Agro News.