Friday, 30 August 2013

҉YOUR-MAILS GROUP ҉ 6 Beautiful Balcony Plants to Control Mosquitoes .

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6 Beautiful Balcony Plants to Control Mosquitoes

By Shaan Lalwani

Is the municipality's anti-mosquito fumigation getting you down? Are you tired of applying jars of strange smelling, sticky mosquito repellents? Or do you like me, love pottering in the garden and do not want to spend your time swatting mosquitoes?

I have a nursery in my own backyard, so I spend lots of time outdoors and would rather be tending my plants than swatting mosquitoes. If you always wanted a balcony garden, but the thought of these mini vampires kept you away, here are some plants that will beautify your green space and help control mosquitoes.

1. HORSEMINT/SPEARMINT/PEPPERMINT

Peppermint has long been used as a treatment for colds and flu. It has natural fungicidal and bacterial retardant properties because its essential oils are high in thymol. Peppermint is very easy to maintain and can also be planted under your larger plants as a beautiful ground cover to cover the soil.

Soil : Well drained soil
Sunlight: Partial to full sunlight (3-4 hours)
Water: 30-50 ml (for 6 inch pot), avoid water logging

2. ROSEMARY

This wonderful herb we use for seasoning is also a great, natural mosquito repellent. It has been used for centuries to keep pesky mosquitoes away.

Rosemary is a native of the Mediterranean, so it likes hot, dry weather and well-drained soil. It is an inexpensive and attractive way to boost the appearance of the landscape and have natural mosquito repellents on hand as well.

My quick rosemary mosquito-repellent recipe: Mix 4 drops of rosemary essential oil with ¼ cup olive oil. Store in a cool, dry place. Apply as needed.

Soil : Red, well drained soils, add coco peat or small loose stones to make the soil more permeable as plants
Sunlight : Partial to full sunlight (2-3 hours)
If you live in a very hot tropical country like India where temperatures can reach 40 degrees C, then it's best to keep in semi-shade conditions
Water : 30-50ml (6 inch pot), avoid water logging

3. MARIGOLD

Organic gardeners have used marigolds as companion plants to keep aphids away. Mosquitoes don't like its scent any better (and some humans feel the same way). Marigolds are sun-loving annuals that come in a variety of shapes and sizes for almost any landscape. They are quite easy to grow.

Soil : All types of soil.
Sunlight: Full sunlight (6-8 hours), strictly outdoors
Water: 50-80ml (6 inch pot)

4. AGERATUM

This charming little bedding plant contains coumarin, and mosquitoes detest the smell. It is used in the perfume industry and is even in some commercial mosquito repellents. Don't rub ageratum on your skin, though. It has some other less desirable elements that you do not want on your skin . Ageratums are annuals, and they come in a muted blue and white that compliments most other plants in your garden.

Soil : Heavy loamy soils
Sunlight : Partial sunlight (Semi shade) to full sunlight conditions(4-5 hours) helps the plant flower more
Water : 50-80 ml (6 inch pot), avoid water logging.

5. CITRONELLA

Citronella oil is popular as a 'natural' insect repellent. Its mosquito repellent qualities have been verified by research, including its effectiveness in repelling Aedes Aegypti (dengue fever mosquito). To be continually effective most citronella repellent formulas need to be reapplied to the skin every 30–60 minutes.
This plant has also been known to have superb anti fungal properties and is used in the perfumery industry for its high oil content.

Soil : Well drained soil
Sunlight : Full outdoor sunlight (At least 6 hours)
Water : 30-50 ml (for 6 inch pot), avoid water logging

6. CATNIP

Catnip is one of the most powerful mosquito repellant plants . Recent studies have shown that it is ten times more effective than DEET at repelling mosquitoes. It is a short lived perennial and is easy to grow from seed, and quickly reseeds. Aside from its intoxicating effects on cats, the leaves make a very soothing tea.

Soil : Light, well drained soils
Sunlight : Plant is quite hardy, Can be kept both indoor / outdoor (6-8 hours)
Water : 30-80ml (6 inch pot)

How do I use these plants to repel mosquitoes?

With all of these plants, the leaves must be crushed to release the aroma. Otherwise mosquitoes cannot smell them. With rosemary and catnip, you can simply crush a few leaves and rub on your skin and clothing to enhance the effect.

What are other plant based solutions to repel mosquitoes

The other kind of mosquito plant is Agastache cana. Its common names include Texas hummingbird mint, bubblegum mint, giant hyssop, or giant hummingbird mint. As you might guess, hummingbirds are quite attracted to it.

Another slightly smelly but organic way to get rid of them is Garlic which is the main component in many herbal remedies. Mosquitoes hate it. Gardeners who eat lots of garlic may find that they scratch those mosquito bites far less. Of course, you would have to eat a lot of garlic and you may find that you repel more than just mosquitoes.

Nevertheless, organic gardeners use garlic sprays, powders and plants to help deter the creatures. It may not reduce their numbers dramatically, but when coupled with other natural combatants, you may see a reliable reduction.

So, next time you have an opportunity to plant, consider using some of these attractive plants to do more than just enhance the landscape.

ABOUT THE GUEST WRITER

Shaan Lalwani

SHAAN LALWANI is the 25 year old owner of the rapidly expanding nursery named Vriksha Nursery which is based in Mumbai, India . This nursery was passed down to him by his parents who fully supported him in getting his B.Sc degree in Horticulture and in attending one of the best landscape schools in the world for an M.A. in landscape management at University of Sheffield,U.K.

Shaan is available through his blog Vrikshanurseries.blogspot.com where you can get weekly updates. For any questions regarding the gardening world, he may be contacted at +91-9820704069 or at shaan_lalwani[at]hotmail.com

Vriksha nursery strives to change the face of urban gardening in India with over 25,000 gardens executed in Maharashtra/Goa/Gujarat. We have a team of dedicated professionals who will leave no stone unturned to give your gardens the utmost quality attention. Vriksha nursery has been synonymous with innovation – be it set landscaping (over 5000 teleserials/movies/adfilms), temporary landscapes (over 2500 exhibitions and weddings), ikebana flower arrangements, urban farming, rooftop gardens, living walls etc.

http://www.ecowalkthetalk.com/blog/2011/06/10/6-beautiful-balcony-plants-to-control-mosquitoes/

With Best Regards. ?

Aiwaah

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҉YOUR-MAILS GROUP ҉ Better than Good Night (Mosquito repellent) ...

Better than Good Night (Mosquito repellent)

Very useful information..... pls pass on......

DO HELP SPREAD THIS USE OF CAMPHOR TO AS MANY AS YOU CAN! THE ARTICLE -

Camphor- The effective healthy mosquito repellent.

Malaria and Dengue are on a steep rise. We all must be using liquid or the old blue tablet type of mosquito repellents sold under various names. Despite their use, it is common to see mosquitoes hovering around with the best of repellents in action. Secondly, we cannot use these mosquito repellents whole day – are they being of any brand. Thirdly, many people land up with allergies due to them.

In the past, man would light diyas and burn camphor on a regular basis as a part of daily puja. These helped to purify the air and keep harmful bacteria, viruses, and mosquitoes away! We can definitely have a better and healthy environment with the use of camphor.

Camphor or Kapur is a waxy, white, or transparent substance extracted from the wood of the Camphor Laurel tree found in Asia. Camphor has many known medicinal uses-

It relieves nasal congestion and cough when rubbed on the chest as an oil. Camphor is used as an ingredient in throat lozenges and cough syrups and in Vicks. Camphor is also used in some anti-itch ointments, creams and cooling gels because it is can be absorbed through skin and is effective at treating pain locally. It has an analgesic effect which makes it a favorite oil to be used in pain relieving massage blends for sore muscles and arthritic pain. Camphor is known to improve the quality of air making it a better for our lungs and heart.

Many people are not aware of the Mosquito repellent power of Camphor - a simple solution without side effects and very cost effective. CAMPHOR IS A NATURAL MOSQUITO REPELLENT With effect round the clock! You do not need to burn it for that. There are three easier ways to do it -

1. Put 2 tablets of commercially available camphor on any warm surface- the device shown in the picture serves the purpose well. Plug it for an hour and see the results! You can do it twice a day- morning and in the night as well!
2. Place 2 tablets of camphor on different corners of the room or at places where mosquitoes seem to love to stay! Leave them there and they will evaporate in a day or so keeping the air purer and mosquito free.
3. Take a wide opened cup or plate with water. Drop 2 tablets of Camphor into the water. Keep the cup with water and camphor in your sleeping room. The quantity of water and camphor may differ from room size. Water evaporates at normal temperature. Camphor slowly started dissolving in water. The water evaporates with Camphor smell. Adding little bit hot water gives instant action.
You will be amazed at the results! Do experience it and help spread these healthy tips!

With Best Regards. ?

Aiwaah

҉YOUR-MAILS GROUP ҉ Homemade Mosquito Traps and Repellent ...

Homemade Mosquito Traps and Repellent

(ALSO FOR ANTS & FLEAS)

Hello All,

It's time of the year for outdoor, camping, boating seasons etc... and mosquito season… too!!! The mosquitoes are like raptors; we can make our own mosquito repellent and trap, see below instructions. Give a try, Good luck.

HOMEMADE MOSQUITO TRAP

Have you noticed the Mosquitoes are already out! Here is a homemade trap to help keep you and the kid from being, a blood donor!!!

Items needed:

v 1 cup of water

v 1/4 cup of brown sugar

v 1 gram of yeast

v 1 2-liter bottle

Direction:

F Cut the plastic bottle in half.

F Mix brown sugar with hot water. Let cool. When cold, pour in the bottom half of the bottle.

F Add the yeast. No need to mix. It creates carbon dioxide, which attracts mosquitoes.

F Place the funnel part, upside down, into the other half of the bottle, taping them together if desired.

F Wrap the bottle with something black, leaving the top uncovered, and place it outside in an area away from your normal gathering area. (Mosquitoes are also drawn to the color black.)

Change the solution every 2 weeks for continuous control. Or put out new one.

Homemade Mosquito Repellant

Skip the harsh store bought stuff and make you own mosquito repellent

It really works! And it's safe for the kids. No harmful chemicals and a lot cheaper.

Combine in a 16 oz bottle:

v 15 drops lavender oil (The lavender is the repellent & most Walmarts carry it)

v 3-4 Tbsp of vanilla extract

v 1/4 Cup lemon juice.

Fill bottle with water. Shake and it's ready to use. Make some extra to gift to your family & friends.

HOME MADE MOSQUITO REPELLENT (ALSO FOR ANTS & FLEAS)

(And free from chemicals that poison the body)

Ingredients:

1/2 litre of alcohol
100 gram of whole cloves
100 ml of baby oil or similar (almond, sesame, chamomile, lavender, fennel etc)

Preparation:

Leave cloves to marinate in alcohol four days
Stir every morning and evening
After 4 days add the oil
It's now ready to use.

How to use:

Gently rub a few drops into the skin of the arms and legs.
Observe the mosquitoes fleeing the room.
Repels fleas on pets too.

With Best Regards. ?

Aiwaah

҉YOUR-MAILS GROUP ҉ Have a mosquito problem??

At your next outdoor gathering try this SAFE and
EFFECTIVE method of keeping mosquitoes at bay!
Simply slice a lime in half and
press in a good amount of cloves for an ALL NATURAL mosquito repellent...
Make sure to SHARE THIS with your friends!