PETALING JAYA: Lemongrass, garlic, rosemary and even coffee are easily available repellents to keep the Aedes mosquito at bay.
Known to be an effective method, lemongrass or serai, as it is commonly known here, is one of the main ingredients in citronella candles used to repel the mosquitoes.
“An old remedy is to plant lemongrass around the house to keep the Aedes mosquito away,” said Chan Kai Sang, a 71-year-old retiree.
A teaspoon of lemongrass combined with a teaspoon of eucalyptus, and four ounces of witch hazel in a spray bottle is another do-it-yourself insect repellent.
Eating plenty of garlic is also believed to be an “internal” mosquito repellent, with some claiming that it keeps mosquitoes away.
Another deterrent is spraying leftover coffee on outdoor surfaces, while a dozen garlic cloves simmered in two cups of water could be used to make an outdoor spray.
Rearing guppies in flower pots or water features will also help control the Aedes population.
http://www.thestar.com.my/News/Nation/2013/12/21/Keep-Aedes-away-with-garlic-lemongrass-rosemary-and-coffee/Also on this blog Healthwise:
