I’m a Gardener – Here’s a plant you can use as a super effective mosquito repellent
Melissa Mali reveals her secret to keeping mosquitoes away She shares on Instagram that lemon balm helps repel plant bugs Mali says rub the leaves on your skin
A garden expert has revealed the houseplant which he says can be used as a ‘super efficient mosquito repellent’ that he insists ‘works every time’.
Melissa, who goes by Melissa Vines on Instagram, often shares her favorite gardening hacks on social media, where she boasts over 12,000 followers.
Most recently, the plant enthusiast took to the platform to reveal how to keep those pesky bugs away from you.
In a clip posted to Instagram, Melissa shocked viewers by revealing that the lemon balm plant can help keep mosquitoes away.
Melissa, who goes by Melissa Vines on Instagram, is a horticulturist revealing what houseplants can help keep mosquitoes away and prevent you from getting those itchy bug bites.
In a clip posted to Instagram, Melissa shocked viewers by revealing that the lemon balm plant can help keep mosquitoes away.
‘Do you know? Lemon balm is a very effective mosquito repellent,’ he said.
In the video, Melissa rubs lemon balm leaves on herself.
He captioned the clip: ‘Here’s a little trick I do when I’m in the garden and mosquitoes bite!
‘I go to my lemon balm patch, pick up a leaf or two and rub it on me to keep those little bloodsuckers at bay! Works every time!’
Viewers flooded the comments section with words of praise for Mali.
One said: ‘That’s great to know.’
‘I’m glad you suggested rubbing it. Many recommend planting it but it doesn’t work!’ Someone else commented.
Another user added: ‘Amazing tip, got plenty and always get a bite when watering in the evening.’
‘[I] Didn’t know it! I have lemon balm growing in my garden,’ wrote one.
Viewers flooded the comments section with words of praise for Mali
According to the CDC, in addition to itching, mosquito bites can cause serious illness.
Mosquitoes can transmit diseases including Zika virus, West Nile virus, chikungunya virus, dengue and malaria.
To reduce your risk and protect yourself from being bitten, avoid spending long periods of time outdoors. You should use a form of resistor.
According to Colorado Pest Management, lemon balm is the perfect plant to keep bugs away because the plant has a strong lemon scent that mosquitoes hate.
It is one of the easiest plants to grow – just plant the seeds in the soil and water regularly.
Then, you can rub the leaves on your skin, or mix lemon balm and water to make a repellant spray.
Other herbal repellents include rosemary, basil and citronella.