Here we will look at how effective a chrysanthemum mosquito repellent system is.
The use of natural pest control techniques isn’t a new thing as several findings and innovations have been made to cater to the pest needs of people.
Chrysanthemum Mosquito Control
Mosquitoes easily rank as one of the most common and deadly pest problems to have. Over many decades, improvements in repellent and control methods have been made.
Mosquitoes are well known for the spread of a variety of viral diseases like malaria, dengue fever, Chikungunya virus, Zika fever, yellow fever, lymphatic filariasis, and Japanese encephalitis among others.
Exposed with the possibility of having any of these, it’s only fair that an effective solution is found.
Why Natural Mosquito Repellent Solutions are Popular
Over the years, there has been a steady shift from erstwhile popular mosquito control methods especially those involving chemicals to more natural approaches.
The natural alternatives have seemed to be much safer, yet more effective in eliminating mosquito presence.
While the focus is on Chrysanthemum, it’s important to mention a variety of other plants believed to offer natural control for mosquitoes.
These include clove, neem, basil, tagetes, myrtle, tea tree, eucalyptus, thyme, olive, catnip, peppermint citronella, etc.
To be certain about the efficacy of these, you’ll have to make your findings of their level of efficacy as mosquito repellents.
With this said, it’s necessary to shift our focus back to the use of chrysanthemum for mosquito control.
What are Chrysanthemums?
These are flowering plants which native to northeastern Europe as well as East Asia. Its colorful bloom has endeared it to many homeowners as a perfect addition to their surroundings.
More important is the repellent function it has over certain pests like mosquitoes.
As a colorful plant, chrysanthemums are widely used for ornamental purposes. What more? They’re also edible plants as people extract tea from its flowers.
From the different uses mentioned, it’s clear that the benefits of chrysanthemums are quite wide.
The area we’re most interested in has to do with its mosquito repellent properties. So, can your mosquito problems immediately vanish by simply introducing chrysanthemum plants in your yard or garden?
This question will be adequately answered as you read on.
Chrysanthemum for Mosquito Control
Ever heard of the names Pyrethrum daisies or Dalmatian chrysanthemums? These are two variants of chrysanthemum plants used for mosquito control.
To be clear, chrysanthemums belong to a genus with several variants such as those mentioned above.
What makes these effective for pest control is the presence of pyrethrins contained within the plant. Now, natural pyrethrin is used to manufacture a known and effective pesticide known as permethrin.
By growing pyrethrum daisies or Dalmatian chrysanthemums, you automatically have a natural pesticide around your home.
Growing Chrysanthemums
To improve your pest situation, you only need to have chrysanthemums grown within your property. This could be in your garden or yard. As stated earlier, there are lots of chrysanthemum variants to choose from.
You’ll have to go with those that are most suitable for your region.
Also, your soil conditions must be favorable enough to support these plants. Avoid shady locations when growing these plants. Also, it’s necessary to ensure the plants have adequate sunlight.
You may wish to grow these plants along your home’s perimeter or wherever you choose to.
While benefiting from its mosquito repellent property, you also get the ornamental value it adds to your surroundings.
Coupled with its edible nature, you get a combination of benefits you can continue to enjoy for a long time.
Are Kids and Pets Safe Around Chrysanthemums?
In a buildup to our discussion on the effects of chrysanthemums on mosquitoes, we’ve mentioned the natural properties it has. Natural pesticides hardly have any toxic effects on humans and animals.
The same can be said for chrysanthemums.
This plant has little to no toxicity on humans and animals and can be easily grown with no fear of side effects. While it’s highly unlikely for this plant to be toxic, there may be few cases of allergic reactions to the plant. IF there is, it’s important to have it excluded from your garden or yard.
Making Insecticides Using Chrysanthemums
Although the mere presence of this plant(s) within your surroundings will reduce the presence of mosquitoes, there are ways to make insecticides and repellents that can be sprayed or applied.
However, it must be stated that direct contact or inhalation of pyrethrin could result in health problems so, utmost care is necessary when making your insecticide.
There are two insecticide options you can choose from. They include pyrethrum spray as well as pyrethrum dust. You may want to settle with whichever works for you best after reading through how they’re made.
Let’s begin with pyrethrum spray.
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Pyrethrum Spray
If you find spray insecticides more preferable, this may be an option you’ll find handier than any other. So, how can pyrethrum spray be made?
Making this will require harvesting some chrysanthemum flowers, drying, and soaking about ¾ ounce of it in about one and a half gallons of water.
After about 3 hours, your insecticide spray should be ready for application. This can be emptied into a spray bottle and applied around affected areas.
It’s necessary to wear a mask before application as it helps prevent inhalation.
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Pyrethrum Dust
For pyrethrin dust insecticide, the process is quite different.
You’ll need to use fully developed leaves for this insecticide. The positioning of flowers on the plant is important to the process as those closer to the center of the plant tend to contain more pyrethrum than those at the fringes.
Next, having harvested the flowers, have them hang upside down for about a day or two. This positioning helps promote pyrethrin concentration.
By now, the flowers should be dried enough. Get a medical-grade nose mask to prevent inhalation of fine dust as such could lead to several allergic reactions.
Now, the dust can either be burned as incense or sprinkled around areas with mosquitoes. Either way, this natural insecticide helps kill and repel pests.
The good part is a variety of other insect pests are also affected.
Chrysanthemum mosquito control methods are quite varied. While this is true, the most important aspect of this plant is that it does kill and repel a variety of insect pests including mosquitoes.