Cigarette Butts May Help Eliminate Mosquitoes: Try These Natural Repellents

Cigarette butts thrown in the garbage bin may actually turn out to be resourceful mosquito repellents that could cause malaria, says a new study. Published in the journal Environmental Science and Pollution Research, this new study claims that cigarette butts can be used for pest control. Besides nicotine, which is a known poison- cigarette butts contain a mix of toxic substances including metals.

According to the research, "A single treatment with cigarette butt extracts and silver nanostructures, synthesised using the extract, significantly reduced egg hatchability of 'Anopheles Stephensi', the mosquito species that spreads the 'P. falciparum' malaria parasite.""Overall, the present research would suggest that an abundant hazardous waste, such as cigarette butts, can be turned into an important resource for nanosynthesis of novel insecticides highly effective against young instars and adults of the A. stephensi chloroquin resistant P. falciparum malaria parasite and microbial pathogens," says the report.

You can also use some of these natural ingredients to keep mosquitoes and bugs at bay:

1. Neem Oil

Neem oil is one of the oldest mosquito repellents. Spill a few drops of this oil in your infuser and let the aroma spread across the house. You can also mix it with coconut oil and apply it on your body to prevent bites.

2. Ajwain Seeds

Combining ajwain seeds with mustard oil on tiny cardboard pieces placed strategically near the entry points of the house can help ward off mosquitoes.

3. Lavender Oil

Lavender oil can be mixed with citronella and eucalyptus oil and then sprayed to prevent mosquitoes from entering the house. Re-apply after a few hours as the effect may soon wear off.

4. Plants that Act as Mosquito Repellents

You can place some mosquito repellent plants like feverfew, citronella, catnip and lavender. Their strong smell can help repel mosquitoes. Keep them in and around your house to keep it insect free.

Always remember, stagnant water makes for a breeding ground for malaria or dengue spreading mosquitoes. Make sure your home and surroundings do not have blocked drains or areas with excess water.

With Inputs from IANS