Natural Mosquito-Repellent Vegetables: Garlic and Onion

In daily life, there is a common vegetable that has natural mosquito - repellent properties, and that is garlic.

Garlic contains a sulfur - containing compound called allicin. When garlic is crushed or cut, allicin is released. This compound has a strong and pungent odor that mosquitoes dislike. The smell of allicin can interfere with the mosquitoes' sense of smell, making it difficult for them to locate their targets. In addition to its direct mosquito - repellent effect, consuming garlic can also have an impact. When a person eats garlic, the allicin is metabolized and some of its components are excreted through the skin pores. This makes the human body emit a faint garlic - like smell, which can act as a natural mosquito - deterrent to a certain extent.

Another vegetable with mosquito - repellent ability is onion. Onions, like garlic, belong to the Allium family. They also contain sulfur - based compounds similar to allicin. These compounds give onions their characteristic sharp and strong smell. When onions are cut open, the released volatile substances can repel mosquitoes. In the garden, planting onions around the perimeter can help keep mosquitoes away from the area. The strong odor of onions masks the scents that usually attract mosquitoes, making it less likely for mosquitoes to enter the area.

Both garlic and onion are not only common vegetables in our diet but also natural and environmentally - friendly mosquito - repellent agents. Their mosquito - repellent properties are a bonus on top of their nutritional value and culinary uses.