W

ith a dengue fever alert period about to begin, Marunda subdistrict in North Jakarta has plans to plant 2,000 lavender plants to ward off mosquitoes.

The measure is aimed at preventing mosquitoes from breeding, especially the yellow fever mosquito, which can spread dengue fever.

“Hence, 2,000 lavender [plants] will be planted. Lavender is known to be a mosquito repellent,” Marunda subdistrict head Hilda Damayanti said on Tuesday, wartakota.tribunnews.com reported, adding that the office was attempting to exterminate mosquitoes from their breeding spots.

Besides the lavender, Hilda also suggested that Marunda residents introduce cupang (betta fish) and mujair (tilapia) into their ponds. It is believed that these fish eat mosquito larvae.

In 2018, Hilda added, there were two cases of dengue fever in Marunda. “I hope no one in Marunda suffers from dengue fever this year,” she said.