Overview
- New pieces promote basil as an outdoor mosquito deterrent comparable to or stronger than citronella in patios, balconies and galleries.
- TN.com.ar and a Nov. 19 Los Andes report single out purple basil (Ocimum basilicum var. purpurascens) linked to estragole and eugenol as the active volatiles.
- A Nov. 20 Los Andes article instead highlights African basil (Ocimum gratissimum), citing INTA and the National University of Córdoba, with eugenol and thymol and indications of stronger effect in heat.
- Practical guidance emphasizes easy care in pots or beds, tolerance of heat and irregular watering, and placement near windows, tables or seating to maximize impact.
- Coverage notes decorative and ecological benefits such as frequent flowering and pollinator attraction, while presenting differing species claims without a single standardized comparison.