Which plants are best for pest control?
Fortunately, there is a natural solution to this problem! Below, in no particular order, are some of the most effective pest-repelling plants and where to plant them: Alliums (Perennial)–These herbs—including leeks, chives, and shallots—can help repel aphids, cabbage worms, slugs, and carrot flies. Flowers That Keep Bugs Away Marigolds – Their scent repels aphids, mosquitoes, and nematodes, making them great companion plants for vegetables like tomatoes and peppers. Chrysanthemums – Contain pyrethrin, a natural insecticide found in many bug sprays. They help deter roaches, ants, and ticks.Marigolds. As if you needed more reasons to enjoy these colorful blooms, marigolds emit a fragrance that’s toxic to mosquitoes. Other Scents. Some other scents mosquitoes dislike include clove, lemon eucalyptus, sweet basil, tea tree, apple cider vinegar, and thyme.Lemon balm, lemon verbena, lemon grass (citronella) and lemon geranium: in short, everything with a lemon scent. This may smell fresh to us, but to mosquitoes and flies it is a real turn-off. Garlic: some people love it while others do not like the strong smell and taste, opinions on garlic are clearly divided.Use repellents Non-toxic repellents are available in garden centers that naturally repel bugs with such ingredients as garlic or hot-pepper oil. Some are spray-on liquids, others are granular that can be scattered around the base of plants.
What plants attract the least amount of bugs?
Yes, plants that repel bugs really do exist—and many might already be familiar faces in your garden. Basil, some lavender, or marigolds can all help keep pests from getting too comfortable. Plants like citronella, lavender, marigolds, basil, and peppermint naturally repel mosquitoes. Place them around your dining area for both mosquito control and aesthetic appeal.CITRONELLA This is likely the first thing that comes to mind when you think about mosquito repelling scents. Citronella oil, which comes from the lemongrass plant, is commonly used in commercial bug sprays and candles.As for bug repellents, DEET (Diethyl-meta-toluamide) is a tried-and-tested option that’s both safe and effective when used correctly. Alternatively, you can create your own repellents using essential oils like lemongrass, lavender, geranium, clove, mint, rosemary, and citronella.Try to wear clothing that covers your body as much as possible: long-sleeved tops and trousers are best. Mosquitoes can sometimes bite through thin clothing, so to be extra safe spray some insecticide or insect repellent on your skin and clothes too.But mint plants, as well as other plants from the mint family — catnip, lemon balm, and pennyroyal — are among some of the best fly repellent plants available. Plant them in a garden bed around the foundation of your home to keep outdoor pests like mice and a range of other insects out of your home.
What keeps bugs away outside naturally?
Some plants, like lavender, marigold, citronella grass, rosemary, and basil, naturally repel bugs. Lavender is particularly popular as a natural, people-and-pet-safe pest control plant. The aroma of lavender is too strong for small insects and discourages them from flying near the area. Lavender, eucalyptus, peppermint and lemongrass essential oils – Not only will spraying these oils around the house create a beautiful aroma, but they will also deter those pesky flies too. Apple cider vinegar – Flies love the smell of apples and vinegar.Lavender While we humans love the relaxing scent of lavender, bugs don’t care for it. In fact, they try their best to avoid it at all costs! If you’re looking to deter moths, fleas, flies, and mosquitoes from entering your home, try planting bushels of lavender at entryways around your house.Rosemary Oil. Fleas and ticks do not like the scent of rosemary. Plant it outside to help repel fleas from your yard. The rosemary oil can be combined with baking soda to make a flea powder to sprinkle on carpets, furniture, pet bedding, window frames, and anywhere else you suspect flea activity in your home.Some publications suggest that using herbs and plants such as Mexican marigolds, mint, rosemary, lavender, yarrow and pitcher plants will help keep flies away, so adding these to your garden may be helpful. Eucalyptus, peppermint and lemongrass essential oils may also have some potential to deter flies.
How to keep bugs from biting you outside?
Use environmental protection agency (epa)-registered insect repellents containing deet, picaridin, ir3535, oil of lemon eucalyptus (ole), para-menthane-diol (pmd), or 2-undecanone. Epa’s helpful search tool can help you find the product that best suits your needs. Always follow product instructions. Citronella geranium (pelargonium ‘citrosum’) often called the “mosquito plant,” citronella geranium has a strong citrus scent that masks the odors attractive to mosquitoes. This plant is best grown in containers so it can be moved indoors during cooler months.Use repellents Non-toxic repellents are available in garden centers that naturally repel bugs with such ingredients as garlic or hot-pepper oil. Some are spray-on liquids, others are granular that can be scattered around the base of plants.Mosquito pesticide sprays and foggers are an effective means of killing mosquitoes in a yard. Look for active ingredients that contain synthetic pyrethroids such as: Zeta Cypermethrin.Citronella Grass (Lemon Grass) Known for its distinct smell, citronella grass (or lemon grass) is the most commonly used natural ingredient in mosquito repellants. In fact, the Brooklyn Botanic Garden recommends lemon-scented plants such as citronella grass to keep mosquitoes at bay.Use Essential Oils Essential oils like citronella, peppermint, eucalyptus, and lavender are known for their insect-repelling properties. Mix a few drops with water in a spray bottle and apply it to tabletops, doorframes, and other patio surfaces.