Plants That Repel Insects and Pests

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Plants That Repel Insects and Pests

Keep Your Garden Pest-Free This Spring

Repel Insects and Other Pests…Naturally! Here are 8 plants that can deter those pesky insects and other pests such as mice.

1. Mint

Mint is a useful and inexpensive herb that can repel flies. You can use mint in both forms – in fresh or dried form – to deter flies. Apart from flies, mint is also helpful against mosquitoes, ants, and mice.

You can keep crushed mint leaves in shallow bowl, to keep flies away. If you want, you can also fill few muslin tea bags with dried crushed mint leaves and keep them in the infested areas.

Tip: Because mint grows so quickly, keep your mint plant in its own pot to prevent it from taking over your garden.

Bay Leaves

Bay leaves produce a subtle scent that flies hate. Other insects like moths, roaches, earwigs, and mice also hate the fragrance of bay leaves.

You can grow bay leaf plants in pots to place in the infested areas to keep roaches, flies, and mice away. Dried bay leaves are equally effective in repelling flies.

Lemongrass

To help deter mosquitoes with its strong fragrance, plant lemongrass along walkways and in locations close to seating areas. Also, plant lemongrass in large planters which can be moved around as they also function as a privacy screen and smells wonderful.

Basil

In fly infested areas, you could use potted plants of basil to deter flies. You can use them near external doorways and/or seating areas. If, for some reason, you are unable to use fresh basil, you can also use dried basil. You can keep dry basil leaves in a muslin teabag, near the infested area.

One important thing about the basil plant – it should always be watered at the root and not on the leaves, as this will produce a stronger fragrance.

Geraniums

They not only add a boost of color but geraniums also keep out Japanese beetles. These would look beautiful in the front walkway. Curb appeal and bug deflector…can’t beat that!

Catnip

We all know that cats love catnip, but this perennial also has quite a reputable history as a medicinal herb. One trait that this plant is less known for is its mosquito repelling ability. The natural oil within the leaves has been proven to be ten times more effective than DEET at repelling mosquitoes.

Pyrethrym Chrysanthemums (Specifically, the ones that look like daisies)

The blooms of these lovely chrysanthemums contain pyrethrum, which is frequently used in natural insect repellents and dog shampoo. The chemical can kill and repel ants, ticks, fleas, spider mites, roaches, Japanese beetles, lice, and even bed bugs. This characteristic makes it a popular insect-repelling companion plant in vegetable gardens. Pots brimming with these yellow and white blooms are also a welcome addition to any outdoor seating areas.

Citronella Mosquito Plant

The Citronella Mosquito Plant is a genetically engineered geranium hybrid with a unique characteristic – it repels mosquitoes! It is easily grown as a potted patio plant, and it is easily enjoyed for its attractive foliage and sweet lemony scent, as well as for its mosquito repelling powers. Citronella is the substance in citronella candles, which have long been used to deter mosquitoes. This plant is most effective as a repellent if you crush a few leaves and rub them on your skin.

What are your favorite gardening tips? Share them with us in the comments!

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How to Manage Garden Pests

5 Herbs for Your Survival Garden

5 Gardening Tips and Tricks Everyone Should Know

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