As the summer season begins, many homeowners look forward to cookouts, parties on the patio, gardening, and quality time outdoors. Unfortunately, annoying pests may get in the way of some of these exciting summer pastimes.
Believe it or not, some plants serve as natural pest repellants. Most of these plants offer the ideal combination of beauty and function. Whether you’re trying to fend off mosquitos, moths, fleas, or any other unwanted creature, there are specific plants that can certainly do the job.
Mosquitos
Mosquitos are slender, long-legged flies that are universally disliked. They bite, prompt itching and bleeding, and spread deadly diseases. Fortunately, there are several plants that can help you avoid these pesky creatures. Marigolds, when placed near doors, windows, and other entry-points of mosquitos, can deter mosquitos and make your landscape more attractive. Additionally, marigolds have been known to prohibit insects from preying on tomato plants.
Aside from its delightful scent, lavender can assist in preventing mosquitos from invading your outdoor space. Lavender should be planted in pots placed by entertainment areas, windows, and doors or your garden area in order for it to effectively derail mosquitos.
Moths
Closely related to the butterfly, moths are insects with fat bodies and large wings covered in scales. They can be distinguished from butterflies by their feathery or threadlike antennae. While some moths do not annoy or hurt humans, others are attracted to natural materials such as felt, fur, feathers, and wool, and known to ruin clothing and household furnishings.
Since they often avoid light, moths are most commonly found in attics, closets, basements, and other dark locations. They can be seen hiding in corners or in the folds of fabrics and are capable of infesting a home far before their populations are even detected.
Dried lavender flowers can be placed in wardrobes to repel moths. You can also create sachets of other plants such as rosemary, mint, peppercorns, thyme, and eucalyptus to hang in closets or stash in trunks and drawers. Another option is to spread dried lemon and orange peels in between linens and clothing while you’re packing them up.
Fleas
Small, wingless, disturbing insects that can reproduce quickly are referred to as fleas. Fleas can transmit diseases through their painful bites and feed on the blood of birds and mammals. They are particularly common in households with pets because they prefer to live on cats and dogs. If a flea population grows, these pests can expand and find a home in your bedding, carpet, or yard.
By planting certain plants around your home in areas where your pets wander, you can easily repel these pesky creatures and control fleas in a natural way. Mint, which can also be used in cooking, baking, and teas, works well to repel fleas. If you happen to own a cat or dog, catnip, which is a type of mint is safe for both pets and a natural repellant for fleas. Lastly, lemon grass which smells incredible will repel fleas as well.
Keeping away mosquitos, moths, and fleas is a breeze when you plant lavender, mint, thyme, marigolds, and other insect repelling plants. In addition to fending off these pests, these plants will add a lovely aroma and beautiful touch to your home.
