Insect Repellent Plants
Natural insect deterants
Nobody
likes to see flies or get bitten by mosquitoes in their home or garden. If
this has been a problem for you this summer then here are some tips to help.
While some people are convinced that flies and mosquitoes can be repelled by
certain plants others are more sceptical. Give these suggestions a try and
see how you get on – at the very least these plants are pretty and smell
nice!
Remove the attraction
Flies
in particular are attracted to rubbish and foul smells. Good hygiene will
discourage flies so ensure that bins are covered and pet litter cleared
away.
Stagnant water is attractive to mosquitoes so keep pond pumps
working. However, wasps also like stagnant water and they can actually help
rid your garden of unwanted pests.
Clear away weak or decaying plants
that insects like to live in.
Insect Repellent Plants
Citronella Grass - A
tropical plant that can grow up to 6 feet tall. The oil from Citronella
Grass is used to make mosquito repellents and is often used in candles.
Catnip - Catnip
is a herb favoured by cats but can be very effective at repelling
mosquitoes.
Rosemary - This
garden herb also has an oil that repels mosquitoes and can be used in
cooking. They are a tropical plant and will need warm shelter during the
winter.
Marigolds - An
annual with bright flowers ranging from yellow to dark red. Marigolds have a
particular smell that many insects (and slugs) dislike. They are often
planted near vegetables to keep slugs away.
Mint - Particularly
effective at repelling flies. Easy to buy and grow – keep some in a pot near
your back door. Penny royal is a similar plant but probably a bit harder to
find.
Other plants include eucalyptus and lavender that can repel plants with
their smell and natural oils.
Carnivorous Plants
Venus Fly Trap - The most well known but, far from being a novelty, a Venus Fly Trap will catch any flies buzzing around your window sill and is easy to care for.
Beneficial Insects
Not
all insects are bad. Beneficial insects are those that help keep your garden
healthy. Bees are a good example as they help pollinate our plants.
Ladybirds, hoverflies and wasps like to eat plant-destroying pests.
Remember, that any chemicals you use could also damage these beneficial
friends so use them carefully or not at all.
Attracting birds with a
bird feeder and/or bird bath may also be a good idea as they like to eat
insects.
Conkers!
Apparently, conkers can keep spiders away! Try it for yourself by placing
conkers near likely spider entrances.