There are plants that serve as natural repellents and keep insects and other animals away from the garden. Next, we help you get rid of these pests
Every day we come across insects, wasps, pigeons and other pests of almost microscopic size that, unfortunately, can ruin several days of work in the garden or home garden. However, did you know that there are plants that work as natural repellents? They are the solution to your problems and essential for those who want to avoid the use of insecticides or toxic products in the garden or orchard.
Discover which plants serve as natural repellents. They will fulfill their function and will embellish the garden, the balcony, the terrace and even the interior of your house.
Insect repellent plants: how to keep flies and mosquitoes away
During the hottest months of the year, the weather and outdoor exposure bring with them flies and mosquitoes. Mosquitoes prefer areas rich in vegetation and humidity, so anyone who lives in a house with a garden will suffer from their presence. Here are some examples of natural plant insect repellants:
Lavender
Lavender or lavender is a small shrub that can be grown in pots and flowerbeds to decorate or scent environments. In addition to these functions and having a very pretty purple flower, lavender is a plant that repels mosquitoes and attracts bees, its best friends. It’s also useful for those looking to keep moths and fleas away, and can be placed inside clothes closets or clothes themselves.
Monarda
The monarda is a plant of American origin, very resistant and that needs sun and very dry soil. Thanks to its intense aroma, it keeps mosquitoes away and attracts beneficial insects such as bees and butterflies. Once dried, the flowers of the monarda plant can be placed in a cotton bag and used as a closet air freshener
citronella
Among the plants that keep away flies and mosquitoes, citronella should be highlighted, which also helps fight ants, beetles, moths and cockroaches. It is a perennial plant with robust leaves and a very particular essence, which makes it an excellent option for scenting the home, as well as being a medicinal plant. You can spray your plants with citronella tea or use it as a natural household cleaner.
Plants that keep wasps away from the garden
Any hobby gardener seems to have a love-hate relationship with wasps. Although they are less appreciated by humans compared to bees, wasps can help control pests – such as flies and caterpillars – and help reduce the excessive use of pesticides.
However, this species needs sugar and feeds on the nectar of plants and fruit to satisfy its needs. When you feel like there are a lot of wasps in your yard, opt for plants that are natural repellant
wormwood plant
Wormwood is the best plant to repel wasps and keep them away from the garden or even from open spaces frequented by children. It has an average size of 30 cm in height and is made up of herbaceous stems covered with large leaves.
Aromatic herbs are natural repellents
Laurel, jasmine, basil, mint, fennel and peppermint are aromatic herbs that always leave a fresh scent and are widely used in the kitchen, both to flavor different dishes and to prepare teas and infusions. In addition, they are excellent natural repellents against wasps.
Herbs can be grown in pots in gardens. Mint, for example, is recognized by its purple or blue leaves distributed in pairs along the stems. It is also a very useful plant to repel ants.
Plants that keep pigeons away from the garden
Gone are the days when we all used scarecrows to keep birds away from the orchard. Today, although there are no plants that scare away pigeons from the garden, there are some products that give off citrus scents and aromatic herbs such as mint. These are the best options to keep pigeons out of the garden. You can also use anti-bird disks or even granulated repellents that do not contain any toxic ingredients.
Cat repellent plants to put outside
There are plants that attract cats and that your favorite pet can play with, like catnip, and there are others that keep them away. If you detect the presence of stray cats in your garden, we recommend that you grow some aromatic plants.
Rosemary is an excellent option. Thanks to its strong scent, it will keep cats away from the garden and patios when grown in flower beds. Alternatively, you can put a few rosemary leaves in the pots.
What to do if pest repellent plants are not enough
What if plants that repel flies, mosquitoes, wasps, ants, caterpillars or other pests aren’t enough? If you need help, there are very effective insecticides on the market, both natural and chemical. In a way, plants that serve as natural repellents are a temporary solution that only keeps pests away, while some insecticides kill them.
You can also opt for natural insecticides obtained from Tanacetum cinerariifolium (pyrethrum). Pyrethrum is grown as an ornamental plant and few people use it as a natural pest and insect repellant. It should be sprayed on plants, but use it sparingly because it can kill insects beneficial to flowers, such as bees and ladybugs.
Now all that remains is to choose the best solution to keep pests away from the garden and orchard and enjoy this outdoor space as it deserves.
Source :Idealista
