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Plants That Naturally Repel Pests

By in News, Your Home

Using pest repellent plants in your garden is known as companion planting, and it’s an eco-friendly way to control pests and keep bugs at bay. It can also make your garden healthier and encourage biodiversity.

All it takes is a little know-how about what are the best plants to grow for the type of pests you want to deter. Getting the right balance is essential too, so you attract the beneficial pollinating insects.

Pest repellent plants can work in some different ways in your garden, but generally they release a scent that confuses insects or a bitter taste that repels them. Warm and humid weather, placement and how much you plant of a certain species, are also factors in how well the plants work to deter insects. Some plants may require watering to release their scent at a certain time of the day.

Masking plants act as a deterrent for garden pests by releasing volatile oils that cover up the scent of the plant that insects are targeting. As an example, strong smelling lavender planted by roses deters bothersome insects like aphids by masking the scent. Planting garlic under roses is also a good deterrent for aphids. Other good masking plants to check out include, scented geranium, sweet marjoram, chives, and sage.

Pest repellent plants such as pungent wormwood can be planted anywhere you want to keep away cabbage moth, flies, and fleas, while its leaves placed around young plants can help to discourage snails. Many garden pests also dislike the smell and taste of tarragon, so this is a helpful addition for your veggie garden to keep it from being attacked. Marigolds are also good companion plant for tomatoes as they repel roundworm.

If you have problems with pests in outdoor eating areas or doorways, then placing pest repellent plants in these areas will increase their likelihood of success. For instance two of the most common herbs, basil, and thyme, are known to repel mosquitos and flies and are ideal for growing near the barbecue so you can use them in your cooking as well. Other mosquito repellent plants include citronella grass, marigolds, rosemary, and catnip.

Speaking of catnip, despite the fact that cats love it, it is an all round repellent for many pests including aphids, cockroaches, mosquitos, weevils, mice and ants. It’s also a good natural flea repellent.

For dealing with a major pest, it’s best to call in the local pest control experts. Cure-All Pest Control offers a range of treatment methods to safely and effectively eliminate pests from your home or business, get in touch today.