Insect Repellent Plants
Heavy rainfall causes many outdoor insects to invade our houses. We use severe chemical pesticides to keep away the insects. There are harmful chemicals found in pest repellents that are dangerous to us. There are many plants that are known to repel bugs, spiders, ants etc.
Many plants are available in this world as a natural insect repellent. The natural insect repellent plants contain organic chemicals which drives away pests.
Let us see some readily available plants those annoys pests:
1. Citronella grass: Citronella or lemongrass is propagated through slips, obtained by dividing healthy mature clumps. The oil from citronella plants is very effective in keeping away mosquitoes and houseflies.
To prepare Citronelle solution boil it and let it sit overnight. Transfer the solution in a spray bottle. Spray the solution in affected areas. Ants and housefly hate the smell of citronella.
2. Petunia: Petunia is a beautiful flower plant with vibrant purple colour flowers. They secrete alkaloid like substance which repels bugs.
3. Basil: Basil is used in a wide range of dishes. It has a lot of medicinal uses. The basil plants also have the ability to keep away mosquitoes.
Add some basil leaves to some boiling water and add little vodka to the mixture. Let it cool and transfer in a spray bottle. The solution can be spread wherever mosquitoes are found.
4. Lavender: The pleasant aroma of lavender is offensive to mosquitoes and is best harnessed by planting it in the garden. Pots situated near doors, windows and entertainment areas are best for planting lavender.
We can prepare small bags of dried lavender in corners of the home to keep away some insects.
5. Mint: The smell of mint is refreshing. Mint leaves are used in many dishes. The mint plants grow rapidly and preferred to be planted in pots.
Take a handful of mint leaves, crush them and set them in any insect affected areas. The smell of mint is not liked by spiders.
We can get rid of creepy-crawly bugs wit a mixture of water and mint. Scents of mint irritates mice noses and blocks their trail pheromones.
6. Chrysanthemum: Chrysanthemum are beautiful flowers with lots of color variation. They are grown in gardens and also indoor. Chrysanthemum plants repel mosquitoes, beetles, cockroaches.
We can dry the flowers and store for a long time.
7. Rosemary: It is a good insect repellent plant and comes with different species. It can be planted in garden as well as indoor.
Add a cup of dried rosemary leaves to water to be boiled. Let it cool and squeeze in the water solution in spray bottles.
8. Marigold: The beautiful flower has many medicinal purpose. The scent secreted by marigolds keep mosquitoes away.
Planting marigold plants in gardens and indoor can help reduction in mosquito numbers.
The plants will reduce insects and repel them. They will also add beauty to the garden and house. Proper care of these plants will help a lot in reducing the dependence on chemicals for insect control.
