Warm weather is here, and you’ve been waiting a long time to enjoy your backyard. There is one big problem though, backyard pests. Depending on where you live, you may have to suffer through flies, mosquitoes, and even flea infestations. If this sounds like you, then it’s time to start adding pest-fighting plants to your yard.
Sweet Basil. If you are looking for a beautiful aromatic plant to prevent flies as well as mosquitoes, then sweet basil is a great option. You can either place it inside near a window or outdoors in a flower bed.
Lavender. Lavender is probably one of my favorites because it not only prevents bugs; it helps me sleep every night. This drought-resistant plant is excellent for beginners and does very well with full sun and good drainage. It’s adaptable to different climates but does best in warmer weather.Also, it looks GORGEOUS! If you are trying to get rid of fleas, moths, mosquitoes, and flies, then you need some lavender in your life. Just be aware that this fragrant plant does attract butterflies, but who doesn’t like butterflies?
Chrysanthemums. Use these stunning flowers to prevent ants, ticks, silverfish, lice, fleas, bedbugs, spider mites, harlequin bugs, root-knot nematodes, and even roaches. The blooms of chrysanthemums contain pyrethrum, which is a common ingredient in insect repellant and dog shampoo.
Petunias. These flowers come in a HUGE variety of colors, which is part of why they’re so popular. If you would like to repel aphids, tomato hornworms, asparagus beetles, squash bugs, and leafhoppers, then this is your answer!
Peppermint. Not only is mint a digestive aid, but it is also fantastic at preventing flies and mosquitos. Peppermint is toxic to mosquito larvae and will keep them from breeding. As a bonus, spiders can’t stand it and will stay away. As a bonus, it smells truly divine. Just be careful planting mint, because it grows like crazy and can take over your yard.
Catnip. This pest-fighting plant is a cat magnet, but it is quite the opposite for pests. Place this inside your home or in your yard to scare off mosquitoes. It will also prevent termites and cockroaches from taking over your home.
Tansy. These marigold look-alikes are great at preventing flies, fleas, moths, mice, and ants. You can easily make a spray out of the tansy by combining 1 cup of fresh tansy leaves with 2 quarts of boiling water. Be sure to place your mixture into a heatproof container before transferring to a spray bottle. Do not drink this tea as it is toxic to consume. Use it as an insect repellant!
Citronella. Try some citronella if you want to be singing ‘Goodbye Mosquitoes!’ This low-maintenance plant does well to prevent flies as well. Its strong but pleasant scent is what makes it so popular to use in insect repellant and candles.
Lemongrass. Lemongrass works to repel flies and kills mosquito larvae. It requires full sun and smells divine. Be cautioned not to use this around pregnant women and new moms.
Yay, For Pest-Fighting Plants!
