We’ve spent time and money making our landscapes attractive and now it’s time to spend time in our backyards, on our patios and decks and in our outdoor living areas. Summer is here and the ideal time in the San Joaquin and Central Valley for some outdoor entertaining.
The one thing that makes outdoor dining and relaxing a bit of a struggle are those pesky little mosquitoes and other flying bugs that also appear to love the summer months and bugging humans. Harsh chemicals aren’t something that we all want to hang around in and layering our bodies in Deet each time we go outside isn’t ideal. How can we deter bugs and mosquitoes and simultaneously improve our landscapes?
Pest control that will make your outdoor space look even better is as simple as adding a few plants that repel bugs. These plants multi-task as fragrant and pretty for you and serving a purpose as a bug deterrent at the same time. It’s important that you place the plants in the optimal location, closest to the sitting area. The way you arrange them will increase their bug-repelling superpowers.
So, what are these plants that you can add to your landscape and make your Central Valley patio a less friendly bug zone?
Citronella Grass – We all know the candles, but why not go straight to the source? The pungent odor of this mosquito deterring plant is known to repel mosquitoes like no other. You can place it on its own in terra cotta pots or use clippings as part of centerpieces or arrangements.
Mint – Mint is more than just a refreshing gum flavor, or garnish. This perennial is known to repel mosquitoes as well. Mint can take over in your garden, so it’s a good idea to plant it in a pot and trim it often. It can be moved inside during the colder months to keep flies away.
Petunias – Petunia’s are lovingly called ‘nature’s pesticide,’ because this plant repels several types of common bugs. They are easy to grow and love the sun. They are also quite pretty and liven up any patio or outdoor space.
Lemongrass – Lemongrass is in the citronella family and is also edible. It repels mosquitoes and loves the sun.
Basil – Another delicious plant with multiple purposes. This annual herb deters both houseflies and mosquitoes. You can also add it to your dishes or use its natural oils to help treat mosquito bites when they do occur.
Rosemary – Rosemary loves the summer heat and likes to be dry. It smells beautiful to us, but mosquitoes cannot stand it. You can use it to add textures to arrangements or as a centerpiece. Rosemary works well in containers or as a hedge and will help to repel bugs, and add flavor to your dishes.
Nasturtium – Whiteflies, squash bugs, aphids, beetles and cabbage loopers are no match for this plant. Another bonus? Nasturtium plants are generous and produce an airborne chemical that repels insects protecting not only themselves, but also the other plants around them. Awww, how sweet.
Lavender – Great smell for us, but not for mosquitoes. Lavender is gorgeous and loves the summer. Plant it for its great smell and the lavender oil on your skin is also a natural repellent.
These simple plant repelling superheroes can make your outdoor events much more enjoyable and provide eye candy as well.