Spring heralds the arrival of warmer temperatures and soft rains. The earth begins to awaken from its winter slumber. Flowers bloom, trees bud, birds sing and baby animals are born. New life abounds. So, too, do the summertime pests that emerge from dormancy to proliferate in our landscapes. Our yards and patios are a wonderful place to relax and enjoy the spring weather, but sharing the space with mosquitoes and flies can ruin the ambiance. Besides their annoying buzzing and biting qualities, some pests carry diseases and others are detrimental to our vegetable and flower gardens.
It may be tempting to wield a high-power pest control spray when bugs begin to proliferate in areas where they are unwelcome. But many forms of insect control have negative side effects, not only for humans, but for the beneficial bugs that frequent our landscapes.
For instance, sprays that are used for general insect control are often deadly to bees and ladybugs, which are important species to the health of our gardens. They also may harm butterflies, a notable disaster to those who enjoy and encourage butterflies to visit their landscapes. The prudent gardener looks for less toxic methods of pest elimination to discourage unwanted bugs without harming the more friendly and useful varieties
There are many natural and organic methods of pest control. This article will focus on plants that we can grow in our landscapes to deter unwanted pests. Though they may not be quite as effective as a chemical spray, plants have fewer (if any) negative side effects. Plants can also serve multiple purposes, providing beauty, a pleasant aroma, food and health remedies in addition to repelling unwanted bugs. Here are a few noteworthy insect-repellent varieties.
Marigolds
Marigold flowers give off a fragrance that is unappealing to many insects, especially to certain types of beetles, leaf cutters,the dreaded tomato horn worm, and some detrimental nematodes. Plant them near tender vegetables or place them in a pot on your picnic table. In addition to growing the flowers in strategic areas around your yard, you can also whirl the flowers with some water in your blender, strain and use as a pest deterrent spray.
Marigolds are easily grown from seed or transplants. Plant them in full sun. With very little care, marigolds bloom prolifically during the late spring and summer. To encourage continual blooming, deadhead the plants by removing flowers as they die. Marigolds come in many shades, including creamy yellow, right bright yellow, orange, gold, burgundy, and combinations of two colors.
Besides being a gorgeous bug repellent, marigold flowers are edible in salads and the dried leaves make a delicious tea.
Thai Lemon Grass
Thai lemon grass is not a particularly beautiful plant, but it is very effective as a natural mosquito repellant. An aromatic grass that gives off a lovely, lemony smell when rubbed or cut, it is extremely easy to grow in a landscape or on your patio. It t is tolerates full sun or partial shade, and likes plenty of water. Before enjoying an evening on the patio, snip a few of the leaves to release the odor that is pleasant to humans, but repellent to mosquitoes.
Lemon grass has many uses. It is often used as an ingredient in Thai food recipes. Homemade natural skincare, candles and perfumes sometimes contain lemon grass. On our farm, we simmer 1 part water with 1 part sugar and a few macerated pieces of lemon grass to make a simple syrup for sweetening lemonade or other beverages.
Nasturtium
Nasturtium flowers are effective for repelling white flies, squash bugs, beetles and aphids. They prefer lots of sun and soil that is allowed to dry out between watering. These hardy plants will often grow in places that other plants will not tolerate, and bloom best when grown in average to poor soil conditions. Grow nasturtiums near tender vegetables or in a pot on your picnic table or patio. The seeds can be harvested and soaked in water for use as an insect repellent spray.
Nasturtium flowers have a peppery flavor that is delicious in salads. In addition, nasturtiums are used medicinally as a sore throat remedy as the leaves are a natural antibiotic that is high in vitamin C.
Basil
Flies, mosquitoes, and asparagus beetles are repelled by basil. It prefers warm temperatures and well-drained soil with plenty of organic material, such as compost. In ancient tops, basil was grown in pots on the windowsill to deter flies. The flowers are lovely and they attract bees and butterflies. However, many gardeners say that for the best leaf flavor, pinch of flower spikes as soon as they form.
This lovely plant is also delicious in recipes. For pesto, choose a large-leaf, sweet variety, such as Italian or Genovese, or small-leaved Globe basil. For spicy dishes, select Holy basil or Cinnamon basil. For fish or chicken, Mr.s Burn’s lemon basil is lovely.
Mint
Mints can be grown to keep ants, aphids, moths, and fleas away. Though tolerant of many growing conditions, mint is best grown in moist, fertile soil in full sun to partial shade.
Garlic
Garlic repels aphids, borers, apple scabs, Japanese beetles, peach leaf curl, and spider mites. Garlic tolerates many growing conditions, but prefers an area with full sun and well-drained soil. It is typically planted in the fall.
Learn More About Natural Pest Control
- Organic Pest Control Methods | Garden Guides
Organic Pest Control Methods. Pests in the garden are part of the gardening experience. Organic gardeners use only natural pest-control methods and no synthetic chemical insecticides. Safe, organic alternatives to the chemical poi… - 7 Methods of Organic Pest Control: Organic Gardening
Sometimes you need to be more proactive with your organic pest control. Here are the major types of products you can buy and how to use them to your best advantage. - Companion Planting – Using Herbs to Deter Insect Pests
Herbs work especially well as companion plants. They multitask by attracting beneficial insects and repelling pest insects and their fragrance and foliage make them good companions in both the vegetable garden and the ornamental border. - Plants that Attract Beneficial Insects by Permaculture Research Institute
- Disease Management in the Home Vegetable Garden published by UGA Extension
- What is Integrated Pest Management? by UC IPM
