We’ve all got someone on speed dial in the summer months to help with these annoying pest, just in case we’re unlucky enough to have an infestation of insects in our home. I know a few people who have added a fly screen to their double glazed windows, in the hopes of catching these flies before they enter the home. But what did people do before the existence of these specialized teams, and could we bring back some of these traditional methods when we can’t get hold of a pest control service? Throughout history, man has been plagued by insects. And, man has fought back. But, not with DEET or OFF, but inventive uses of plants, although if you wanted you could use DEET free bug spray to fight them off, but once upon a time these didn’t exist so we have to use something else. These plants are still effective, and a natural means of keeping modern man comfortable from the bites and annoyances of insects, especially in the summer months.

Here are a few popular options. Read more about them below:

Feverfew

Feverfew shares the same natural insect repelling qualities because it contains the same natural chemical, pyrethrin. Feverfew is known to repel moths, cockroaches, flies, ants, mosquitoes, mites, bedbugs and mice! It is best planted outside along paths and close to windows and doorways and around patios. It is especially effective when planted with citronella geraniums, lemon grass and lavender.

Pennyroyal

Known as Fleabane, works to repel ticks and fleas, as well as mosquitoes and gnats. Crushed pennyroyal leaves can be rubbed onto the skin as an effective insect repellent. Additionally, you can also rub the leaves on dogs to help repel fleas and ticks. But be careful, pennyroyal could potentially be toxic to your dog, so if they have been infested with fleas and ticks, you may want to have a look at these essential oils for fleas and ticks instead, so you can help them to be free from these insects, as well as protecting their skin and coats at the same time. But it can be used effectively for other things. Pennyroyal is often used in commercial natural insect repellent creams and sprays. Pennyroyal is great to plant in the garden, but it is best utilized as a topical insect repellent applied to the skin.

Mints

A member of the Mentha family, is known to deter mice and ants if planted around the foundation of the home. It is recommended that you identify the ‘trouble spots’ where the pests are entering the home, and plant 3 – 7 plants at each entry point. Shallow bowls of water filled with mint leaves placed in the pantry is also known to keep mice away.

Lemongrass

is a great mosquito repellent. Planted in large containers on a deck, patio or by the pool it does deter most flying pests. In the landscape, it makes a lovely grass with the same repelling qualities. It is especially effective when planted in combination with Feverfew and Lavender.

Lavender

is most useful for repelling mosquitoes and gnats when planted in the garden; it can also be planted in pots and placed by doorways and windows. As with feverfew and lemongrass, lavender is best planted in the garden around seated and eating areas and also around windows and doors. You can cut and dry lavender and place on windowsills to stop mosquitoes entering the house. Put dried lavender in closets to repel moths and keep clothes smelling fresh.

Geraniums

has a mixed reputation and it is hard to say whether or not this LOVELY and EASY TO GROW geranium is actually effective at warding off mosquitoes. It has the citronella scent, which leads one to believe that it has the active ingredient used in so many commercial products. However, there are those who say that it is as far as it goes, fragrance. In our own ‘tests’ we think that when the leaves are crushed and rubbed onto the skin, there is nothing better nor more fragrant at fighting those buzzing nuisances!

There are MANY more plants to help with pest issues.

Checkout our full selection of herbs & plants that help repel insects naturally.