6 Herbs that will Repel Unwanted Insects
It’s a beautiful evening outside. The sun is shining. The birds are chirping. Nothing can ruin this perfect evening, except for one thing, the bugs.
Those pesky bugs. How do you get rid of them? Spray that makes your nose hurt? Those little clips that you have to carry around everywhere? Or… maybe something as easy as using some natural bug repellent, herbs.
“Most plants contain compounds that they use in preventing attack from phytophagous (plant eating) insects” PMC (US National Library of Medicine) reports. “One of the most widely used ingredients in store-bought conventional bug sprays for personal use is N,N-Diethyl-m-toluamide, or DEET, as it’s commonly known. DEET, which is designed to repel, rather than kill, insects” reported WellnessMama.com.
Another benefit of using natural plants and herbs to deter bugs is that people can reduce the use of DEET and its negative effects on the environment.
“Duke University pharmacologist Mohamed Abou-Donia, in studies on rats, found that frequent and prolonged DEET exposure led to diffuse brain cell death and behavioral changes, and concluded that humans should stay away from products containing it.”
“But other studies have shown that while a few people have sensitivity to DEET applications, most are unaffected when they use DEET products on a sporadic basis according to the instructions on the label,” reported ScientificAmerican.com
Basil
Basil repels flies and mosquitoes. Basil’s repelling skills is best when potted and put in front of doorways and wherever you like to relax. You can also use basil as a insect repelling spray/oil. Want to see the recipe? Go to Step In 2’s website for the recipe.
Lavender
Lavender has been a loved sent for fragrance and laundry loads. People the the sent, but surprisingly, insects hate it. Place dried lavender tightly in bundles and set them neatly around your house. This amazing plant repels all flying insects such as gnats, flies, and mosquitoes. You can also extract the oils to make a insect repellent spray. Simply spray your spray on you when venturing outside you house. Don’t worry, the Everything Lavender website will teach you how to extract the oils out of a lavender plant properly.
Lemongrass
This amazing plant contains a special oil called citronella, that is found in most insect repelling candles. Lemongrass usually grows up to 4 feet tall and 3 feet wide.
Lemon Thyme
This herb can live in rocky or dry, shallow soil. These plants will thrive in your herb garden along with your Basil, Lavender, and Lemongrass. To extract the repelling part, you must bruise the leaves. To do this, simply cut of a few stems and rub them in your hands.
Mint
Make sure you plant it in a pot. IT CAN BE VERY HARD TO REMOVE after planting. To get the effect, mix with some Apple Cider Vinegar or cheap vodka. Scatter the mixtures around your garden to make your plants insect free.
Rosemary
You can make an amazing repellent by boiling 1 quart of dried Rosemary in a quart of water for 20-30 minutes. Then strain the liquid into a container at least half a gallon in size. Inside should have 1 quart of cold water. Put a cap on the mixture and store in the fridge. Add the mixture to squirt bottles for the best effect.
I like how you put the instructions of how to make all of the bug repellants.
Great job! I like how you included a variety of herbs that will work!
I was surprised to learn from reading your article that you can use everyday herbs to make an environmentally safe bug repellent to save your beautiful plants.
I enjoyed reading this article because I found a good source of information about how to keep despicable insects away with natural herbs.
I enjoyed reading your article because I learned ways to get rid of bugs and many interesting facts.
Interesting, very interesting, I’m not a fan about bugs so I may plant these herbs around my house.
I enjoy reading your article because I learned that herbs can keep bugs away. I also learned what herbs do what.
I was surprised to hear that herbs can serve as a bug repellent. This article was very informative. Great job!
I learned from your article that there are some plants that repel bugs.