OUCH! That bugger... Natural Bug Defense: How Plants Can Keep Insects at Bay (Part 1)

The season is upon us... the skies are blue, the temp is perfect, a jump in the lake can't be ruled out on any day... so what stops us? For us here at TNT, its the BUGS. Mosquitoes, spiders, beetles, (we could go on, but you get it!)

Are you looking for a natural way to keep those pesky bugs away from your home and garden? Look no further! Plants can be a great bug repellant, helping you avoid the need for harsh chemical pesticides. In this blog post, we'll discuss some of the plants that can help keep the bugs away, as well as how to use them effectively to create a natural bug defense system.

The importance of finding natural bug defense options

Consider this: natural alternatives to insect repellents function better, even if the use of chemicals in them does not affect your way of thinking. In addition to having fewer adverse effects, they are also more effective at avoiding bug bites. In fact, the Department of Environmental Protection recommends using an all-natural insect repellent as part of your landscaping and yard work routine. While some may turn to chemical solutions for bug control, there are plenty of natural bug repellants that can be just as effective without posing a threat to your health or the environment. Tick Killz is one such option, providing an all-natural, 100% organic solution to kill ticks, mosquitos, fleas, and other insects on contact. Using natural bug repellants helps keep your family and pets safe from the dangerous health hazards that can occur from an insect bite. Don't forget to also incorporate spider repellants and patio cleaning into your pest control efforts.

Common insects and the damage they can cause to plants

While the odd hole in a leaf might be the result of the leaf's malformation, it's simple to identify when something far more serious is going on. If your plant's leaves are punctured on a regular basis, there is likely a creepy crawly (or flying!) reason behind it.

Both indoor plants and outdoor gardens might experience pest issues. These insects may climb leaves to gnaw on blossoms and buds, burrow through the soil to eat at roots, and, of course, bite holes straight through the core of fresh, green leaves.

Plant options for insect control

When it comes to controlling insects, planting certain flowers and herbs can be an effective natural solution. These plants contain natural bug repellants that can help keep pesky insects away. Some of the most effective natural bug repellants include marigolds, lavender, and chrysanthemums. These plants not only add beauty to your garden but also protect other plants from insect damage.

If you're dealing with aphids and other pests, planting garlic and chives can help deter them. These

plants contain compounds that make them unappealing to pests, making them great spider repellants as well. Additionally, planting mint can help keep mosquitoes away while planting basil can help reduce the number of flies in the area.

Using plant options for insect control is not only effective but also environmentally friendly. Plus, it can save you money in the long run as you won't need to purchase expensive bug-repellant products. With the right combination of natural bug repellants in your garden, you can enjoy your outdoor space without the hassle of pesky insects.

Citronella: The go-to plant for repelling mosquitoes

When it comes to natural bug defense, citronella plants are a popular option for repelling mosquitoes. These plants are known for their strong scent, which can mask other scents that mosquitoes are attracted to, making it less likely for them to land on and bite you.

Aside from their insect-repelling abilities, citronella plants have many benefits. They are easy to grow and maintain, and they also have attractive foliage and flowers. Citronella oil, which is extracted from the plant, is commonly used in candles, sprays, and other products designed to repel mosquitoes.

To make citronella oil, you will need to crush the leaves of the plant and extract the oil using a distillation process. Once you have the oil, you can use it to make your own citronella spray. Simply mix the oil with water and a carrier oil such as coconut oil, and you have a natural mosquito repellent spray.

In addition to using citronella oil and sprays, you can also use the actual plant to repel mosquitoes. Crush the leaves and rub them directly onto your skin to help keep mosquitoes at bay. Just be sure to test a small patch of skin first to make sure you don't have an adverse reaction.

Citronella plants are a great addition to any garden or patio area. Not only do they repel mosquitoes, but they also add beauty and fragrance to your space. Keep in mind that while citronella plants are effective against mosquitoes, they may not be as effective against other insects, so it's best to pair them with other natural bug defense options for full coverage.

In next week’s blog we will talk about the top 10 plants that repel bugs, and dig deeper into each one and best placement on your patio!