Who Needs an Exterminator? Plants to the Rescue!

With the end of summer at hand and fall just around the corner, now is the prime time for many an infestation into your home and garden.  With the right planning and tools at hand you can easily ward off those pesky invaders.  I know, Truly Nolan and Terminex are already on your speed dial, but there are other options.  Not only can you avoid the terrible chemical smells brought on by commercial bug spray, but you can make your home and garden look great and smell wonderful with nature’s natural bug repellant, plants.  There are many a plant out there that will do the same thing that bug spray can and they will make a nice addition to any area you add them too.  Some even have additional properties, such as medicinal or cooking potential, that make them have an even more positive impact.  While some plants are more appropriate for your outside garden, there are some on this list that will look and smell nice if you add a pot or two inside your home.  

If you live in area that has a huge problem with mosquitoes, plants that keep them at bay may become your new best friends.  Plants like lavender, mint, basil, rosemary and lemon balm can be used to repel those pesky critters that are bugging you.  Are flies flying around you like fresh meat? Laurel, citronella grass, as well as lavender and sweet basil again, will keep your space free from the buzzing by.  Have an ant problem?  Try growing mint.  But do keep in mind if planting in a garden, use sparingly, as it tends to be a bit invasive and can take over an area in the blink of an eye.  Are ticks ticking you off?  Try growing sage, garlic, or Eucalyptus.  The point is you have options other than bug spray to keep the pests away and make your garden and home look and smell good in the process.