Herbs such as lavender are attractive and can repel flying insects.
Sitting outside on a sunny day with a glass of iced tea can quickly become annoying during insect season. Take advantage of the plants Mother Nature has provided to keep flying insects out of your yard. Many plants with insect-repelling properties have the added benefit of being decorative, edible or both. You can use insect-repelling plants as borders or interspersed among other plants in your garden to protect you and your plants from flying insects. Does this Spark an idea?
Herbs
Mint and peppermint will keep cabbage moths at bay. Rosemary repels cabbage moths, bean beetles and carrot flies. Very few insects enjoy the company of tarragon, so plant it liberally throughout the yard. Basil has an adverse affect on most flying insects. You can even rub crushed basil on your skin to help deter some insects while you work in the yard. If you grow herbs to repel flying insects, you can also harvest and use them to add flavor to your cooking.
Attractive Repellents
Marigolds are attractive in flower borders and repel aphids. Hyssop will protect cabbages and grapes from cabbage moths but can hinder the growth of radishes. Nasturtiums keep away aphids and many pests of the gourd family, including the cucumber beetle. Protect roses and raspberries from Japanese beetles with rue, and keep asparagus beetles out of the garden with petunias.
Attracting Birds and Beneficial Insects
Alternatively, you can attract birds and insects into your yard with birdbaths, feeders and plants so they can prey on flying insects. For example, yarrow attracts beneficial insects such as ladybugs, which in turn will eat aphids. Some plants that have gone to seed, such as sunflowers, will attract sparrows and chickadees, which will feast on wasps and mosquitoes.
Warnings
Feverfew and some other plants with insect-repelling properties are such effective deterrents that they will also repel beneficial pollinating insects, such as bees. Keep these plants from apples and other plants and trees requiring pollination. Some effective insect-repelling plants can be harmful to people and pets if they are eaten or make contact with skin. Pennyroyal, a member of the mint family, can cause rashes. While tansy deters many flying insects, it can also cause spontaneous abortion if ingested by people or animals. Use plants with harmful side effects with care and plant them in areas where they are not easily accessible to pets or children.
Tags: flying insects, cabbage moths, other plants, plants with, flying insects also, insect-repelling plants