My biggest tip when dealing with mosquitos is adding 4 plants to your garden – follow my ‘gentle crushing’ method
FEW things can ruin a relaxing summer’s night as quickly as mosquitos.
A gardening expert revealed the four plants you can use to repel the pests from your yard.
In her viral video, the unnamed gardener (@lapetitemaisonsk) broke down her go-to trick.
The green-thumbed Instagram user recommended creating “a natural environment” that deters the bugs.
For her first recommendation, she told her followers to add mint plants to their flower beds.
The experts at Mosquito Magnet discussed the role of mint in repelling the insects.
“Minty fragrances are unpleasant to a mosquito’s keen senses,” they explained.
“The mere presence of peppermint plants can ward off these pesky flying insects to some degree.”
For her next suggestion, the gardener showed her audience a rosemary plant.
Professionals at Garden Design explained why this popular herb doubles as a natural repellant.
“[Rosemary’s] woody scent is exactly what keeps mosquitoes as well as cabbage moths and carrot flies away,” they said.
The Instagram user also advised homeowners to add lemongrass to their gardens.
Pest control pros at Rentokil revealed why lemongrass is such an effective deterrent.
“[Lemongrass] contains the compound citronella that helps to mask the scents that mosquitoes rely on to target hosts which are carbon dioxide and lactic acid,” they explained.
By planting lemongrass, you are essentially making it more difficult for mosquitoes to locate you.
“Research has shown that citronella helps to reduce mosquito landing by around 40%,” the experts said.
Finally, the gardener recommended adding marigolds to your flowerbeds.
Tips for keeping pests from your garden
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- Plant companion plants such as peppermint to repel rats.
- Place Garden Netting Pest Barrier, $8, Amazon, over your flowerbeds.
- Fill open-top containers with beer and place in soil to repel slugs.
- Spray plants with Neem Oil, $9, Target, to repel ants, flies, and spiders.
- Dust your flowerbeds with Diatomaceous Earth, $8.26, Amazon.
- Mix 1 tablespoon dish soap, 10 drops peppermint oil, and 4 cups water and spray on flowerbeds.
- Place eggshells around your plants to protect from slugs and snails.
Consumer Reports broke down the science behind marigolds as a natural pest control method.
They explained that the plant contains “phytochemicals that prevent insects, including mosquitoes, from feeding on them.”
Experts added that the oils from these plants also play a role in deterring the bugs.
The Instagrammer demonstrated her simple hack for transferring the protective oils to her skin.
“Gently crush the leaves on your herbs to release natural oils then rub on your skin for a chemical-free bug spray,” she explained as she carried out the easy step.
Her followers shared their thoughts on the advice in the comments section.
“I often rub in the leaves gently, I would be afraid to mash them or break them if I squeeze them,” wrote one viewer.
“I have my mint going in all corners of[my garden].”
“I’m in San Diego, and I have a giant citronella plant that keeps the mosquitos away!” said another person.
“Going to try this for summer!” commented a third impressed Instagram user.