A PEST control expert has revealed five cheap plants that will keep flies and mosquitoes out of your home during hot weather.
Britain is basking in soaring temperatures this week, with many of us desperate to get out and enjoy the much-awaited warmth.
However, hot weather is the ideal temperature for flies and mosquitoes to breed, which means your home could be infested with the pesky critters.
Instead of spraying harsh chemicals around your home to get rid of them, pest control Adriana Camilleri advised investing in some houseplants that bugs hate.
Lavender
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Adriana advised purchasing a lavender plant for your home, as flies and mosquitoes are irritated by the highly fragrant smell.
She said: “Lavender has a calming effect that humans have loved for centuries, however, the opposite can be said for insects.
“We advise, to make the most of lavender’s potential, to plant it in very sunny areas near the garden entrance or front door to reduce the number of insects that can enter.”
Lavender also contains the oils linalool and linalyl acetate, which interfere with insects’ sensory perception, making it more difficult for mosquitoes to find humans to bite.
You can buy a lavender plant from B&Q for £4.
Marigolds
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Marigolds contain a compound called pyrethrum, which affects the nervous systems of flies and mosquitoes and can even kill them.
Adriana said: “Easy to grow in sunny locations, marigold has a smell that keeps flies away.
“Gardeners have been known to plant marigolds among crops and other foliage to prevent insects from eating them, but also because of the plant’s unique properties to encourage growth.”
You can buy a pack of 10 marigolds from Sainsbury’s for £3.
Pennyroyal
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Pennyroyals have a strong minty aroma that repels flies and mosquitoes.
They also contain the chemical pulegone which overloads the insects’ sensory preceptors, meaning they are unable to navigate their environment.
Tips for Keeping Pests in Your Garden
- Plant companion plants, such as peppermint, to repel mice.
- Place Garden Netting Pest Barrierover your flower beds.
- Fill open containers with beer and place in the soil to repel slugs.
- Spray plants with Neem Oilto repel ants, flies and spiders.
- Sprinkle your flowerbeds with diatomaceous earth.
- Mix 1 tablespoon of dish soap, 10 drops of peppermint oil and 4 cups of water and spray on flower beds.
- Place eggshells around plants to protect them from slugs and snails.
Adriana said: “This plant serves as an extremely effective insect deterrent thanks to its highly potent and self-releasing oils.
“By planting this low-growing product under or around other plants and crops in your garden, you will be providing a natural insecticide to help keep pests under control.”
You can buy pennyroyal plants for £3.99 on eBay.
Lemon grass
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Lemongrass contains a high concentration of citronella, which keeps mosquitoes away.
Adriana said: “This fragrant plant contains citronella oil, which is a popular ingredient in outdoor candles and most insect repellents due to its insect-deterring qualities.”
You can buy lemongrass on Amazon for £11.99.
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