Now before some of you get all “doppy” on me, this article is about how to make a pot filled with plants that naturally repel mosquitos and other summer bugs! Placing these Bug Bomb pots around your outdoor party areas will help to keep the party hopping and not itching. Mosquitos and bugs are also on the feed during picnics so build your Mosquito pots now.
Mosquitos, fleas, and ticks are three insects we could live without. The diseases that they spread and irritations that they cause are a real pain! The sound of a mosquito alone drives me crazy. They are also a problem for our pets. Malaria, Lyme’s disease, babesiosis, and plague are just a few of the illnesses these bugs can spread. For whatever reasons, Mother Nature knows best and we are stuck with these unwanted party crashers.
There is no one solution to deal with insect pests. Sprays and foggers are short term and have their side effects as well. Home-made sprays smell and feel nice but may be better mental barriers for us. The good news is that bugs and insects do not like certain plants that contain natural bug repellents. Here are a few that I have successfully used.
Marigolds, Lemon Balm, mint, citronella, catnip, and lavender all contain chemicals that keep the bugs and insects at bay. Some of these are better suited for out Mosquito Pot needs than others.
Citronella is familiar to most of us. This tall grass has a lemony scent and is way too big for a flower pot. “Cybopogon nardus” or “Citronella winterianus” are your two best choices. These plants get over 6 feet tall and work good along fences and edges. Citronella in its natural state can be an irritant to the skin and is best used in its commercial forms.
Lemon Balm is my favorite bug and insect repellant. It contains a chemical called “Citronellal”. This milder form of “Citronella” smells nice to us but bad to bugs. Simply crush the leaves between your fingers and rub onto the area you want to protect. It is kind of like making a Mosquito Mojito! Lemon Balm is an invasive plant so it is best contained in your Mosquito Pot. You can also apply lemon balm onto cold sores and blisters. Simply crush the leaves and apply.
Catnip may be a better mosquito repellant than DEET but cats will also like using this plant. Put the potted catnip where you can keep the cats from digging up your pots or gardens. Simply rub the leaves together and apply.
Marigolds not only look great when planted around your gardens, they serve as a great insect barrier. I plant them around my vegetable garden for insect protection. The flowers can also be added to your salads or serve as an edible garnish.
