It
is started as a wet summer and that raises the potential for swarms of
mosquitoes just as the weather turns warmer. We've sung the praises of rosemary before, but it, Citronella grass, catnip and marigolds provide a surprising benefit: warding off unwanted bugs such as mosquitoes and flies.
These plants give off subtle odors that confuse or otherwise ward off insects, making them a natural form of pest control.
Basil has similar
properties, plus it is a candidate to plant near tomatoes since it may
improve both the growth and flavor of tomatoes. Some other 'companion
plant' options that ward of pests are mentioned by the web site DIY Life:
- Peppermint: Repels ants, white cabbage moths and aphids.
- Garlic: Repels Japanese beetles, fleas and aphids.
You'll want to avoid other pairings, such as putting cucumbers near
strong aromatic herbs such as sage -- the vegetable can absorb
unintended flavor. See here for a full list of plants that go well (or not) together.
Another preventative measure is to remove any standing water. Go around your yard and look for any place that water gathers: uneven
gutters, kiddie pools, those buckets you left behind the garage, that
planter tray you never got around to using. A single five gallon bucket
left out in the rain can become a mosquito nursery in single day.
Put your trash cans and recycling bins as far away from your house as
you can, and while you're at it make sure that the lids on your trash
cans fit snugly. Flies love garbage and ants love the sugary residue in
recyclables. Moving both away will cut down on the flies buzzing around
your patio table and the ants crawling around near your house.
While entertaining outside, remember citronella candles and tiki
torches help keep the bugs away. They usually have a four foot
'protective' radius, so you'll need several to provide decent coverage.
It is also the time of year to set your yellow jacket traps. Be
aggressive in setting traps early in the season to help you enjoy your
outdoor entertaining!
