Before you shield yourself in a plume of bug spray, consider making your outdoor space inhospitable to unwanted insects by following these suggestions.
Here’s a quick introduction to some pest-repellent plants and what bugs they help repel: – Mosquitoes: Lemongrass, Thyme, Lavender – Ticks: Rosemary, Beautyberry, Marigold – Spiders: Basil, Mint, Lemon Balm – Flies: Petunias, Floss Flower, Nasturtiums
Standing water attracts mosquitoes and provides an area for them to lay eggs. If you find standing water in a container, such as a plant dish, dispose of it. Afterward, wash the container with soap to kill any mosquito eggs.
Lawn insecticides applied to your entire backyard use chemicals such as permethrin to kill mosquitoes, ticks, fleas, ants, and more on contact. After the initial kill, lawn insecticides provide up to one month of bug-repelling powers.
Applying bug repellent directly onto your skin is the most effective protection for individuals. However, regardless of the application method (spray, lotion, cream, wipe, or balm), the effectiveness of topical bug repellents comes down to the repellent’s active ingredient.