Five Plants That Repel Mosquitoes


Many of us seek refuge in our homes to evade the attacks of mosquitoes or rub insect repellents on our skin which leaves us feeling sticky or with an undesirable smell. We become prisoners in our own homes, as we are unable to enjoy sitting on the porch or looking out at our lawns and the beautiful way in which our landscaping is done through our hard work. Those of us who love gardening may be able to bear the attacks because we are determined to keep our gardens beautiful, but many of us would much rather enjoy this past time without wondering if the next bite is going to be the one to make us sick with Dengue Fever or the West Nile Virus. There may be such relief, as natural plants and oils can repel with these pesky insects. Some plants have been found to be natural repellents. These plants – flowers and herbs, can be safely planted in your gardens or used in your landscaping, as a part of visually enhancing your property.

5 plants used to repel mosquitoes

To date there have been ten commonly found plants and herbs that are now known to have mosquito repelling properties. They can be planted in the dirt or in pots so that they can be easily placed in close proximity to your location or outside to stave off mosquito attacks. These plants may serve well in areas, such as Philadelphia which is now embroiled in a battle with the white tiger mosquito, which has been plaguing the area and has health officials scrambling to eradicate the vector. (For more information on the white tiger mosquito visit the links which are provided at the bottom of this article).

Catnip is an herb that is a native of Europe but now mostly grows wild in the US. It is found that while cats may be uncontrollably attracted to it, it does wonders at repelling mosquitoes and cockroaches. It is considered one of the most effective natural plant repellents that there is and is quite easy to grow even though it has to be watered frequently and requires a lot of sun.

Citronella may sound very familiar as it should; it is a clumping grass and is the source of Citronella oil which is widely used in aromatherapy and household products. The oil from this plant is used as a repellent in tikki torches and candles. In order for the plant to thrive it needs lots of sun and water, but it will not survive the winter season.

Horsemint is easy to cultivate as it grows in most types of soils and is able to thrive in dry weather and sandy soils. Its smell is close to that of citronella. However, it can reach heights of about 2 to 3 feet so ensure that you leave the necessary room to grow.

Marigolds are the flowers that signify beauty with a purpose. These plants are perfect for borders along walkways but they are also good at repelling mosquitoes. However, it is advised that the African and the French variation of this plant will get you the best results are deterring the vectors. These plants thrive in full sunlight and areas where the soil is well fertilized.

Ageratum can be grown in any climate and in any types of soil with moderate or full exposure to the sun. It blooms beautiful purple flowers that are a beautiful addition to your home garden.

In areas such as Bucks County and Philadelphia that is battling an infestation of mosquitoes, it is advised that these plants be placed closely together in your gardens for best results or in places where there is heavy need. Consult a local landscaping business for additional help in determining where and how to place plants to repel mosquitoes, as well as care of the plants. For added protection, crush the leaves of the plants and place them in vodka or alcohol for the oils to be released, this then can be applied lightly to your skin.


*More helpful information on the white tiger mosquito can be found at the following sites:

http://www.idph.state.il.us/envhealth/pctigermosquito.htm
http://www.nhcgov.com/Health/enviro-health/mosquito-vector/Pages/asian-tiger-mosquito.aspx
http://articles.washingtonpost.com/2012-09-12/lifestyle/35497815_1_asian-tiger-tiger-mosquito-black-mosquitoes
http://alexandriava.gov/MosquitoControl

Weed Control and Lawn Maintenance Services

Weed control is an ongoing problem for yards and gardens. If left unattended the weeds will take over your yard and will compete with the grass or plants for water and nutrients. Over time, your grass and foliage can stop growing and even die if weeds are not managed. Weeds also attract disease and pests.
 
Why Hire a Weed Control Service


Your lawn will require aerating, dethatching, seeding, pest and weed control every spring, followed by an end-of-season maintenance.  You will find that controlling weeds yourself can be very time-consuming and the intensive labor puts pressure on your hands, knees, and back. 
Lawn maintenance services will evaluate your yard and document the types of weeds in your yard that are invasive; grassy weeds, broadleaf weeds, crabgrass, chickweed, speedwell and henbit. The service may take a soil test for fungus growth and will examine the yard for pests before discussing with you the organic or chemical treatments that are available for your yard and garden. 
A yard of 3000 square feet would take you approximately 30 hours in the spring to clean up your yard and gardens. After that, an average of three to six hours per week will be needed to keep your yard and gardens weed-free and maintained. If you are on a tight schedule or you don’t enjoy being outside working then hiring a lawn care service will help you.


Choosing the Right Service

A lawn maintenance service should be knowledgeable and have excellent references. There should be an upfront estimate and explanation of the services, as well as a guarantee of satisfaction.
A weed control service will supply all equipment and supplies, including pest control and fertilizer, as well as broadcast granular spreaders or power sprayer for herbicide, pest or fertilizer application.
Depending on your yard and garden requirements, the weed service will keep records on your yard by monitoring the weed growth every 4-8 weeks throughout the growing season. You will receive a statement every time the service contractor checks or treats your yard. A local lawn maintenance service will have an interest in the quality of their work, the conduct of their employees and the satisfaction of their customers, since they are local small business people who have roots and ties to the area.


How Weed Service Benefits You

In many cases, your overall health will improve and your energy level increase, no more sore and achy muscles from working in your yard. A weed control service will allow you time to do the things that you would like to do. A qualified weed-control and landscaping service knows how to safely choose and handle toxic chemicals, as well as how to avoid them as much as possible. You can spend quality time in your yard and garden and take pleasure in a yard that is healthy and weed-free.