5 insect repellent plants to enjoy the summer

With the arrival of the heat, inquiries about insect repellent plants skyrocket. Something logical if we take into account that the increase in temperatures brings with it the awakening of these inseparable companions of summer. Some that, although they are in their normal life cycle, can spoil our enjoyment of the season to a certain extent. And we are not just talking about the inconvenience they cause. We are also referring to those allergic processes that some of their bites bring with them.

Beyond chemical methods, using insect repellent plants to keep them away is always a great option. And not only because it is a way to use the virtues of certain plant species to keep them at bay. Added and contrary to what may be believed, insect repellent plants are neither ugly nor especially rare. In fact, they are much more common than it seems at first glance. So what better way to chase them away while we enjoy their beauty?

So let’s see some of those insect repellent plants that will be allies in the hot months. On the one hand, because they will allow us to enjoy the summer. On the other, because they will make it easier for us to live in a healthier environment.

INSECT-REPELLENT PLANTS FOR A HEALTHIER SUMMER

When talking about insect repellent plants, it is inevitable to talk about health. And it is that one of the reasons to use them in pest control is precisely to avoid the use of chemicals in the home. Fighting against them is not only a current trend but even a priority sustainability issue. A good reason to include air purifying plants in our house that allow us to minimize the impact of those invisible substances that take a toll on our health.

But beyond our own health, there is another compelling reason to try to avoid using insecticides in the home. And the reason is none other than the null selection capacity of this type of product. Although it is true that chemical insecticides are effective and essential to treat pests in plants, the truth is that they do not discriminate which insect they attack. What’s more: if we share our lives with animals or if we have little ones at home, avoiding their use is essential.

And, although the most common is to look for insect repellent plants, the truth is that there are a good number of other pests that we can ward off using plants. If mosquitoes are specifically your problem, nothing like watching this video by our colleague Tomás to find out which ones to include in your home.

But there are more bugs to fight besides mosquitoes! And, although we cannot ignore them, it is worth knowing how to combat others naturally.

1. Basil, one of the perfect insect repellent plants against flies

It is one of the plants that make us consider how to grow aromatic herbs at home. Its unmistakable perfume is, precisely, one of the reasons why garden and kitchen lovers throw themselves into its cultivation. But there is one more reason to include it among our selection of plants. It is precisely that aroma that we humans like so much that acts as a true shield against mosquitoes and flies. A good reason to place it in the windows of the house and thus prevent them from entering it.

In addition, basil has another «super power.» Its essential oils are harmful to mosquito larvae.

2. Lavender, another essential on the list to keep fleas at bay

Impossible not to surrender to all its many virtues! Beyond its characteristic perfume that smells of summer, lavender care is so simple that it is impossible not to enjoy it. And not only that: watching it grow and flourish will require practically nothing of us.

But beyond its value in the world of gardening, its value as an insect-repelling plant is unique. It not only repels flies and mosquitoes: it is also highly effective as a natural repellent against fleas.

3. Jasmine, a natural weapon against wasps

Although mosquitoes are usually the insect most associated with summer, wasps are not far behind. Not only do they tend to be annoying companions of summer cookouts, but they also tend to hang around swimming pools. And if mosquitoes can bring unpleasant allergic reactions, in the case of wasps things get even more complicated. A good reason to want to keep them at bay.

For this, this plant is ideal. The aroma of its flowers bothers a lot! to wasps, so including it in our garden recreation area can be key to avoiding them. Beyond this practical character and its beauty, there is something else to contemplate. Jasmine care is not very difficult, making it perfect for any level of gardening.

4. Laurel, the ally for those who can’t stand cockroaches

Cockroaches are, without a doubt, one of the most disliked insects. What’s more: for many people, they represent a real phobia. Beyond the discomfort that having them at home can cause, we are talking about an insect associated with certain unhealthy diseases for humans. A good reason to try to eradicate them naturally.

The laurel is a great help to drive away cockroaches. Their aroma is unpleasant for them, so their presence in our garden will be a real vegetable wall against them.

5. Mint, one of the insect repellent plants that will drive away ants

And we close the circle of insect-repellent plants with ants. Those tiny companions of the sunny months that, although they are not excessively harmful, are extremely uncomfortable. For them, mint is one of the best natural repellants.

They do not support its aroma, so it will be enough to bring some of its leaves closer to the ants’ nest. We will see them disappear from our environment.

And you, which of all these insect repellent plants do you need to include in your house to enjoy the summer? Tell us!