With spring turning to summer, the next event will be the arrival of the insects. Chemical solutions are a little scary, now that we know that there could be serious side effects to all the chemicals that we put on our bodies. So here are five solutions that are natural and safe.
- Vanilla. Gnats seem to hate the smell of natural vanilla, only seems to work on gnats though.
- Yarrow. A fern like garden plant seems to drive away many insects, attach to yourself in a pouch or just tuck into your pockets.
- Marigolds. Many insects are driven away by the pungent scent of marigolds. I plant them around my patio to help control general insect populations.
- Lavender. Though we love the scent many insects seem to be driven away by the lovely aroma.
- Mint. Again, we love and bugs hate.
I have found that a spice bag holding all or a combination of the above, hung around my neck while doing yard work, really seems to help. If you plant them around entrances it will discourage insects from getting in the house also.
Stay natural, stay healthy.
