Protect Your Party Guests From Bug Bites

Plant Herbs - Deter pests from your patio or backyard

Herbs have multiple uses and natural properties.  Not only will herbs add lushness to your landscape, they supply many needs as well.  Use them in your best recipes, as medicine, or as a sunburn remedy.  Another benefit is their ability to naturally repel mosquitos and other flying pests.  Plant a border of herbs and enjoy their scent when the breeze blows.

Plants to Keep the Buzz at Bay

-Lemongrass
-Rosemary
-Marigolds
-Mint
-Catnip
-Basil 
-Lemon Thyme
-Sage
-Rosemary
-Lavender 
-Geraniums 
-Ageratum

Invite Predators - Thin the pest population

There are a variety of different ways to do this depending on budget.  One way is to build your own bat boxes, owl homes and bird houses.  Another way is to buy them at your local home improvement store or nursery.  Inviting these predators to dwell in your yard will thin the mice and rodent population, as well as desecrate dangerous mosquitos and other flying insects.  If you have standing water on your property, you’ll want to soak, drain or use a special chemical to prevent mosquito larva from hatching.  

Mosquito Facts

• There are more than 2,500 species of mosquitos in the world; 150 in the U.S.
• Both male and female mosquitos drink the nectar of flowers as their primary food.
• In order to produce fertile eggs, females must drink blood. 
• Females require one blood meal for every egg batch.
• The welt we experience from a bite is an allergic reaction to mosquito saliva.
• Adult mosquitos live an average of two weeks.
• Mosquitos are attracted to light, warmth, body scent, perspiration and carbon dioxide.
• Certain diseases are carried by mosquitos.