Be it mosquitoes, flies, ticks, or other odious insect that can ruin the best season of the year, the resistant little monsters are difficult to get rid of even with strong chemicals. So how are the identifiable natural remedies doing in this uneven fight?
In general, most of the recipes circulating on the internet have their pros and cons, but mostly cons. Whether it is simply their lack of effectiveness or smell (often vinegar, onion, or garlic) that annoys even us, and last but not least the need to change clothes because of side effects in the form of indelible stains.
Maybe some of the items below can persuade you to try them.
According to an Iowa State University research group, recent research shows that the essential oil in catnip is about 10 times more effective than the DEET compound used in commercial insecticides.
It might be worthwhile to plant a crop of catnip.
Nepeta cataria (catnip)
Essential oils
If you want to try a less invasive method, you can try this approach in your own home. Eucalyptus, lemongrass, and clove oil in an aroma lamp can significantly reduce flies and mosqitoes.
An alternative can be to burn incense sticks with a burst of scented smoke. As much as you can manage.
Aroma Lamp
Eucalyptus essential oil
Lemongrass essential oil
Clove oil
Certain plants help to reduce the occurrence of certain insects. It is important to understand, however, that one plant won’t do the job by itself. It is likely that you will need a large flower bed around windows or flower pots filled with potent plants and flowers, including Geranium, Marigolds (Tagetes) and lavender.
Geranium Flowers
African Marigold
Lavender
As for ticks, the studies suggest Geranium oil…
Also cedarwood essential oil, or crushed fennel seeds carried in the form of little sack.
Geranium oil
Cedarwood essential oil
Respecting flies, scientists confirm that the old folk method of using American beautyberry, Callicarpa americana, including the somewhat primitive approach of rubbing the leaves on the body, actually works.
American beautyberry, Callicarpa americana
Photos: Shutterstock
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