Spring is on the way and we want to help you make your backyard a pleasant (and safe) place to be for you and your pets! The first step in having a relaxing place to relax after a long day at work is keeping it pest-free. If you can do that without harmful pest control products, all the better.
As you plan your garden, research delicious herbs and plants that serve the dual purpose of insect control.
This list of five naturally insect-repelling herbs are safe for you and your pet, they smell amazing and they naturally contain pest-repelling qualities that keep your yard free from mosquitoes, fleas and ticks.
- Spearmint: The mint family contains many varieties of plants and they are all naturally good at repelling pests. Choose from peppermint, spearmint, chocolate mint or any of the other varieties of mint to keep fleas, ticks and moths away.
- Catnip: Believe it or not, catnip is a member of the mint family! The active insect-repellent ingredient in catnip is known as nepetalactone. This chemical is so effective at warding insects away that even cockroaches avoid it.
- Rosemary: Not only does this delicious herb serve as an excellent enhancement to most meals, it’s highly effective in repelling fleas and ticks. Its aroma is pungent to insects and smells amazing to humans.
- Basil: While most of us prefer basil on our food, it makes an excellent deterrent for fleas and ticks. While most of us love the aroma of basil, insects despise it. This plant is even toxic to mosquito larvae, making it a very good choice for your patio.
- Lemongrass: The active pest repellent in lemongrass is naturally created component called citronella. You may already have a citronella candle burning on your patio, but simply planting this wonderful herb will yield even better results.
Before you rush out to purchase these for your patio, research how to grow each of them in your area. Most of these plants are hearty growers in all zones, which may put your other plants or vegetables at risk if you don’t consider containers. We discovered that planting these in large, well-drained containers will help you avoid root rot.
Consider working with combinations of plants – for example, planting rosemary, peppermint, and lemongrass in individual containers. Many of these herbs work best when they are near one another.
Natural remedies can be very effective at controlling pests in dogs, but you must be extremely cautious in using them. Do your research on every plant before placing it where your pets can have access to them. Some herbs are toxic to dogs. A great starting point is the Poisonous Plants list from the ASPCA. This database is updated regularly.
When you and your pup are ready to come in and relax after spending a wonderful time together outdoors, turn on DOGTV, cuddle up on the couch and unwind before bedtime. Grab your FREE 7-day DOGTV subscription today.