Not only in summer, but now well into October, flies and mosquitoes accompany us in the garden, on the balcony or on the terrace. And some of the pests are so bold that they don't even stop at our living rooms. And the question arises, how do I get rid of these uninvited guests? If you don't want to resort to chemicals straight away, you should try plants and herbs.
Fly and mosquito repellent
When insects become uninvited guests, they are usually attracted by a scent that they find fragrant. In the case of flies, these are, for example, food leftovers on plates or the poorly closed compost bin. Since it is sometimes difficult to locate the attractant exactly, you should take countermeasures and beat the pests at their own game, namely by spreading unpleasant smells for the insects. This can take the form of smelly plants:
Nasturtium (Tropaeolum majus)
Nasturtium works against the pests in two ways. On the one hand, they do not like the smell of the medicinal herb, on the other hand, climbing varieties form a privacy hedge, which also helps against the pests. In addition, Tropaeolum majus is robust and easy to care for. Other properties are:
- fast growing
- shade tolerant
- edible flowers and leaves
Catnip (Nepeta cataria)
Real catnip can solve two problems. It calms nervous house tigers and also keeps uninvited insects away. Real catnip gives off a lemony scent that is also reminiscent of spearmint. Its small, light purple flowers are a popular source of nectar for bees and bumblebees. In the bed, real catnip can grow up to 100 centimeters high. However, since it grows very well in smaller pots or containers, it can also be placed on the windowsill to ward off flies and mosquitoes.
- robust and resistant
- can overwinter in the garden
- perennial
- upright growth
Lavender (Lavandula angustifolia)
Many hobby gardeners may know that lavender can be used to protect food and clothing from moths. So it is not surprising that the pretty plant also drives away other insects with its intense smell. Lavender thrives both in the rock garden and in the flower pot on the windowsill. Outdoors, it can even reach a height of up to 150 centimeters. When it comes to location, he loves it sunny and warm, like the mosquitoes he is supposed to drive away. In addition, hardy Lavandula angustifolia needs:
- a sunny and sheltered location
- lean substrate
Peppermint (Mentha)
Not only peppermint, but also other types of mint are perfect for protecting against mosquitoes and other insects. However, the plants only develop their scent when leaves or shoots injured will. Therefore, they can only be used as a defence, by rubbing mint leaves between your fingers at regular intervals and then placing them on the windowsill. In terms of care, peppermint is very undemanding:
- sunny location
- dry soil or substrate
tip: Although peppermint thrives in flower pots, it is only suitable to a limited extent as a container plant. Therefore, you should rather set up several small pots for protection.
Basil (Ocimum)
Although basil is somewhat sensitive to dryness and waterlogging, it does not make any great demands on care. To repel flies, it is best to place the basil pot on the windowsill. Basil feels particularly comfortable in a warm and sunny location that is protected from drafts.
Chives (Allium schoenoprasum)
While basil is suitable for the windowsill in the sun to repel flies, chives are used on cooler windowsills. Because flies also give this kitchen herb a wide berth. Chives grow between ten and fifty centimeters high. When it comes to maintenance, you should consider the following:
- water regularly
- Avoid waterlogging
- remove excess water from the coaster
tomatoes
Tomatoes not only taste good, the plants also keep mosquitoes and other annoying insects at bay. Since they only work in the immediate vicinity of the plant, you should choose the location for defense carefully. You can only achieve complete protection if you "fence" the balcony or terrace with tomato plants. Tomatoes love the sun and therefore thrive best in a sunny spot. If you do not harvest, you can also place the plants in a shady place.
tip: Tomatoes do not tolerate waterlogging and wet leaves.
French and Pole Beans (Phaseolus)
Along with tomatoes, bush or pole beans are among those crops that can be used to drive away annoying pests. Depending on the variety, they grow bushy or climb several meters in height. There are also special varieties that are suitable for keeping in buckets on the balcony. French or pole beans are annual plants, the parts of which are inedible when raw. They thrive best in a sunny location.
Runner beans, Phaseolus, Blauhilde
Geraniums (Pelargonium)
Geraniums offer a blooming oasis including insect repellent. The classic among balcony plants can be planted in one color or mixed colors. Geraniums thrive in window boxes just as well as in pots or tubs. Otherwise, they do not make any great demands on care. Regular watering and a sunny to semi-shady place are usually sufficient for them.
tip: To stimulate flowering, regularly remove wilted inflorescences.
Marigolds (Calendula officinalis)
Best known as medicinal plants, marigolds also help against flies. They are placed in the bed or in the balcony box as a defense. It is important that the location has a lot of sun. If the flowers are cut and placed in the vase, then they drive away the pests from the dining table as well. While you can drive away flies with marigolds, you attract bees and bumblebees at the same time. Because for these insects, marigolds are a welcome source of nectar.
Marigold (tagetes)
As a repellent against flies and other insects, marigolds are only recommended on a safe balcony. Although the yellow to orange blooming flowers help against the pests, snails like to eat the flowers. And since you don't want to exchange one plague for the next, you have to be careful with this mission.
Not only do these plants enhance many dishes, but they also help repel flies and other pesky insects:
- lemon balm
- rosemary
- lemongrass