July 10, 2019

Mosquito Proofing Your Outdoor Space

how your own garden can

repel mosquitoes

Good weather and warm summer nights are ideal for growing healthy plants, gathering outdoors with friends and family, or simply enjoying your own quiet time. These conditions are also ideal for mosquitoes. Read on for our tips on keeping your backyard time entertaining as opposed to itchy!

grow your own herbs

delicious and helpful

Obtaining a natural mosquito repellent is as easy as planting some useful fragrant and culinary herbs in sunny containers or in the landscape near your favorite gathering spots. Look in Angelo’s Farm Market at any Petitti Garden Center for the bright yellow pots and big mosquito tags, indicating our best selection of mosquito-repellent herbs.

An appropriate selection will contain strongly scented plants that have robust and naturally repelling essential oils. You may already have heard about scented Citrosa Geranium, but many other lemon- and lavender-scented herbs repel just as well. Try Lemon Basil, Golden Lemon Thyme, Lemon Grass, Lavender, and even Peppermint.

When these plants are handled (brushed, crushed, or pruned), the essential oils and fragrances are released, thereby driving the mosquitos away. Even better, the plants can easily be mixed and matched for excellent pest protection.

something to AVOID

STANDING WATER

Be sure to remove any standing water that occurs in your garden or on your patio. For example, after heavy rains or watering, tip any planters to drain excess water from drip trays. And, if you feature a birdbath in your yard that has a tendency to remain full, be sure to replace the water once per week.

choose safe repellents

avoid harsh chemicals

When it comes to store-bought repellants, always choose to apply safe repellants. Bonide® Mosquito Beater® is one of Petitti’s recommendations, which comes in spray or granule form and is made using natural ingredients to safely repel mosquitoes for 2-3 weeks at a time.

learn more about insect control

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