So you’ve bought a new home (hopefully from Domain Homes in South Tampa) and you want to have a housewarming party or just enjoy a relaxing summer evening on your lanai, there’s just one problem…those pesky mosquitoes. They are just a fact of life that many of us have learned to live with especially in the tropical, humid climate of Florida. But just because we can’t escape them doesn’t mean we can’t lower their population.
We thought we’d share this way for you to be able to reclaim your barbecue spot and unwind outside your home in the evenings without dousing in DEET. For starters, treat these little buggers before they’re born. After a rain, spy out your yard for puddles and standing water in places like garbage cans, pet water dishes, bird baths, etc. Drain every pool of standing water possible. Next, there are some plants that naturally repel these winged critters. Why not build a natural mosquito control container that is as attractive as it is effective? Start with a round planter pot that you can pick up at Home Depot or Lowes Home Improvement or anywhere that sells home and garden items. Then follow the diagram shown to the right to plant the following plants and herbs: citronella geranium, marigold ‘lemon gem’, lemon grass, catnip, ageratum ‘artist purple’, and lemon thyme.
When most people think of natural mosquito repellent, they come up with citronella, but they probably didn’t know about the rest of these plants. Who knew that mosquitoes hate marigold? These little yellow flowers contain the natural pesticide pyrethrum. Many store bought insect repellents contain a chemical that’s found in ageratum. What’s more is that bloodsuckers loathe the perennial herb closely related to mint known as catnip.
Via: Salisbury Greenhouse
Let’s face it, mosquitoes see us as a necessary part of completing their life cycle. This home remedy for dealing with these pests may not be 100% effective, but at least they won’t put off a foul odor or require you to rub yet another chemical on your body.
Let us know if you have some other remedies or if there is a topic that you would like for us to address. Feel free to comment below or write on our Facebook wall. At Domain Homes we are all about delivering an extraordinary experience to our homeowners. We’d love to hear from you what you would like to see on this blog!