Repelling the On-Coming Insects-Plant Based Strategies

As the spring finally arrives it also awakens our insect friends.  I already see the black flies swarming around, soon to be followed by mosquitoes and ticks.  I am personally trying to avoid the use of pesticides in general but especially on the skin of my family.  At home I think in terms of keeping the insects away from my living space first with careful planting of repellent annual and perennial plants as well as other deterrent strategies.  Next, I make up oil and salve based repellents for topical applications.  And finally, I like to have available, treatments for insect bites that help to reduce itch, pain and swelling.  

There are many useful plants that can repel insects when planted strategically around the home and garden.  Most are attractive as well.   Among these are the entire mint family.  Mints are tolerant of many conditions and are a wonderful addition to gardens located immediately around the house or out in the perimeter of the yard.   Pennyroyal Mint has a reputation for repelling ants as well.  Citronella Grass is also very pretty and aromatic, making a nice contribution to texture in the garden.  Lavender and Feverfew are both easy to grow as well as being useful for other home remedy applications.  Members of the Geranium family, annuals up here in Connecticut, grow lavishly in the summer and are known to keep mosquitoes at bay.  Over the next few weeks I will post more information on how to make insect management products at home using simple ingredients and essential oils.