Have you ever felt like you’re the only person covered in bug bites at the neighborhood barbeque? Chances are, you’re not being paranoid. Instead, your body’s unique chemical makeup and scent probably make you more popular than a juicy slice of watermelon.
Everybody produces unique chemical signals, informed by genetics, the immune system, and diet. Along with body temperature and carbon dioxide emission, these signals attract blood-thirsty insects such as mosquitoes, ticks, and other arthropods.
Here’s a quick introduction to some pest-repellent plants and what bugs they help repel: – Mosquitoes: Lemongrass, Thyme, Lavender – Ticks: Rosemary, Beautyberry, Marigold – Spiders: Basil, Mint, Lemon Balm – Flies: Petunias, Floss Flower, Nasturtiums
Standing water attracts mosquitoes and provides an area for them to lay eggs. If you find standing water in a container, such as a plant dish, dispose of it. Afterward, wash the container with soap to kill any mosquito eggs.