And the number ONE post for 2012…
went viral as soon as I posted it!
I’m still getting hundreds of hits from Pinterest EVERYDAY!
Drumroll please……..
I don’t know about you but I HATE bugs! They just freak me out! It really doesn’t matter what kind of bug- roaches, silverfish, spiders, mosquitos, fleas, beetles…. You name it and I HATE it! Especially bed bugs! I’ve never experienced bed bugs before but I was watching 20/20 awhile back and they were doing some kind of expose on bed bugs in hotels and I’ve been freaked out ever since! The mere thought of them makes my skin crawl!!!!
Since we had such a mild winter (here in Georgia anyway) everyone is saying how horrible the bugs are going to be this summer because nothing died off during the winter. So now I’m super freaked out and have been looking into natural remedies or repellents for those nasty creepy crawlers and stingy sneaky fliers. Last year I just had a bottle of Raid handy… but this year I have the little man and I really don’t want to be spraying chemicals around him.
After a little research I realized there are some EXTREMELY simple plants that you can put around the house to repel all those nasty insects! The nice thing about these is they can be planted in pots and moved around (which is extremely beneficial since we’re about to move) or they can be planted directly in your yard—and they’re even pretty!!
SO, here are the top 8 plants that every house should have to ward off pests:
Mint
It not only smells nice but it keeps away ants and mice! Crush some to release the fragrance and it’ll run off any strays that come your way.
Add some Bay Leaves to the mixture and you’ll get rid of gruesome roaches too!
Then add in some Lemongrass to keep away those flying pesksy mosquitos and bees!
Basil
Yummy and keeps those annoying flies at bay!!
Geraniums
They not only add a boost of color but they keep out Japanese beetles!
Now, I read about 2 plants that seem to be SUPER-PLANTS!
These are a must this year:
1. Catnip!
Yep, that stuff that makes your cat act all crazy…. Supposedly wards off a long list of bugs including mosquitos and flies.
2. Pyrethrum Chrysanthemums- AKA: Mums specifically the ones that look like Daisies!
These are the be all end all of pests! According to wiki.answers these cute little flowers repel: Roaches, fleas, ticks, bedbugs, lice, silverfish, ants, and so much more!
So, I am headed to Home Depot and buying up some of these to plant in pots around the house and hopefully we’ll have a bug free summer!
Do you have any GREEN bug repelling tips and tricks?
I hope you’ll grab a cup of coffee and visit awhile!
-Melissa
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I work in the garden industry and didn’t know about a couple of these! Thanks for the info, I’m pinning this!
Saw you linking at Pinfest 2012
Debbie
Thanks Debbie! I hope you’re having a FABULOUS New Year!
Great information, thanks! Found you via Pinfest. Tammy ~ http://www.yoursandmineareours.blogspot.com
Fantastic! I’m so happy you found it useful!
Melissa
Serendipity and Spice:
An eclectic mix of crafting, cooking, DIY, family fun, and surviving life with a toddler! Follow along via Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, and Google+
I’m so glad you blogged this! We’re redoing our backyard to put in a garden and some of these plants are definitely going in! Especially those that repel ants. Thanks so much!
PS. Added this to my “GO Green” section of my blog with a link back to here. Thanks!
Perfect timing! I’m glad you found it useful…. I LOVED my lemongrass last year! I’m so ready for Spring now that the Holidays are over!
Thanks for stopping by!
Melissa
Serendipity and Spice:
An eclectic mix of crafting, cooking, DIY, family fun, and surviving life with a toddler! Follow along via Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, and Google+
Aw, thanks!
Melissa
Serendipity and Spice:
An eclectic mix of crafting, cooking, DIY, family fun, and surviving life with a toddler! Follow along via Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, and Google+
Great post! Found you on Shine on.. Totally Pinned this!
http://treasuringgrace.blogspot.com/2013/01/making-whole-healing-through-art-art-of.html
Awesome – will have to get some lemongrass, and finally plant the basil!
I loved having the lemongrass on my porch last year! It’s pretty and useful!
Melissa
Serendipity and Spice:
An eclectic mix of crafting, cooking, DIY, family fun, and surviving life with a toddler! Follow along via Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, and Google+
I just pinned this last week! Its a GREAT collection of plants. We’re redoing our back patio this coming spring and have been collecting ideas. Well timed for me!
What a great post! I am pinning this. Thank you so much for the great info, and for sharing at A Bouquet of Talent this week. I am so thrilled to have you share. Have a wonderful weekend.
Hugs
Kathy
Featuring you on the blog today! Thanks so much for linking up. {hugs} Clydia – Three Mango Seeds {ITS PARTY TIME}