Natural Pest Control Tips You Can Do Yourself!
Peppermint is a hardy fast spreading plant that grows well- even in Laramie!
Peppermint is greatly disliked by mice, rats, ants, fleas, flies, and even ticks.
Catnip is a hardy perennial that repels rodents and mosquitoes. The oils in catnip leaves have been shown to be 10 times more effective than deet!
Lemon Balm is also a mosquito repellent.
Put a planter box or hanging basket of any of these herbs near doorways to discourage flying insects. Put dried, or fresh, chopped peppermint leaves on the ground to deter ants. Plant peppermint, or catnip plants in the ground around storage sheds and outbuildings to deter mice, or just peppermint alone if cats are also a problem.
Add a few drops of peppermint essential oil to a spray bottle, or water bucket when cleaning, to discourage mice and ants.
Put potted lemon balm plants on the patio to help keep mosquitoes away.
All three of these herbs also make great tea!
Other pest deterring plants are Lavender, Basil and Citronella grass.
These herbs are available at most local Laramie nurseries. Peppermint essential oil can be purchased at health food stores, the best stuff is from the Herb House down town.