Nature vs. Nature How to Use Plants and Scents to Repel Insects
There is nothing quite like summer. Backyard barbecues, evening hikes, and late-night stargazing. All of it is magical — until bugs crash the party. Mosquitoes, gnats, and ticks do not need an invite, and before you know it, you are scratching your ankles and swatting at the air. But you do not have to douse yourself in strong sprays and chemicals to keep them away. Here are five natural ways to repel bugs this summer — no chemicals required. Choose Loose Clothing Believe it or not, your outfit can make a big difference. Light-colored, loose-fitting clothing is less attractive to mosquitoes and helps prevent them from biting through fabric. Covering up exposed skin is one of the easiest ways to protect yourself. It is specifically helpful to wear long sleeves and pants at dusk and dawn, when bugs are most active. Use Natural Aromas Many bugs have super-sensitive noses, and certain scents repel them. Essential oils like citronella, eucalyptus, lavender, peppermint, and lemongrass are natural bug repellents. You can make your own spray by mixing a few drops of any of these scents with water and a carrier oil (like witch hazel or coconut oil), then spritzing it on your
skin or clothes. Just make sure you are cautious with essential oils around pets and kids. Smoke Them Out Burning herbs like sage or rosemary in your campfire or fire pit not only smells amazing but also helps keep mosquitoes and gnats at bay. Bugs hate the smoke from these plants, and it is an easy, low-effort way to keep them off your picnic table. Watch Your Scents Surprisingly, it is not just about what repels bugs — it is also about avoiding what attracts them. Fragranced lotions, perfumes, and even certain soaps can lure bugs to you. In summer, it is smart to go unscented when heading outdoors. Keep Your Space Clean If you have standing water on your property, it is a mosquito’s favorite breeding ground. Make sure you dump water from flower pots, birdbaths, or kiddie pools regularly. And if you are entertaining outside, clean up food scraps and trash — flies and ants will sniff that out fast.
Vertical gardening is all about going up, not out — a space- saving, eye-catching way to grow your favorite fruits and veggies. It looks great, makes harvesting easier, and keeps your produce clean and happy. Lucky for you, vertical gardening can produce a variety of tasty harvests! Tomatoes With a bit of support from a trellis, these juicy
beauties will grow tall and proud. Pick the indeterminate varieties and enjoy a tomato parade all season long. Cucumbers
Grow them up a trellis, and you will get straight, crisp, dirt-free cukes — perfect for salads or pickles and easy to pluck without scavenging in the dirt.
Squash Lighter varieties like zucchini or acorn squash climb exceptionally well! Just give these squash a little extra support and watch them rise. Melons
Vine and Dandy Help Your Vertical Garden Soar
Believe it or not, melons can go vertical! All they need is a strong trellis and a fruit hammock (yes, that is a thing).
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Dennis & Lisa Jones
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