Herbs for Pest Control in the Garden and around the Home
Herbs make great companion plants in the garden, working to both repel undesired insects and attract beneficials.
Fresh or dried herbs are also useful in the home for repelling unwanted insects and critters.
This list represents a variety of individual’s experience. Environmental factors and conditions vary so your results may not be the same. However, with some experimenting herbs can be used to keep a better balance in your gardens and home.
|
Herbs |
Pests Repelled |
| Basil | Mosquitoes, houseflies |
| Borage | Tomato horn worm |
| Calendula | Asparagus beetle, tomato horn worm |
| Cilantro (Coriander) | Aphids |
| Chives | Aphids |
| Garlic | Spider mites, aphids, Japanese beetles |
| Horseradish | Potato bugs |
| Hyssop | Cabbage moth |
| Lavender | Ticks, clothes moths, mice |
| Marigold | Nematodes, bean beetle |
| Mints | Flea beetles, clothes moth |
| Nasturtium | Bean beetle |
| Oregano | Cabbage moth |
| Peppermint | Flea beetles, ants |
| Rosemary | Bean beetle, mosquitoes |
| Rue | Japanese beetles, houseflies |
| Sage | White cabbage butterflies |
| Santolina | Clothes moths |
| Southernwood | Fruit tree moths |
| Tansy | Houseflies, ants, Japanese beetles, squash bugs |
| Thyme | Cabbage moth |
Information compiled from: Suite 101.com and Gardening.about.com
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Herbal Insect Repellants for Pets
Triple Punch Herbal Flea Rinse for dogs
- 1 part feverfew flowers
- 1 part mullein flowers (keep away from aquatic animals)
- 1 part yarrow flowers, leaves and stems
- 1 part celery seeds
- 3 parts calendula flowers
Make a tea rinse of the herbs by covering the mixture with boiling water and allowing it to steep until cooled before using.
From: Herbs for Pets by Gregory L Tilford and Mary L Wulff