Lavender, marigolds, and basil are effective plants that can help keep noseeums away.
Plants That Repel Noseeums
Noseeums, also known as biting midges or sandflies, can be a nuisance in outdoor spaces. While various methods exist to deter these tiny insects, incorporating certain plants into your garden or patio area offers a natural and aromatic solution. These plants are known for their strong scents or natural compounds that act as repellents.
Effective Plant Choices
Several common garden plants are recognized for their ability to deter noseeums and other small biting insects. Placing these plants strategically around your outdoor living areas can contribute to a more comfortable environment.
- Lavender: This beautiful and fragrant plant is cherished for its calming aroma to humans but is highly disliked by noseeums, mosquitoes, and gnats. The essential oils in lavender, particularly linalool and linalyl acetate, are thought to be responsible for its insect-repelling properties. Planting lavender near entryways, windows, or seating areas can create a fragrant barrier.
- Marigolds: Often planted in vegetable gardens to protect crops, marigolds (especially French marigolds) are also effective at deterring noseeums. They contain compounds called pyrethrins, which are used in many commercial insect repellents. Their distinct scent acts as a natural deterrent, making them an excellent choice for borders or potted displays on patios.
- Basil: A popular herb in cooking, basil is also a natural insect repellent. Its strong, pungent aroma, particularly from compounds like estragole and eugenol, is off-putting to noseeums, flies, and mosquitoes. Growing basil in pots on your deck or near outdoor dining areas not only provides fresh herbs for culinary use but also helps keep tiny biting insects at bay.
Practical Tips for Using Repellent Plants
To maximize the effectiveness of these plants against noseeums, consider these practical tips:
- Strategic Placement: Position repellent plants around outdoor seating areas, near doorways, windows, or any spots where noseeums tend to congregate.
- Container Gardening: If you have limited garden space or want flexibility, grow these plants in pots. This allows you to move them closer to where you need protection, such as a patio table or a lounge chair.
- Crushing Leaves (Caution): While the plants naturally release some scent, gently crushing a few leaves can release more of their repellent oils, providing a stronger, albeit temporary, deterrent effect. Always test a small area of skin if considering rubbing plant oils directly, as some individuals may be sensitive.
By integrating these specific plants into your outdoor environment, you can enjoy a more peaceful and noseeum-free experience.
