As the days get longer and the weather warmer, many of us look forward to spending more time outdoors and with the windows open in our home. However, with the pleasant summer weather comes the inevitable increase in bugs and pests.
If you’re looking for a natural and aromatic way to keep these unwanted visitors out of your home, look no further than your garden!
Lavender and rosemary, two common garden herbs, can be powerful allies in the fight against bugs.
Here’s how cutting small posies of these fragrant plants can help keep your home pest-free.
Why Lavender and Rosemary?
Lavender and rosemary are not just beautiful and fragrant additions to your garden; they also have natural properties that repel a variety of insects. The essential oils found in these plants emit strong scents that many bugs find unpleasant, making them effective natural repellents.
By cutting small posies of lavender and rosemary and placing them strategically around your home, you can harness these properties to keep pests at bay.
Bugs and Pests Repelled by Lavender
- Mosquitoes: One of the most well-known benefits of lavender is its ability to repel mosquitoes. The strong scent of lavender essential oil can mask the smell of human skin, making it harder for mosquitoes to find you.
- Moths: Lavender is also effective against moths. Hanging small posies of dried lavender in your closet can help protect your clothes from these fabric-damaging pests
- Flies: Flies are deterred by the strong scent of lavender. Placing posies of lavender near windows, doors, and kitchen counters can help keep these pesky insects from entering your home.
Bugs and Pests Repelled by Rosemary
- Mosquitoes: Like lavender, rosemary is effective against mosquitoes. Its strong, aromatic scent confuses mosquitoes and makes it difficult for them to locate their prey.
- Spiders: Rosemary can also help deter spiders. Placing rosemary posies in corners, windowsills, and other areas where spiders tend to gather can discourage them from setting up webs in your home.
- Ants: The scent of rosemary can disrupt the scent trails that ants use to navigate. Placing rosemary posies near entry points and along ant trails can help prevent them from invading your home.
How to Use Lavender and Rosemary Posies in Your Home
- Cut Fresh Posies: Harvest small bundles of lavender and rosemary from your garden. Aim to cut the stems early in the morning when the oils are most concentrated. [link to Herby Harvester set]
- Create Small Bouquets: Tie the stems together with twine or ribbon to create small posies. You can also dry the herbs by hanging the bundles upside down in a cool, dark place for a week or two.
- Place Strategically: Place the posies in areas where bugs are likely to enter or gather. Common places include windowsills, doorways, kitchen counters, closets, and pet bedding areas.
- Refresh Regularly: Replace the posies every few weeks to ensure the scent remains strong and effective. Dried posies can also be used, but their scent may not be as potent as fresh ones.
Our top tip!
Potted Plants: If you don’t want to cut your garden herbs, consider keeping potted lavender and rosemary plants indoors. They can provide a continuous source of fresh sprigs and add a decorative touch to your home.
By incorporating lavender and rosemary posies into your home, you can enjoy a fragrant, pest-free environment without the need for harsh chemicals. These natural remedies are not only effective but also add a touch of beauty and tranquillity to your living space. Happy gardening and bug-repelling!
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