When you are sitting outside and trying to enjoy your patio, yard or garden, the buzzing mosquitoes and flies are annoying. If you are sick of swatting and looking at these flying insects Plants that actually repel mosquitoesKeeping both flies and mosquitoes away from your outdoor space can be a simple plant solution. Sage is a common herb that is used in delicious delicacies and its plant grows beautiful flowers along with tasty leaves. The aromatic nature of this herb acts as a deterrent to mosquitoes and flies alike, so planting it can help make your garden more peaceful.
Sage is often touted as a plant that can help keep pests out of your garden, and there is some scientific basis for this claim. University Extensions commonly recommend this herb to get rid of carrot flies, as well as to keep beetles, cabbage worms and slugs away from garden plants. Some extensions also suggest that the leaves of the sage plant can be used to repel mosquitoes due to their fragrance.
A 2011 study published in Journal of Malaria tested wild sage (Lantana camara) in Kenya to see if it was able to repel dangerous mosquitoes. Studies have claimed that the caryophyllene compound in the plant has repellent properties. It was found that sage plants grown in pots gave 32.4% protection against N. gambiae ss mosquitoes, and 27.2% protection against An. gambiae SL mosquito species.
Growing sage to keep flies and mosquitoes out of your space
While sage may not be a surefire solution to completely ridding your yard of flies and mosquitoes, the plant does have some repellent properties against mosquitoes and flies. If you are having trouble Keeping flies off your patio Or to ward off pesky mosquitoes, it’s worth growing sage in your outdoor space. Plant this herb in an area that gets full sunlight or about six to eight hours of direct light. Sage also needs well-draining soil, especially if you want to keep it as a perennial, and choose a soil pH between 6.5 and 7. This herb can also be planted in containers so you can be sure to put the powerful scent where you need it most. Make sure your pot has drainage holes and you use the right potting mix to keep your sage happy.
Some university extensions suggest that crushing the leaves of herbs makes them more effective as mosquito repellents, as this releases the oils within the plant. Alternatively, adding sage to your firepit while sitting outside can really make the scent of sage prevail. Otherwise, try burning a bundle like incense. Now, you can Repel mosquitoes with a specific scent they can’t stand And keep the flies at bay. If you’re still having trouble, removing standing water can help repel mosquitoes. For fly problems, check that your trash can lids are tightly closed.
