Herbs to Plant for Pest Control--Growing Fresh Herbs

Have pests been bugging you at home? A huge variety of pesticides and other pest control products are available in the market. However, only a few of them really work and some also have harmful effects on the environment and to your body as well, especially when overexposed to these harmful chemicals.

Meanwhile, if you have been gardening, then this might be the best time to utilize that hobby and effectively get rid of these pesky pests.

Natural Pest Control Methods

Not many might realize that when nature strikes, nature also provides solutions. The same goes with pest prevention. Most people would initially think of pesticide as the only means of controlling pests when they start to attack. However, herbs and plants can now be utilized to provide natural means of controlling pests.

Herbs can effectively put an end to your problems with pests. This might not sound feasible but biology can explain everything. Pests have natural enemies in nature, so you must take advantage of this to fully rid yourself of these pests.

Herbs and plants contain active ingredients that can disrupt the system of most pests. Not only that, it ensures faster kill for these annoying pests and insects.

Herbs That Fight Off Pests

If you want to fully rid your home of pests, you can drop by your local supermarket.   Then, grab some of these herbs that are proven to contain ingredients that will effectively put an end to your pest problems:

In your fight to keep your house pest-free, you need to know what types of herbs are effective against certain types of pests. Planting pest-killing herbs in your garden will bring you the following practical benefits:

1.    You will be able to plant herbs that you will find useful later on for purposes such as aromatic, culinary, or medicinal.

2.    You can save money from not having to purchase expensive pesticides that do not work.

3.    You reduce the health risks posed by your exposure to harmful chemicals contained in the pesticides.

Mint as Pest Control

When thinking about which herbs to plant in your garden, mint should secure the top of your list. Different varieties of mint are effective against different pests:

-    Peppermint – this particular type of mint effectively controls lice, ants, flies, moths, and lice
-    Pennyroyal – this type of mint deals with pests such as gnats, lice, moths, ticks, and ants
-    Spearmint – this one wards off most of the pests enumerated above

Since mints have been proven effective against these annoying pests, you can try planting them in front of your house or by the doorway. That way, you can prevent most pests from gaining access into your home. Because mints have the tendency to grow out of control, it is best to plant them in a pot.

Another great thing about mints is that they are quite adaptable and have a high tolerance for both sun and shade. However, you do have to keep them moist if you want to keep them healthy.

Basil as Pest Control

Basil is a common herb used for culinary purposes. However, it is also an herb that effectively controls pests, particularly the bush basil. Basil is most effective in warding off flies. In fact, folk stories say that it is a tactic for Italian cooking to keep tomatoes and basil together in preparing their recipes so as to ward off flies that could potentially swarm fresh tomatoes.


For more information:  Growing Fresh  Herbs