Don’t miss out on these 7 essential plants for your balcony – not only are they fragrant and beautiful, but they also keep flies and mosquitoes at bay. Here’s what you need to know.
As temperatures rise, mosquitoes become an unwelcome presence in our homes, leaving irritating marks and, in extreme cases, posing health risks. Flies, although less harmful, can still be a nuisance. Fortunately, natural solutions exist to deter these pests, and you can find them in the form of plants.
There are several plants known for their insect-repelling properties, making them ideal for placement on your balcony. By incorporating these plants into your outdoor space, you can create an effective barrier against mosquitoes and flies. Here are 7 options to choose from, each providing a natural and chemical-free solution.
- Rosemary: A versatile plant useful in the kitchen and for hair care, rosemary is an excellent insect repellent, particularly effective against mosquitoes. It’s also non-toxic for pets.
- Citronella: Known for its presence in mosquito repellent products, citronella produces a strong lemon scent that naturally deters flies and mosquitoes. It thrives in warm environments and can be grown in pots.
- Marigold: With its vibrant orange and yellow flowers, marigold is not only visually appealing but also effective against insects due to the presence of limonene. It thrives in warm, sunny conditions.
- Sage: An aromatic plant with culinary uses, sage enriches recipes and helps keep insects away. Placing it on your balcony or windowsill is an effective way to repel pests.
- Lavender: Known for its pleasant scent, lavender is disliked by insects, making it effective against mosquitoes, flies, ants, and even rodents. It’s low-maintenance and suitable for outdoor cultivation, but toxic to pets.
- Floss Flower: This beautiful plant contains coumarin, a substance that acts as an insect repellent. While visually appealing, it is toxic to animals.
- Catnip: Loved by cats and detested by insects, catnip contains nepeta cataria, which repels insects effectively. It can be grown both on the balcony and indoors.
