While some plants attract insects, others can repel them.
The best green insect repellents for a yard are literally green. Rather than worrying about the contents or manufacturing process of a repellent, it is simpler, safer and less expensive to plant natural repellents. These plants keep pests away both by simply growing and releasing their scent, and by being crushed, scattered or boiled and used as a spray. Does this Spark an idea?
Marigolds
Marigolds are attractive to people, but repel many types of insects. They can be planted just about anywhere, in pots around porches, along walkways and even around a vegetable garden. Marigolds are known to repel aphids, nematodes, corn earworms and Japanese beetles, as well as a many other types of beetles. They also are effective at repelling mosquitoes if the flower petals are crushed to release the scent. Place some crushed marigold blooms in a bowl to keep pests away during barbecues or other outdoor activities. The petals also can be boiled with water and used as spray.
Mint
Nearly every type of mint will repel insects. Mint is easy to grow and spreads rapidly, making it an inexpensive and readily available natural insect repellent. Plant it around tender flowers and plants, near a garden or under windows to help keep away ants, aphids, flea beetles, squash bugs and flies. Hang sprigs of mint around eaves or near animal enclosures to keep flies and other annoying pests away. Pluck leaves off mint plants and scatter them on a table or around activity areas. This does double duty by repelling insects from areas where the leaves are placed, as well as releasing the scent from the plants to protect their surroundings.
Garlic
Garlic has long been known to help drive away pests, especially from vegetable gardens. Like other natural repellents, it can be planted in areas where insects pose a problem. It also is useful when peeled and scattered in problem areas. Garlic cloves can be boiled and the resulting scented water used as a spray on plants to drive away problem pests. Aphids, Japanese beetles, Mexican bean beetles, spider mites, cabbage worms and moths are all known to avoid garlic.
Wormwood
Wormwood, or artemisia, has been used for centuries to repel insects. It is best known for keeping moths away, but it also is useful for turning away ants, flies, cabbage loopers and maggots, as well as flea beetles. It also is known for repelling snails and slugs. Although it is highly effective, wormwood is toxic to humans and also can damage other plants. It should be planted a few feet away from tender plants and, if made into a spray by boiling, should only be sprayed on mature, hardy plants.
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