When you invest in a louvre roof and install it over your outdoor entertainment area, you create a very special and inviting space. It’s a space that will be enjoyed by your family and your friends, but they’re not the only ones who will want to be part of that special scene. Pests like flies and mosquitoes will also want to join the party, and while that is an age-old problem here in Australia there are some smart ways you can repel them. Thankfully, those methods are natural rather than chemical-based - it’s all to do with selecting the right plants and putting them near your outdoor entertainment area.
So, what should you plant in the vicinity of that beautiful outdoor area you’ve created? Here are a few of our suggestions:
- Catnip: this is a member of the mint family, and while cats love it we are pleased to report that mosquitoes hate it! Catnip is easy to grow and thrives in the garden, or in a strategically placed pot, although it does prefer a sunny location.
- Rosemary: this plant has an unmistakable fragrance and you’ll get a lot of use out of it while you’re cooking up a storm in your outdoor space - or your outdoor kitchen if you’ve invested in one. This is another plant that repels mossies and other insects and prefers well-drained soil and full sun.
- Basil: another plant that will be used in your culinary creations over summer, but it also doubles as an effective house fly and mosquito repellent. Plant it in pots near entranceways and alfresco areas for it to be at its most effective.
- Lavender: everyone loves the scent of lavender - with the exception of flies, mosquitoes and moths. While the plant is useful as a repellent, the best way to go is to rub lavender leaves over surfaces and even your skin to release the oils that pests detest.
- Sage: grow this herb in pots near the entrance to your outdoor room to deter ants and other bugs.
There are many other plants with pest-repelling properties and we suggest you visit your local garden centre and ask about other options & read all labels. While you could use sprays and other forms of synthetic pest control, plants are a nice, natural and fragrant way to do it. When planted near an outdoor room, you have an attractive way to keep the bugs away.