My back patio planter repels mosquitos – it smells amazing but some people say it’ll give me another buggy problem
IF mosquitos are ruining your summer barbecues or backyard hangs, this hack might be for you.
A gardening pro demonstrated her simple trick for repelling the insects.
In her viral video, Alicia Kim (@simplypaintedwhite) showed her followers how she uses her planters for pest control.
The green-thumbed expert began by adding lavender to the plant pot.
“[It] smells amazing and also contains linalool, which is an ingredient in products used to control mosquitos,” Alicia explained,
According to the American College of Healthcare Sciences, lavender is one of the top 10 most powerful essential oils for repelling bugs.
Alongside the lavender, Alicia planted marigolds in the patio planter.
She cited the flower’s distinct smell as the reason for its effectiveness as a natural repellant.
Garden Design also reported on marigolds as a method for deterring mosquitos.
They explained that the plant emits a strong odor that puts off most insects.
For her final addition, Alicia planted several sprigs of rosemary in the pot.
She revealed that the flower’s “woodsy scent” is what repels mosquitos.
The plant is recommended by a variety of experts to keep away insects.
According to Garden Design, experts at the New York Botanical Gardens and PlantShed all swear by the flower.
Despite Alicia’s seemingly well-informed advice, some Instagram users pointed out a potential issue with one of her go-to plants.
“The mosquitoes in my backyard must have not [have] seen this ree,l they laugh every time I plant more lavender,” said one viewer.
“Does nothing for our yard and only attracts bees,” agreed another follower.
Tips for keeping pests from your garden
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- Plant companion plants such as peppermint to repel rats.
- Place Garden Netting Pest Barrier, $8, Amazon, over your flowerbeds.
- Fill open-top containers with beer and place in soil to repel slugs.
- Spray plants with Neem Oil, $9, Target, to repel ants, flies, and spiders.
- Dust your flowerbeds with Diatomaceous Earth, $8.26, Amazon.
- Mix 1 tablespoon dish soap, 10 drops peppermint oil, and 4 cups water and spray on flowerbeds.
- Place eggshells around your plants to protect from slugs and snails.
“The bees love lavender,” pointed out one Instagram user.
“But the bees! Be right back, going to fill my planters with this though! Thank you for the idea!” said another viewer.
Others were keen to try out the pest control planter.
“I hope it works! Would love for it to [work] for my yard!” wrote one person.
“Thank you for sharing! I’m jumping on this bandwagon and doing this in my garden!” said another follower.
“I think I’m going to pick up some!” commented one Instagram user.