A PEST control expert has revealed five cheap plants that will keep flies and mosquitoes out of your house during hot weather.
Britain is basking in soaring temperatures this week, with many of us desperate to get outside and enjoy the much overdue heat.
However, the hot weather is an ideal temperature for flies and mosquitoes to breed in, meaning your house may be plagued with the pesky critters.
Instead of spraying harsh chemicals in your home to get rid of them pest control Adriana Camilleri, advised investing in some plants houseplants that the insects hate.
Adriana advised purchasing a lavender plant for your home, as flies and mosquitoes are irritated by the highly fragrant scent.
She said: “Lavender has a calming effect that humans have loved for centuries, however, the opposite can be said for insects.
“We advise, to gain the most out of lavenders’ potential, to plant it in very sunny areas near your garden entrance or front door to reduce the number of bugs that could find their way inside.”
Lavender also contains the oils linalool and linalyl acetate, which interfere with insect’s sensory perception, thus making it harder for mosquitoes to find humans to bite.
You can pick a lavender plant up from B&Q for £4.
Marigolds contain a compound called pyrethrum which affects the nervous system of flies and mosquitos, and can even kill them.
Adriana said: “Easy to grow in sunny locations, the marigold has a scent that deters flies.
“Gardeners have been known to plant marigolds amongst crops and other foliage to prevent insects from eating them but also because of the plant’s unique properties to spur on growth.”
You can pick up a 10 pack of Marigolds from Sainsbury’s for £3.
Pennyroyals have a strong minty scent that repels flies and mosquitos.
They also contain the chemical pulegone which overloads the insects’ sensory preceptors, meaning that they can’t navigate their surroundings.
Adriana said: “This plant serves as an extremely effective bug deterrent thanks to its highly potent, self-releasing oils.
“By planting this low-grower underneath or around other plants and crops in your garden, you’ll be providing a naturally occurring insecticide to help keep pests at bay.”
You can buy Pennyroyal plants for £3.99 on eBay.
Lemon grass contains a high concentration of citronella, which deters mosquitos.
Adriana said: “This fragrant plant contains citronella oil, which is a popular ingredient in outdoor candles and most insect repellents due to its bug-deterring qualities.”
You can pick up Lemon grass from Amazon for £11.99.
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