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Well, the season is upon us, and many people will be asking about natural flea and tick repellents on Facebook. I do a few things to protect my dogs from fleas and ticks:
- I feed a raw dog food diet; bugs are more attracted to pets fed a diet high in starch.
- I add Bug Off garlic granules from Springtime Supplements. YES! GARLIC IS GREAT FOR DOGS!!!
- I spritz the dogs once a week with Kin+Kind from May through September/October. I even use it on myself too. #VeterinarianApproved
- I use AnimalEO essential oils formulated to repel biting insects: Away, Evict, and Oust.
We've never had a problem with fleas, but this could change. We have a flower garden, and I had a blast picking bulbs that would produce flowers all season. I also added flowers and plants that repel fleas, ticks, and mosquitoes.
Gardening Plan
The following plants repel bugs. Last year, I had several of them in pots around our deck. This year, the plan is to plant more around the patio, and I'd like to plant larger bushes around the house and the exterior of the dog yard.
- Rosemary – repels fleas and ticks
- Peppermint – repels fleas, mosquitoes, spiders, and ants
- Catnip – repels fleas and mosquitoes
- Marigold – repels mosquitoes and aphids; they also discourage the deer from eating my vegetables
- Basil – repels fleas, mosquitoes, and houseflies
- Lavender – repels mosquitoes, fleas, flies, and moths
- Citronella – repels mosquitoes
- Lemon Verbena – repels mosquitoes
- Lemon Balm – repels mosquitoes and gnats
I've learned to keep citronella, peppermint, lemon balm, and lemon verbena in pots because they expand throughout the garden. Only the peppermint became an issue, so all mints are relegated to pots.
Types of Plants to Purchase
Did you know rosemary could help to repel bugs? That's right! Rosemary has been used by many gardeners as a natural pesticide or insect repellant. It's said that the smell of rosemary makes it distasteful to bugs, so they stay away from rosemary-infused plants. This is great news for those of us who are looking for an organic and natural way to keep pests out of our gardens. So why not give rosemary a try and watch pests fly away!
It's no surprise that peppermint is more than just fantastic in peppermint mochas and peppermint bark – it can also help repel bugs. That's right – peppermint is a natural bug repellent. The strong aroma of peppermint deters the bugs, plus there are added benefits like providing an all-natural scent to your outdoor space. Instead of reaching for chemical-based bug sprays or expensive lotions, try peppermint. Not only will it fortify the air with its natural scent, but it just might keep those annoying critters away as well!
Who knew catnip could do more than just make cats go crazy? It turns out that catnip can also be used to repel pests such as mosquitoes, fleas, and other bugs. While catnip is primarily known for its effect on felines, the herb itself contains an essential oil called nepetalactone that has feared effects on many species of bugs. Plants from the catmint family are useful for keeping bugs away in your garden too. So if you're looking for a natural way to repel biting insects this summer, grab some catnip!
Marigold is a widely used flower in many gardens, but it can also give your garden an extra boost of protection. Its bright orange and yellow petals do more than just bring beauty — marigolds are known for their ability to repel bugs, such as mosquitoes or aphids. In addition to marigolds being aesthetically pleasing, they also provide an all-natural way to keep your home and garden free of annoying pests. Planting marigolds near doorways, pathways, and growing spaces can help protect your plants from unwanted pests!
Basil is an incredibly versatile herb in the kitchen, and it turns out that it can provide a gardening bonus as well. Basil, when planted around your garden, helps to repel pesky bugs like ants, mosquitoes and flies – all of which can cause major damage to the health of your plants. Not only does basil bring flavor to your dishes, it can also provide you with a natural pest repellent for your garden without having to use harsh chemicals. So if you're looking for an environmentally friendly way to keep those bugs away, basil may just be the answer!
Lavender is more than just a pleasant smelling flower; it's actually an effective insect repellent as well! Many people don't know this, but lavender oil has been proven to keep mosquitoes and other pests away! You can use lavender in many different ways for your insect-repelling needs. Whether you're looking to create a peaceful outdoor space or just need some help getting rid of pests, lavender can be your go-to natural solution. Not to mention, adding lavender to your gardens also adds some fragrant color – bonus!
For all of those trying to avoid mosquitoes and other bothersome bugs, citronella can be a savior. This natural insect repellent works like a charm, as its strong scent is enough to keep most flying critters away. Its pleasant aroma might even give your outdoor get-togethers a delightful boost. No matter if you're throwing a party or lounging in the backyard, citronella could be exactly what you need for an enjoyable bug-free evening.
One of the best ways to keep unwelcome bugs out of your garden is lemon verbena. Not only does it have a delightful lemon scent that will permeate your entire garden, but it also contains beneficial compounds that have known insect repellent abilities. Additionally, lemon verbena has been historically used for its medicinal properties, making lemon verbena one of the most versatile plants when it comes to bug-repelling and general wellness. Now you can enjoy your lemon scented garden without worrying about pests!
If you've ever been bothered by bugs or other bothersome critters, lemon balm may be the answer for you! This powerful herb not only smells great, but it also has amazing pest repellent properties. Lemon balm can easily be grown in your own backyard and used when needed – no more stocking up on bug spray every summer! Plus, lemon balm has a lemon aroma that's pleasant to humans while being a total mood killer for bugs! So next time you need protection from biting insects, lemon balm is the way to go.
Finding the Best Deals
As a dog mom who is raising four raw fed dogs and a cat (he eats freeze-dried), I've become very good at keeping my budget reasonable. Of course, you can look for sales when you're ready to buy your plants, but I can do you one (or three) better…
- If you have friends with any of these plants and they can be divided successfully, ask if you can have some. You can beat FREE!
- Look at the clearance area. Today, I purchased tons of plants for $1 each and there was nothing wrong with them – they just needed some fertilizer and water.
- Shop garage sales and Facebook Market Place for people selling extra plants.
How I Use the Plants in My Flower Garden
I could try and create oils, but I have no clue how to begin doing that, so I stick with enjoying the pretty blooms. I clip and dry the catnip, rosemary, and lavender as the season progresses.
My cat loves the catnip, and so do my dogs. I used to think catnip mad cats go crazy, but I was wrong, it soothes and relaxes Cosmo, and it has the same impact on my dogs. So I take old socks and turn them into catnip toys for the dogs.
I dry the rosemary for jerky treats I make each summer with my food dehydrator. I also set dried rosemary in bowls around the house for that wonderful smell. Why the summer? Because I get inspired during the summer. I add peppermint to my tea. And I dry the lavender for my use (stuff it into an old pillowcase and put it beneath my pillow).
Some believe that rosemary is toxic to dogs, causing seizures. However, this is rosemary essential oil – not the rosemary plant.
THANK YOU for these ideas!! We are redoing our backyard and trying to make it dog friendly – these items will help in a lot of way!!
Thank you for thesr handy tips!s