Image Source: Julie Blanner
Summertime in Santa Barbara means outdoor living at its finest. Even in paradise, however, there can be challenges and pesky pests like the dreaded mosquito. While health officials urge people to avoid outdoor activity in the dusk-to-dawn period when mosquitoes are most active and to use repellent and wear long pants and long-sleeve shirts outdoors, there are other things you can do to prevent the itchy despair that can result from being bitten.
Rid yourself of the mosquito problem once and for all, using only your green thumb and a bit of time in the garden. Here are five of my favorite mosquito repellent plants that can create a pest-free oasis free of buzzing and biting:
1) Basil is so effective at repelling mosquitos that you’ll want to grow it all around your house. Think windowsills, porches, and your kitchen. Besides, when cooking Italian food, you can just clip off some fresh basil.
2) Catnip is a great mosquito repellent plant. In fact, some studies report that catnip is 10 times more repellent to mosquitos than sprays. Plus, fun for the kitty in your family!
3) Floss Silk is often used by Mosquito-repellent manufacturers often because of its repulsive odor (to mosquitos, not to humans). Although it’s not the easiest plant to grow, it is beautiful in any garden.
4) Geraniums are so beautiful and easy to care for, but did you know they also can get rid of annoying mosquitos?
5) Lemon balm’s bug repellent properties are easy to use; just get a handful of fresh leaves, crush them between your palms and then run them all over your body.
Read the full article, “12 Beautiful Plants that Repel Mosquitos” in the latest edition of POP Sugar Home. The Mosquito and Vector Management District of Santa Barbara County works to keep you, local families, neighbors, pets and livestock safe from mosquitoes and mosquito-borne diseases. They also provide residents with mosquitofish (Gambusia affinis) for free. These fish can be placed in ornamental ponds, livestock watering troughs, and other small, permanent water sources to further reduce mosquito breeding.
If you could see yourself spending the summertime enjoying the great outdoors in Santa Barbara, I am here to help. Check out my website for more information on this and other amazing properties currently on the market in Montecito and the surrounding communities. Then give me a call at 805.886.9378 or email me at Cristal@montecito-estate.com.