First snow, then rain, more rain and even still more rain. The weather in Cleveland is wet, sometimes humid and what insect loves these two types of weather? Mosquitoes. I saw the first mosquito of summer today - inside my apartment. Ugh! Besides bees and large spiders (although not really an insect), mosquitoes are my least favorite insect during the warmer months.
Popular commercial insect repellents like OFF! do not always leave a nice feeling on your skin and are even more harmful to young children and pregnant women. So what are your options?
Insect repellent plants!
Yes, fragrant smelling plants such as lemon balm, geranium, catnip (cats love to snuzzle this herb too), basil (also good for cooking), lemon thyme, lemongrass and citronella planted near your decks, patios and firepits will more likely ward off those pesky "sqeeters" when you're more likely to be outdoors and enjoying the warmth of summer.
Snip off a few leaves from one of these herb plants, commonly found in area Cleveland garden centers and farmer's markets, crush and rub on exposed skin (test a small patch first). Safe for kids, pregnant women and even your pets. Lemon balm and lemongrass are fragrant, won't stain your clothing or leave that sticky residue on your skin like spray insect repellents usually do.
Buy insect repellent plants in starter pots, then transfer to larger pots as they grow if you can't plant them in the ground. Citronella plants can often become very bushy over the course of a season, if planted early and taken care of properly. Clip other herbs, dry and use in your favorite recipes. Basil is versatile and can be used in salads, pasta dishes and vegetable recipes any time of the year. Lemon thyme and lemongrass are also good in a variety of recipes.
Stay green this summer with a variety of eco friendly insect repellent plants and herbs that won't harm you or your children. Enjoy summer, and let the frogs worry about the mosquitoes!
Cleveland area garden centers:
Maria Gardens - 2 locations in North Royalton and Strongsville, Ohio.
Pettiti Garden Centers - located throughout the Cleveland area.
Herb N Garden Center - 14901 Puritas Ave, Cleveland OH, 44135 Ph. 216-252-2001
Kal's Nursery & Garden - 5330 Ridge Rd, Cleveland OH 44129-1455 Ph. 440-884-9400
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