How To Pest-Proof Your Yard Naturally

  • June 25, 2008
  • 5,053 Views

Jordana_Giorgio from Jordana_Giorgio (and 4 others)

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Rid your backyard of annoying bugs without exposing your family to chemicals and toxins.

You Will Need

  • Candles, both regular and citronella
  • Basil, mint, and thyme
  • Plants that bugs hate
  • Fans
  • Neem oil
  • A birdhouse
  • Deodorant
How To Pest-Proof Your Yard Naturally: Eat by candlelight

Step 1: Eat by candlelight

Light candles when you’re outside; research shows that people who are near candles get fewer bug bites than those without protection.

How To Pest-Proof Your Yard Naturally: Sprinkle herbs

Step 2: Sprinkle herbs

Sprinkle some basil, mint, and thyme around your garden. These herbs are so good at repelling ants that many countries put them in bags of grain to keep the little buggers out.

How To Pest-Proof Your Yard Naturally: Get rid of standing water

Step 3: Get rid of standing water

Get rid of standing water; it’s where mosquitoes breed and lay eggs. Empty any toys, buckets, plastic covers, or planters that have collected rainwater, and change the water in birdbaths and fountains at least once a week.

If you do get bitten, rub the area with a little deodorant; the aluminum in it will help counteract the sting.

How To Pest-Proof Your Yard Naturally: Plant flora bugs hate

Step 4: Plant flora bugs hate

Plant geraniums and pyrethrum; mosquitoes hate their scent. Keep deer—and therefore the ticks they carry—out by planting ferns, daffodils, tiger lilies, snapdragons, and morning glories.

How To Pest-Proof Your Yard Naturally: Use a fan

Step 5: Use a fan

Place a few mini fans around your yard. Mosquitoes stay clear of them because they’re not strong enough fliers to handle the wind.

How To Pest-Proof Your Yard Naturally: Use neem oil

Step 6: Use neem oil

Buy some neem oil. Available in health food and garden stores, it repels 200 kinds of insects, including mosquitoes, whiteflies, gnats, and ticks, and it causes no side effects at all. Just spray a little of it wherever pests like to hang out. You even can spray it directly on plants to prevent bugs from eating them.

Pure neem oil is safe for your skin, but certain neem oil pesticide mixtures have toxic additives, so read labels carefully.

How To Pest-Proof Your Yard Naturally: Get a birdhouse

Step 7: Get a birdhouse

Get a birdhouse. Birds love eating the same flying bugs that make your life miserable, making it a win-win situation.

Most insects are attracted to bright colors and perfume!

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