Pests can wreak havoc on your garden. By feeding on your plants, pests can cause scale damage, leaf skeletonization, and more. Pro Staff, the preferred pest control Des Moines experts, want to help you keep your garden pest-free. These pest-repelling plants are a great way to deter insects from your garden.

Basil
Not only will basil help repel house flies and mosquitoes, but it makes a delicious addition to many meals. Plant basil alongside your back porch to make it quick to grab when cooking and to help keep pests away from your door. You can also use basil to make an insect repellent. Pour four ounces of boiling water over roughly four to six ounces of fresh, clean basil leaves. Let the leaves steep for several hours, then remove the leaves, squeezing out as much excess water as possible. Finally, add some vodka to the basil mixture. Store in the refrigerator and spray outside to help keep pests away!

Catnip
While this may be your cat’s favorite treat, catnip is a pest’s enemy. It contains a chemical called nepetalactone, which repels mosquitoes, flies, deer ticks, and cockroaches. Just be careful when you plant it — catnip can be invasive.

Geraniums
These flowers help to repel mosquitoes and leafhoppers. When in bloom, they have a lemon-like fragrance. Geraniums grow best in sunny, dry climates.

Lavender
Lavender is a great way to keep moths, fleas, flies, and mosquitoes at bay. Placing tied bouquets outside your home can help keep these pests off of your patio.

Lemongrass
If you have a mosquito candle, it most likely contains citronella oil. Citronella, found in lemongrass, can help keep mosquitoes out of your garden.  

Marigolds
These beautiful flowers repel aphids, mosquitoes, and wildlife. They also release limonene, which is known to slow down whiteflies.

These are just a few of the plants that can help keep pests out of your garden! Pro Staff, the preferred pest control Des Moines professionals, can ensure that both your garden and home stay pest-free. Give us a call at (515) 279-7378 to learn more about our eight-step pest control program and to get your no cost, no obligation quote!