Many strong scented plants act to repel insect pests by masking the scent of their chosen food plants. Using these plants in conjunction with the occasional use of natural pest sprays is a great strategy to help reduce or eliminate the use of synthetic insecticides and pesticides which can have a long term residual effect on the environment. Some attractive plants to try include basil, bay, camphor, dog bane, feverfew, lavender, salvia, southernwood, wormwood and thyme.
You can also improve the numbers of beneficial insects such as lady birds and lacewings in the garden by planting calendula, catmint, hyssop, mint, rosemary, tansy and yarrow. To tackle specific pests try the following suggestions:
Ants – Pennyroyal Spearmint and Tansy
Aphids – Nasturtium, Spearmint, Stinging Nettle, Southernwood, Garlic
Bean Beetles – Potatoes
Black Fly – Stinging Nettles
Flies – Rue, Tansy, Wormwood
Onion Maggot – Oregano and Marjoram
Pumpkin Beetles – Oregano and Marjoram
Silverfish - Bay Leaves
Soil Nematodes – Marigolds
Weevils – Bay Leaves, Garlic
White Cabbage Moth – Oregano and Marjoram
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