Boxelder bugs are a common nuisance for many homeowners, especially those living in areas with large boxelder or maple trees. These small insects can invade your home in large numbers, seeking shelter and warmth during the colder months. While they are not harmful to humans, their presence can be annoying and unsightly. If you’re looking for a natural solution to keep boxelder bugs away from your home, consider planting certain types of plants that repel these pests.
There are several plants that have been found to be effective in repelling boxelder bugs. These plants emit a scent or contain certain compounds that are offensive to these insects, deterring them from entering your home. By incorporating these plants into your garden or landscaping, you can create a barrier that helps to keep boxelder bugs at bay.
The Power of Mint
Mint is a versatile herb that is known for its strong scent and ability to repel a variety of pests. When it comes to boxelder bugs, mint plants can be highly effective in keeping them away from your home. The strong aroma of mint is offensive to these insects, causing them to seek shelter elsewhere.
There are several different varieties of mint that you can choose from, including peppermint, spearmint, and catmint. Planting these mint varieties around the perimeter of your home, especially near windows and doors, can help to create a barrier that boxelder bugs will be reluctant to cross. Additionally, you can crush the leaves of mint plants and scatter them around the areas where boxelder bugs tend to gather, such as near boxelder or maple trees.
Marigold: A Colorful Repellent
Marigolds are not only beautiful flowers that add a pop of color to your garden, but they also have the ability to repel boxelder bugs. These vibrant flowers emit a scent that is offensive to these insects, making them a great addition to your pest control arsenal.
Planting marigolds around the perimeter of your home can help to deter boxelder bugs from entering. The strong scent of marigolds masks the pheromones that boxelder bugs use to communicate with each other, making it difficult for them to locate your home as a potential shelter.
Lavender: A Fragrant Deterrent
Lavender is a popular plant known for its soothing scent and calming properties. However, it is also an effective deterrent for boxelder bugs. These insects find the scent of lavender to be offensive and will avoid areas where this fragrant plant is present.
Planting lavender around the exterior of your home, especially near windows and doors, can help to repel boxelder bugs. You can also dry the flowers and create sachets to place in areas where these pests are commonly found, such as attics or basements.
Garlic: A Natural Repellent
Garlic is not only a staple in the kitchen, but it can also be a powerful natural repellent for boxelder bugs. These insects find the strong smell of garlic to be highly offensive, making it an effective deterrent.
Planting garlic around the perimeter of your home can help to repel boxelder bugs. You can also create a garlic spray by blending garlic cloves with water and spraying it around areas where these pests are commonly found. This natural repellent is safe to use around pets and children, making it an ideal choice for homeowners looking for a non-toxic solution.
Chrysanthemums: Beautiful and Effective
Chrysanthemums are not only beautiful flowers that come in a variety of colors, but they also have the ability to repel boxelder bugs. These flowers contain a compound called pyrethrin, which is a natural insecticide that is toxic to many types of insects, including boxelder bugs.
Planting chrysanthemums around your home can help to keep boxelder bugs away. The presence of pyrethrin in these flowers acts as a deterrent, making them less likely to invade your home. Additionally, you can use chrysanthemum oil or extracts to create a natural insecticide that can be sprayed around the perimeter of your home.
Rosemary: A Versatile Repellent
Rosemary is a popular herb that is commonly used in cooking, but it also has the ability to repel boxelder bugs. These insects find the strong scent of rosemary to be offensive, making it an effective natural deterrent.
Planting rosemary around the exterior of your home can help to keep boxelder bugs at bay. You can also dry the leaves and create sachets to place in areas where these pests are commonly found. Additionally, you can steep rosemary leaves in water to create a homemade insect repellent that can be sprayed around the perimeter of your home.
Conclusion
By incorporating these plants into your garden or landscaping, you can create a natural barrier that helps to repel boxelder bugs. Mint, marigold, lavender, garlic, chrysanthemums, and rosemary are all effective in deterring these pests from entering your home. Whether you choose to plant them around the perimeter of your home, create sachets, or make homemade insect repellents, these plants offer a natural and non-toxic solution for keeping boxelder bugs at bay.
Summary
Plants that repel boxelder bugs are a natural and effective way to keep these pests away from your home. Mint, marigold, lavender, garlic, chrysanthemums, and rosemary are all plants that emit a scent or contain compounds that are offensive to boxelder bugs, deterring them from entering your home. By incorporating these plants into your garden or landscaping, you can create a barrier that helps to keep boxelder bugs at bay. Whether you choose to plant them around the perimeter of your home, create sachets, or make homemade insect repellents, these plants offer a natural and non-toxic solution for keeping boxelder bugs away.