The Savage Garden: Three Plants That Can Act as Exterminators in Jacksonville

Quick! When you think about the best way to get rid of pests, what comes to mind? Maybe it's keeping your house clean. Maybe it's pesticides, or maybe even calling exterminators. Jacksonville, Florida residents will most likely think of these answers. But one way that most people take for granted is the use of insect-repelling plants. Next time you consider adding some new color to your Florida garden, you may want to consider the following plants.

Marigold

The marigold is commonly known for its warm yellow tones and distinctively strong smell. Insects find the scent offensive, as do some gardeners; this scent comes from pyrethrum, the active ingredient in many insect repellents. Marigolds grow well in reasonably fertile soil and full sunlight. They can be planted from seeds, though starter plants can be obtained relatively cheaply. They are particularly effective against mosquitoes. Established plants need to be thinned, and flowers should be cut once in a while to promote additional blooms.

Lavender

This herb is another potential weapon gardeners can wield against insects. While it's a best known for its relaxing properties, it can also be used to repel mosquitoes, fleas, and even moths from your home. Lavender plants prefer a hot, dry Mediterranean climate, which Florida does not always offer. However, it is possible for Lavender plants to grow in North Florida, where the conditions are somewhat favorable. It can take about three years to take root, but once it does, it is virtually resistant to drought.

Citronella

You may have heard of citronella oil as a common cleaning agent and insect repellent, which is even used in a wide range of mosquito repellent products. However, since the citronella essence found in these products is generally already diluted, the plant is naturally stronger-smelling than any citronella product out there, so it's more effective against insects. The smell of citronella is sweet and citrus-like, strong enough to mask the scent of other attractants, making it hard for mosquitoes to find humans. Since it is a clumping grass, it's not the best decorative option out there; landscapers will generally want to plant it behind other decorative flowers and shrubs. However, it is very low maintenance.

So just like there's more than one way to skin a cat, there's more than one way to keep insects at bay. Environmental and aesthetically pleasing solutions like the ones above are available if you know where to look. However, if the problem has already become too severe, it may be time to find good exterminators Jacksonville, Florida residents can rely on.