Pest Free Naturally ...

Check out these natural ways to stay pest free this summer!
 
Ahhh, here comes summer. Endlessly long days, sunshine, barbeques, picnics… and hoards of mosquitoes, fleas, sandflies and other pesky insects that relish the warmth. If you’re a mozzie magnet you’ll know just how annoying these little creatures can be – as the Dalai Lama said: ‘If you think you’re too small to make a difference, try sleeping with a mosquito!’
 
These little blood-suckers can turn an awesome night into a nightmare – but they don’t have to. Check out our top tips for keeping insects at bay the natural way.
 
Put those green fingers to work!
Grow a pest free garden. Plants which contain phenols, naphthalene, pyrethrum or citronella naturally repel pests. Here are some of our favourites:

• Wormwood will keep moths, intestinal worms, slugs and flies away.
• Rue is good for controlling fleas.
• Lavender repels flies, silverfish, and fleas – and can be dried into sachets and hung around the house.
• Mint is ideal for deterring flies, fleas, ants and mice.
• Marigolds will add a gorgeous splash of colour to your garden as well as repel bugs!
• Plant basil, rosemary and catnip by doors and windows to deter mosquitoes and flies from coming inside.

 
Prevention is better than cure…
Here are a few ways to make sure you’re not harbouring a mozzie haven:

• Make sure there are no deposits of stagnant water around your house – check bird baths, buckets, gutters and wheelbarrows.
• Keep your lawn mowed and your garden weeded.
• Wear light-coloured clothing.
• Try to stay cool – the carbon dioxide you secrete when you sweat attracts mosquitoes!

 
Make your own spray!
The last thing you want is to douse yourself in a toxic chemical based insect repellent which is easily absorbed into the skin. Here’s an awesome recipe for making a natural homemade bug spray:

1. Fill a small spray bottle half full with distilled or boiled water
2. Add witch hazel to fill almost to the top
3. Add half a teaspoon of vegetable glycerin (optional)
4. 4. Add 30-50 drops of essential oils to the desired scent. We recommend Tea Tree, Citronella, Lemongrass, Rosemary, Eucalyptus, Lavender or Mint.

 
Do you have any great tips on keeping insects at bay?

Click here to share feedback via Facebook telling us your experiences with natural pest repellents and you could win your own bottle of Tea Tree Oil!

 
Reap what you sow
Have you ever plucked a fresh, vine-ripened tomato from a bush and savoured the hint of sunshine on your tongue while juice dribbled off your chin?  If not, you are missing something close to Nirvana! The e-book Grow Better Vegetables Yourself will teach you everything you need to know on growing your own food.
 
 
If you want to take it a step further, The Complete Guide to Building Your Own Greenhouse will have you growing a bumper crop all year round!
 


Need to unwind after all that gardening? Our Manuka Tea Antioxidant and Manuka Tea Immune Support provide the perfect blends of relaxing and healing herbs to sooth your soul.