Lemon Balm: A Natural Way to Banish Pests

Lemon Balm: A Natural Way to Banish Pests



Lemon Balm  A Natural Way to Banish Pests



You can plan on mosquitoes being in full effect for another few months. Help keep them at bay with a natural solution – Lemon Balm to be exact. Easy to grow and even easier to use, lemon balm is the perfect way to keep bugs away and suffer fewer bites during the season. Perfect for both humans and pets, lemon balm may be your new favorite bug banishing solution.

Where to find it:
You can find lemon balm at your local nursery or greenhouse. It typically runs less than $2 per plant. Depending on how much space you wish to cover, 1-2 plants will be enough to get you through the season.

How to grow it:
Lemon balm is so easy to grow. You can plant it directly in the ground, your garden, flower beds, or pots. If you plant it in the ground, it may return the following year. Make sure it has proper drainage and gets a good 5-6 hours of sun per day. Even if you have quite a bit of shade, it should still be ok.

How to use it:
Just planting the lemon balm around your yard can help keep pests away.
Plant it in high traffic areas such as near kid’s play items, decks, and dining areas.
Or near dog runs to keep your dogs happy and itch free.
You can also take a fresh spring and tuck it into your pet’s collar for extra protection.
Some people like to pick the leaves and rub them directly on skin and fur as well. Be mindful of direct use on your dog and do not rub any on wounds or irritated skin.

Dry it for later:
You can always hang the herbs and dry them, then sprinkle them into cloth bags for pest protection. Just tie the bag onto your belt and notice the difference.
You could also use some of the dried herb in a DIY Pet Bed. This way you can help keep your dog itch free year round.

Essential Oil:
This is one to keep clear of. Pure Melissa Oil is very very expensive in the $100 and up price range for a small bottle. If you are considering putting it on your pet unless it is the Pure form I wouldn’t do it. The other oils it is mixed with could be potential irritants and therefore I recommend fresh or dried leaves. Grow your own even if you grow it in a pot in your window. It will brighten up the room and create a citrus-y smell.

Give lemon balm a try as a natural way to repel pests in your yard. Bugs will hate it, but you will love how easy it is to grow and use. Give it a try!

Original Image: http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Melissa_officinalis01.jpg


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Comments

  1. We are being eaten alive by mosquitoes this year. I will definitely be giving this a try!
    Kelsie recently posted..Frozen Puppy BitesMy Profile

  2. Interesting idea and priced nicely too.

  3. Mom likes to buy this every year to keep the flies and mosquitoes away.

    xoxo, Ginger, Matt & Matilda
    Bell Fur Zoo recently posted..Having A Mama I Want A Treat MeltdownMy Profile

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