5 Natural Ways to Rid Your Outdoor Living Area of Summer Pests

Mosquitoes bugging you? Flies pestering you?

It is summertime in the Kerrville and San Antonio area and we are enjoying entertaining and being outdoors. But, there are insects to deal with. Ever wondered what you can do to avoid bites and waving your arms around like crazy attempting to keep flies off the freshly grilled burgers?

There are choices in how to rid your outdoor living area from annoying pests. Chemical pesticides are an option, but they are expensive and may kill what we consider to be pests. Some bugs are actually beneficial to our environment. These pesticides may also be harmful to our pets and even small children.

Lavender at Ladybird Johnson Wildflower Center

Rather than resort to chemically treating our patios, yards and gardens, Burroughs Landscaping suggests a natural way to enjoy your summer minus the worry of irritating bites and ruined food.

Consider planting garden herbs in containers close to and around patio doors, gardens, grills; anywhere you plan to spend time with friends and family outdoors this summer. Basil, Lavender, Rosemary, Mint and Lemon Grass are herbs that provide protection from insects, exhibit beauty and can be used to spice up your favorite dishes.

Did you know that basil repels mosquitoes and flies? Create beds or plant basil in pots around outdoor eating areas and near doorways. Basil is an excellent choice for Texas Hill Country as it thrives in full sun. Especially if planted in pots, a splash of water daily will keep this durable herb healthy. The peppery, tangy herb will provide a nice aroma as well as spice up Italian and Asian dishes. If you don’t cook with basil, butterflies will love to visit, providing extra color and entertainment.

Lavender works much the same as basil. Beds or pots of lavender around doorways keeps mosquitoes, flies, fleas and even scorpions away. Along with keeping pests away, lavender adds color to your landscape as well as an exhilarating aroma. Sachets of lavender can help keep moths away in drawers and closets as well.

Rosemary is another choice to keep insects away from your outdoor living area. Sun-loving and requiring little water, rosemary will add some color to your Texas HillCountry landscape with small clusters of light lavender/blue flowers through the fall and into the winter. Rosemary produces oil that repels mosquitoes and scorpions. Also, placing a spring of rosemary on food while it is on the grill will add flavor as well as the scented smoke keeping mosquitoes and flies at a distance. Grow lavender in pots or mix into landscaping beds and borders.

Mint repels fleas, ants and flies. Growing in pots may be the best option for this herb, as it is prone to be invasive. Rub mint on your skin to avoid being bitten.

Lemon grass and lemon balm contain citronella oil which is used for insect repellent and candles. This low maintenance plant with long gray-green leaf blades will prevent mosquitoes in and around your outdoor living area. Deer resistant, lemon grass is an annual, ornamental grass. Low maintenance, yet requiring moisture, partial shade is the perfect location for this carefree grass that can also be used in preparing Asian dishes.

This summer, rather than spending money on costly pesticides,  Burroughs Landscaping suggests considering using herbs to deter insects from disturbing your cookouts and outdoor entertaining in your natural landscape.

Burroughs Landscaping offers outstanding service and innovative ideas with landscaping tailored to Xeriscaping in Hill Country Texas. The experienced team enjoys landscaping in Kerrville, Hunt, Ingram, Fredericksburg, Boerne, Bandera, Comfort, San Antonio and Mountain Home. Burroughs works with home owners, builders and general contractors and considers the location, topography, aesthetics and aspirations of each client.

Deer Resistant Plants and Flowers – 102

When thinking deer resistant plants and flowers, several come to mind. None are guaranteed, as a hungry deer will eat whatever is available. However, there are options that are they are less likely to try. Deer tend to stay away from more fragrant and prickly plants and their instinct keeps them away from poisonous.

Growing up to 6 feet tall, Agaves add beautiful, ornamental drama to your yard, taking heat and drought well, meaning low maintenance. Despite agaves looking similar to cacti, or even aloe, they are not related. The plants are perennial but after blooming, the flowers die. Some species are known by the name century plant. A favorite type is the Queen Victoria selection. Some varieties have sharp edges, so choose carefully.

Blanket Flowers grow up to 3 feet tall and 2 feet wide. Perennial blooms brighten up your garden all summer long, lasting into fall. Blanket flowers are low maintenance, loving full sun and well drained soil. The bright orange, yellow or red flowers will bring even more color into your yard as butterflies are attracted to the bright blooms.

Lavender is also a great choice for our area as it requires full sun and well drained soil. A perennial shrub, up to three feet tall and four feet wide, lavender is not only beautiful, but smells heavenly too. Placing lavender along a walkway or in a garden with a seating area allows the most benefit from this beautiful multi-purpose plant. Dried lavender blooms can be used as a seasoning in the kitchen, edible garnishments and brewing teas. The darker the blooms, the more fragrant and intense in flavor it becomes.

Purple coneflower is as lovely as it is tough. This perennial is so easy to grow in any sunny spot. It will bloom through summer into the fall, drawing butterflies and birds. It is low maintenance, spreading easily and is not bothered by pests. Its daisy looking flowers make it a great choice if you enjoy cut flowers brightening your home.

These are a few ideas to start with. Burroughs Landscaping in Kerrville, Texas has an endless list of choices that are perfect, both beautiful and low maintenance, for our hot summers.