Getting your home ready for spring is more than just spring cleaning, it’s also an opportunity for you to up the curb appeal. With so many options, it can be easy to gravitate towards plants and shrubs without thinking about pest control. Here are a few of our top picks that will give you the best of both worlds: high curb appeal with fewer mosquitoes and ticks.
When planning your yardscape, you’ll definitely want to incorporate some color. Since deer are one of the most common carriers for ticks, a big step is to opt for flowering plants that deer won’t eat. For pops of yellow, go for lanceleaf coreopsis – a bright flower that is drought-tolerant and needs no fertilizing. Daffodils are also a great alternative to tulips (which are very sought-after by deer) if you want a springtime bulb. To incorporate pink in your yardscape, go for the springtime bleeding hearts in the shade and the long-blooming coneflower in the sun.
Bright red poppies are toxic to deer and they’re easy to grow from seed, blooming in about two weeks – a great option if you want to start from scratch but you don’t want to wait all summer for a result. However keep in mind that this flower is also toxic to people and pets, so steer clear if you have children or pets that could accidentally ingest them.
Lavender is a great plant that actually repels mosquitoes and ticks – and as a bonus, it doesn’t attract deer! – but keep in mind that this is a more high maintenance option. It’s better suited to warmer climates, and even then it is not a long-lived perennial. If you don’t mind tending to a plant with a shorter bloom window, then this is a great option for a pop of color that doubles as a pest repellent.
Since ticks like to live in wooded and heavily shrubbed areas, being smart about your shrubbery is a top priority. Lemongrass is a great alternative to heavy shrubs, it still boasts vibrant green volume for your yard, but it does double duty by also acting as a natural pest repellent. Citronella products are made from lemongrass, and this plant will repel both mosquitoes and ticks. This is a great option to plant near walkways or around a patio for maximum protection.
If you like the idea of incorporating a mini herb garden, basil is a great option that repels mosquitoes. Lemon thyme is also a repellent when you bruise its leaves, and rosemary repels with no bruising necessary. Mint repels both mosquitoes and ticks, however be careful as it can take over your garden – you may want to use potted mint instead. Finally, sage is a great option to keep pesky ticks out of your yard.
Each of these plants are great ways to take advantage of your yard space and create curb appeal with lots of greenery and bright pops of color. If you’re looking for additional protection against ticks and mosquitoes in your yard, Mosquito Shield’s spraying services can provide you with foolproof solutions that will keep you pest-free all summer long.
