10 Best Sandfly Repellent Plants to Keep Bugs at Bay

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Sandflies are pesky little insects that can leave itchy welts on your skin. They are usually found in sandy areas and bite during dawn and dusk. To prevent sandfly bites, you can use chemical insect repellents, but these often come with harmful side effects. Alternatively, you can use natural sandfly repellent plants that not only keep bugs away but also offer various health benefits.

What are Sandflies?

Sandflies are tiny insects that belong to the family of Phlebotominae. They typically inhabit humid and sandy areas and feed on blood. Female sandflies need to obtain blood to produce eggs, while males feed on flower nectar.

Sandfly Bites: Symptoms and Risks

Sandfly bites can cause a variety of symptoms, such as itching, swelling, and redness. In some cases, sandfly bites can lead to more severe reactions, including infections and allergic reactions.

How Sandfly Repellent Plants Work?

Many plants contain natural compounds that repel insects, including sandflies. These compounds work by disrupting the insects' nervous system, causing them to avoid the plants.

Best Sandfly Repellent Plants

If you want to keep sandflies away, here are the ten best sandfly repellent plants you can consider planting in your garden:

1. Citronella

Citronella is a well-known natural insect repellent that comes from the Cymbopogon genus. It has a strong lemony scent that bugs find unpleasant.

2. Lavender

Lavender has a sweet smell that humans love, but insects hate. It contains compounds called linalool and linalyl acetate that effectively repel sandflies.

3. Marigold

Marigold, also known as calendula, is a plant that blooms brightly colored flowers. The plant produces a pungent odor that keeps many bugs away, including sandflies.

4. Lemongrass

Lemongrass has a refreshing scent that mosquitoes and sandflies hate. It contains citronella, which makes it an effective natural insect repellent.

5. Catnip

Catnip is a herb that belongs to the mint family. It has a distinct aroma that can keep insects at bay. In fact, catnip oil is ten times more effective than DEET, a potent chemical insect repellent.

6. Eucalyptus

Eucalyptus trees are common in Australia, where they originated. Eucalyptus leaves contain eucalyptol, a compound that repels biting insects like sandflies.

7. Basil

Basil is a popular kitchen herb that also doubles as a natural insect repellent. It contains compounds such as eugenol and cineole that irritate insects' senses of smell and taste.

8. Clove

Clove is a spice that has a warm, sweet aroma. The plant contains eugenol, which sandflies and other insects find unpleasant.

9. Mint

Mint plants have a cooling and refreshing scent that insects find repellent. The leaves produce essential oils that work as natural insecticides.

10. Rosemary

Rosemary is a woody herb that can grow up to six feet tall. It has a strong smell that bugs find overpowering.

Ways to Use Sandfly Repellent Plants

Besides planting sandfly repellent plants in your garden, there are various ways you can use them:

1. Plant Them in Your Garden Planting sandfly repellent plants in your garden is an effective way to keep bugs away from your home. You can also use these plants to make your outdoor space look beautiful and colorful.

2. Make Essential Oils or Sprays You can extract essential oils from sandfly repellent plants to make your own insect repellent sprays. Simply boil the plant parts in water, let it cool, and then store it in a spray bottle.

3. Use Them as Potpourri Dried sandfly repellent plants like lavender and marigold petals can be used as potpourri. Their pleasant fragrance will keep your indoor spaces smelling fresh while keeping insects at bay.

4. Rub Fresh Leaves on Your Skin Rubbing fresh sandfly repellent plant leaves on your skin can help repel bugs. However, before doing so, do check if you are allergic to the plant to avoid any allergic reactions.

5. Burn Dried Leaves as Incense Burning dried leaves from sandfly repellent plants like eucalyptus and rosemary can also help keep bugs away. The smoke from the burning leaves contains compounds that repel insects.

Better Safe than Sorry: Protect Yourself from Sandfly Bites with Natural Repellents

Natural sandfly repellent plants are an eco-friendly and safer alternative to chemical insecticides. They not only keep pesky bugs away but also offer various health benefits such as stress relief, easing pain, and boosting immunity.

Benefits of Using Sandfly Repellent Plants over Chemical Insect Repellents

Chemical insect repellents contain harsh chemicals, including DEET, which can cause various side effects like skin irritation, rashes, eye irritation, and respiratory problems. Moreover, these chemicals can harm the environment by polluting water sources, killing good bugs like bees, and damaging plant life. On the other hand, natural sandfly repellent plants are safe for humans, pets and the environment.

FAQ

Which is the most effective sandfly repellent plant?

While all ten plants listed above have insect-repelling properties, some of them are more effective than others. Catnip, citronella, and lemon eucalyptus are considered the most potent sandfly repellent plants.

Can essential oils of sandfly repellent plants be harmful to pets?

Some essential oils of sandfly repellent plants can be toxic to pets, particularly cats. Therefore, do consult a veterinarian before using any oil on your pets or around them.

How long do the effects of the natural sandfly repellents last?

The duration of natural sandfly repellents varies depending on the type of plant, concentration of the oil used, and environmental factors. Generally, they last for a few hours, and reapplication is required.

Do I have to plant all ten varieties to keep sandflies away?

No, you don't need to plant all ten varieties. Any one of the ten plants listed above can work effectively as a sandfly repellent.

Can I use a combination of natural and chemical insect repellents?

While there's no harm in using a combination of natural and chemical insect repellents, it's essential to follow the dosage instructions and ensure that the chemicals do not react with the natural oils negatively.

Will planting these sandfly repellent plants attract bees and other pollinators?

Sandfly repellent plants also serve as nectar sources for bees, butterflies, and other pollinators. So, if you're interested in promoting environmental sustainability by providing support to such insects, you can plant these in your garden.

What are the best gardening practices to naturally repel sandflies?

Keeping your garden clean and dry, trimming tall grass and bushes, and removing standing water are some ways to prevent sandflies from breeding in your garden.

How do I know if I'm allergic to sandfly bites?

If you notice any symptoms such as welts, hives, itching, or swelling after being bitten by a sandfly, you may be allergic. Consult a doctor in case the reaction is severe.

Can sandflies carry diseases that can affect humans?

Yes, sandflies can transmit various harmful diseases like Leishmaniasis, Sandfly fever, and Carrions disease.

Where can I buy these plants or their starting materials?

You can buy sandfly repellent plants at your local nursery or online stores like Amazon, eBay, and Etsy. You can also grow them from seeds or propagate them from cuttings.