So far it is working / myLot

United States

July 13, 2016 10:48am CST

Mosquitoes tend to avoid me. If they bite me it does not swell up. On the other hand flies drive me crazy. I have gotten a couple in the house. Information I have read says that basil repels flies and I have sort of seen that happen. Today I have a couple of flies in the house. Landing all over me because I am sweating. Or they were. I have some Thai basil growing just outside my front door. I picked a couple of leaves and rubbed them on my bare arms. No more flies. One mosquito found me. It did not repel her. She is now dead. I will get out lemon grass oil for the mosquitoes.

8 people like this

9 responses

Jabo

@jaboUK (64346)

• United Kingdom

13 Jul 16

Mosquitoes or flies - I abhor them. Fortunately we don't get any mosquitoes here, and I soon get out the spray if any flies dare to infringe on my world. Interesting about basil and lemon grass oil being deterrents.

2 people like this

Heather Echola

@GardenGerty (169448)

• United States

13 Jul 16

Herbs in general are so much better for us and for the environment.

1 person likes this

Sky

@skysnap (20152)

•

13 Jul 16

We have purchased the machine that keeps the mosquitoes away. It does have a bit smell in it but keeps the mosquitoes.

2 people like this

Heather Echola

@GardenGerty (169448)

• United States

13 Jul 16

I guess that is why I like herbs, they smell better and go with me where ever I go if they are on my skin or clothes.

1 person likes this

peavey

@peavey (16936)

• United States

14 Jul 16

We don't have many mosquitoes or flies here, but where I used to live, we had plenty of flies! I hate it when they get in the house. I always thought I would plant basil around the doors, but never did. I'm glad it works for you.

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peavey

@peavey (16936)

• United States

14 Jul 16

@GardenGerty That would be a smart idea. Just one fly in a week is annoying!

Heather Echola

@GardenGerty (169448)

• United States

14 Jul 16

In my other house one year I grew it in pots on the door step. I may start doing that here as well. I have three varieties at this time. I do not get flies often but enough to be annoyed.

1 person likes this

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sofs

@sofssu (23660)

•

14 Jul 16

I didn't know that basil works with flies I have a forest of basil in my garden. I am told that the rose geranium keeps mosquitoes away.. so I have bought myself a nice big plant.. I am yet to see the effects.

1 person likes this

Heather Echola

@GardenGerty (169448)

• United States

14 Jul 16

I use lemon geranium for mosquitoes, and lemon balm and lemon grass. In other words, lemon scented plants. I have been told that lemon eucalyptus is the best.

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sofs

@sofssu (23660)

•

14 Jul 16

@GardenGerty I should try the lemon eucalyptus we have one huge tree near our house.

Judy Evans

@JudyEv (382021)

• Rockingham, Australia

14 Jul 16

It's great if you find something that will repel these pests.

1 person likes this

Heather Echola

@GardenGerty (169448)

• United States

14 Jul 16

I have been told that basil is the king of herbs. It tastes good as well.

1 person likes this

Judy Evans

@JudyEv (382021)

• Rockingham, Australia

15 Jul 16

@GardenGerty We have basil growing but it will die off now with the cold, wet weather.

Reine25

@Lucky15 (37391)

• Philippines

13 Jul 16

I need something for mosquitoes...legs are swelling ;(

1 person likes this

Heather Echola

@GardenGerty (169448)

• United States

14 Jul 16

Use lemon scented herbs. Crush them and put them on your skin. If you can get lemon grass oil put a little on the edges of your clothes then you will be a walking repellent.

1 person likes this

Reine25

@Lucky15 (37391)

• Philippines

14 Jul 16

@GardenGerty have to look for lemon grass oil...this morning was crazy with them while just a sitting