- Marigolds contain a certain scent called “alpha-terpineol,” which makes insects find them unappetizing. They also have a fragrance similar to basil, which insects don’t like to feed on.
- The African Marigold has the highest amount of phytochemicals, which is the type of fragrance that wards off insects. This also wards off bunnies, deer, and elk.
There are about 52 natural pest repellent plants, but marigolds can be useful and can ward off lots of things that normal pesticides do just as well while being a very eco-friendly pesticide. Marigolds contain a citrus-like scent in concentrations of 5-15%. This natural aroma is powerful enough to repel pesky insects such as mosquitoes, flies, and ticks. By incorporating marigolds into our gardens, we can keep pests away from our crops while also enhancing the beauty of our flowers. Marigolds not only help to maintain a pest-free environment but also add to the overall aesthetic appeal of our gardens.
There are lots of other plants that work as natural pest repellents. One of the other plants is the mint. Mint does the samething as marigolds but different. The only thing mint does different is that it is invasive (it grows everywhere when one is already planted). There are lots of other such as lavender, basil, citronella, rosemary, chrysanthemums, garlic, thyme, peppermint, alliums, neem, lemon balm, nasturtiums, and eucalyptus naturally repel a variety of pests.
Almost all farmers (96%) sprayed pesticides during the flowering periods: 41% of farmers began spraying from the early stages of crops and 33% of farmers admitted using pesticides before harvesting, transplanting, and storing. Most of the farmers (85.6%) sprayed pesticide up to four times a month. Homeowners use up to 10 times more chemical pesticides per acre on their lawns than farmers use on crops. More than three-quarters of US households use pesticides, with 66% treating major living areas in the home one or more times per year. Glyphosate is the most used pesticide in the U.S.
Organophosphates and Carbamates: Symptoms may include fatigue, stomach upset, muscle twitching, difficulty breathing, and in cases of extreme exposure unconsciousness or death may occur. Pyrethrins and pyrethroids: These commonly cause skin rashes or difficulties in breathing. Overexposure also may affect the nerves. Arsenicals: These can make you feel sick and cause throwing up or diarrhea. A garlic smell on your breath indicates that someone might be poisoned. Fumigants: These will act very fast to cause dizziness, and nausea, and even cause cessation of breathing in cases of extreme exposure. Anticoagulants: These medications will bleed you inside. You will have pains in the back or stomach. Bipyridylium: Toxic by ingestion and inhalation; may cause severe irritation of your lungs.