Get the bugging buzzy beasts who ruin your braai to back off.

Beasts abound!

With the wacky weather of the past two months, we have an abundance of bugs all over the country, living their best life while ruining ours.

Flies, mosquitos and midges seem to be invading our garden sanctuaries more than previous seasons, and its starting to bug us.

What about basic bug sprays?

While commercial bug repellents are all very handy, we cant help but wonder what the implications are of long term chemical pesticide use.

Best Bug(ger) off botanicals

Luckily, there are many plants that do thrive in South African gardens that can help you control your bug problems.

These plants are easy to grow, and an inexpensive natural solution that will help you have bug free days and buzz free nights.

Because they are fragrant plants, many of them can even be used in your everyday life for cooking or cleaning purposes.

Plants like Bay, Lavender and Mint are true multipurpose magicians. Plant them around your home and enjoy their versatility!

If lives gives you lemons…

Lemongrass, lemon balm and lemon verbena both have a lovely fragrance but are also delicious if steeped in tea to make a refreshing iced summer drink.

Lemon thyme, another hardy herb with a fragrant punch, goes well with lamb…(Just saying…)

Become a garden goddess and leave the nasties on the store shelf.

If you’re exploring the world of natural bug repellents, its also worth looking into natural non-toxic pesticides for other parts of your garden.

Garlic and chilly spray

While you are whipping up a marinade for this weekend’s braai, why not give your plants a boost as well. Chop up about three cloves of garlic, and 5 chillies, seeds and all, and put them in a spray bottle with water. Spray this liberally on your veggies or roses and watch the pests crawl (or fly) away in terror.