Catnip (Nepeta cataria) may have a euphoric effect on cats, but the plant deters insects by triggering a chemical sensor for irritants, a new study shows.
Will catnip keep bugs away?
While catnip is a common herb that is often used in cat toys and treats—due to its euphoric and hallucinogenic effects on our domesticated felines—it has also long been known for its powerful repellent action on insects, and mosquitoes in particular.
What insect eats catnip?
Thrips, which may be black, brown, or gold, are tiny, narrow insects that suck the sweet juices from catnip plant leaves. As they feed, they leave silvery specks or streaks, and can significantly weaken a plant if left untreated.
How do you use catnip to repel bugs?
Cat Nip Bug Spray
* Mix your newly green alcohol 3 parts catnip to 1 part aloe Vera gel. Optional: 20 drops citronella essential oil. If your spray is too drying on your skin you can add some rose water to dilute it. * Store in a spray bottle and spray liberally as you would regular insect repellent.
Should I plant catnip in my garden?
These cat-attracting plants are not only fun for your cats, but also can have many benefits. They can be used to make herbal tea or to simply flower in your garden to attract bees. Catnip is also a great plant to have around to use as companion plants to help deter bugs away from your vegetables.
Does catnip get rid of spiders?
Catnip, both blossoming and not, is a very aromatic herb like most types of mint. Spiders strongly dislike the scent of catnip and will avoid yards with large amounts of catnip in them. The downside to having large amounts of catnip around your home, or inside it, is attracting stray cats to come enjoy the free treats.
Does catnip get rid of roaches?
Roaches are sensitive to the chemical nepetalactone, which is the active ingredient in catnip. (Catnip is also a member of the mint family, so this should come as no surprise!) Placing small satchels of catnip around the areas of your home where you’ve seen roaches should keep them at bay.
Do flies like catnip?
Cats love it, but flies hate it! An article published in the Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry reported that catnip oil was 99% effective in repelling the bloodsucking stable flies that attack farm animals including horses and cows.
Are ants attracted to catnip?
Driven Away by Catnip
Felines might adore catnip (Nepeta cataria) to bits, but ants have the complete opposite reaction to it. The mint family herb is hardy in USDA zones 3 through 9. Dried catnip can be handy for keeping ants far away.
Will catnip plant attract cats?
Catnip (Nepeta cataria) is native to Europe and a close relative of the mints (spearmint, peppermint, pennyroyal, etc). Many cats are attracted to the plant or dried herb and the smell can trigger strange behavior patterns.
Do catnip plants keep mosquitoes away?
“These new studies have identified that this extract from catnip is very effective in repelling mosquitos,” said Simon.
Why do mosquitoes hate catnip?
A whiff of catnip can make mosquitoes buzz off, and now researchers know why. The active component of catnip (Nepeta cataria) repels insects by triggering a chemical receptor that spurs sensations such as pain or itch, researchers report March 4 in Current Biology.
What plant is a natural mosquito repellent?
Citronella Grass
Citronella Grass (Lemon Grass)
Known for its distinct smell, citronella grass (or lemon grass) is the most commonly used natural ingredient in mosquito repellants. In fact, the Brooklyn Botanic Garden recommends lemon-scented plants such as citronella grass to keep mosquitoes at bay.
What should not be planted near catnip?
Parsley makes a great companion plant especially for roses, asparagus, some tomatoes, chives, onions, and carrots. Allow parsley to flower to and you’ll attract beneficial insects like parasitic wasps and hoverflies. It is widely reported however that any mints, catnip included should never be grown near parsley.
What happens when you grow catnip in your backyard?
Catnip repels mosquitoes, flies, and other biting bugs – some gardeners say that if you rub a handful of plants on your skin, the oils will repel pests for several hours.
What is the benefit of catnip plant?
Catnip is an aromatic plant that contains antioxidants and volatile compounds like nepetalactone, thymol, and pinene that may have medicinal benefits. Catnip may help relax the body before bed and promote rest. Its calming properties come from its nepetalactone and nepetalactone acid compounds.
What plant keeps bugs away?
Chrysanthemums. This might be the best plant to deter bugs. Ants, Japanese beetles, roaches, bed bugs, spider mites, silverfish, and ticks will stay away if you have some of these around. Some bug repellents use an ingredient in this flower because of how effective it is.
What smell do bugs hate?
Those most closely associated with repellency are citronella oil, eucalyptus oil, and catnip oil, but others include clove oil, patchouli, peppermint, and geranium.
What plant keeps bugs and mice away?
You might try planting these in or around your home to keep the mice away: any type of mint, amaryllis, sweet pea, lavender, daffodils, wood hyacinth (or squill), grape hyacinth, alliums, catnip, camphor plant, elderberry, euphorbias, and wormwood. * Oak and bay leaves are also known to repel rodents.
Do cockroaches like the smell of catnip?
The stuff in catnip that intoxicates tabbies repels cockroaches 100 times better than a powerful insect repellent, scientists said yesterday.
What plant keeps roaches away?
Cockroaches: Several of these fragrant plants will help discourage cockroaches from entering your home, including chrysanthemums, catnip, peppermint, and lavender. Fleas and bedbugs: These itchy insects hate lemongrass, lavender, citronella plants, catnip, and chrysanthemums.