Lemon Balm (Melissa officinalis) Among the insects attracted to lemon balm are tachinid flies, hoverflies and parasitic wasps. It is also said to repel mosquitos if you rub it on your skin. Lemon balm can work as a pest repellant.
Does lemon balm attract insects?
Lemon Balm
The lemon scent, which repels the bugs, is powerful. It rubs off very well onto the skin. Lemon balm repels mosquitoes and gnats.
What does lemon balm attract?
When lemon balm flowers, it brings in bees and butterflies and other beneficial pollinators. (Check out other plants I recommend to attract pollinators here.)
How do you keep bugs off lemon balm?
Witch hazel.
Many brands include lemon or lavender-scented witch hazel, both of which are excellent options for this lemon balm insect repellent. Optional: citronella essential oil. Citronella candles are one of the most popular backyard methods to deter unwanted mosquitoes.
Is lemon balm invasive?
Lemon balm is part of the mint family, and spreads just like mint and become very invasive.
What bugs does lemon balm attract?
Lemon Balm (Melissa officinalis)
Among the insects attracted to lemon balm are tachinid flies, hoverflies and parasitic wasps. It is also said to repel mosquitos if you rub it on your skin. Lemon balm can work as a pest repellant.
What does lemon balm keep away?
Lemon balm contains a compound called citronellal, which has an effect similar to the mosquito repellent citronella. The lemony scent of lemon balm is also one that mosquitoes don’t love, which makes it a perfect addition to your mosquito-repellent plant collection.
Why should I plant lemon balm?
Lemon balm is not commonly affected by pests or disease. In fact, this herb can actually repel some pests from the garden. It contains a chemical compound called citronellal, which is repellent to many bugs, and this is what gives it its delightful lemony scent.
Why you need lemon balm in your garden?
Lemon Balm Repels Annoying Bugs
This herb has the ability to repel ants, mosquitoes, and flies with its high amount of compounds that resemble the scent of citronella.
Is lemon balm beneficial in the garden?
Lemon balm companion planting is a real boon in the garden, as this perennial herb attracts bees and other beneficial pollinators, while the strong, citrusy odor deters several unwelcome pests, including gnats and mosquitoes. Some gardeners even claim that lemon balm helps keep weeds in check.
Does lemon balm attract aphids?
Aphids are attracted to new lemon balm growth almost 100% of the time.
Is lemon balm toxic to dogs?
Lemon balm, known scientifically as Melissa officinalis, is a non-toxic herb that can be used on dogs, cats, and even horses. As a supplement for your dog, lemon balm has many benefits that may help with several different conditions.
Does lemon balm come back every year?
Container Growing Lemon Balm
Winter growing: Cut back lemon balm in fall leaving just 2 inches of stem. The plant may freeze back to the ground in winter but will re-grow from underground roots and renew itself in spring.
Will lemon balm choke out other plants?
It chokes out other weeds very well. I have found one thing that seems to be even more aggressive in its spread than lemon balm and that is those wild orangeread more.
How do you keep lemon balm under control?
The most effective way to keep lemon balm in bounds is to prevent the plant from going to seed. One way to accomplish this is to shear the plant two or three times every year so it doesn’t bloom. Don’t worry; cutting the plant back won’t hurt it.
Does lemon balm repel ants?
Lemon Balm
This member of the mint family emits a clean lemon scent. Mosquitoes don’t like it. Neither do flies and ants.
Does lemon balm repel spiders?
Lemon Balm
It has a strong smell, one you’ll enjoy, but two particular pests don’t like it: spiders and fruit flies. This can create an absence of not only spiders but one of their prey, removing an incentive for them being indoors anyways. It’s easy to grow.
What plant keeps insects away?
Here are some of the most common pests that house plants can be used to help deter: Mosquitoes: A variety of plants and herbs keep these pesky flying insects away, including citronella plants, lemongrass, basil, mint, sage, rosemary, marigolds, lavender, and catnip.
Does lemon balm repel fleas?
Lemon Balm to Repel Fleas (Melissa officinalis)
This plant is a good repellent for mosquitos, and can make a great extract for a bug spray. Fleas, ticks, and mosquitos all hate the smell and taste of citrus-smelling plants, and they won’t go near you or your pet if they smell lemon balm around you.
Does lemon balm attract bees?
Lemon balm is a great plant to use as a border to a garden because not only will it emit its fragrant lemony odor when brushed, but it will attract bees into the garden.
Are lemon balm and citronella the same thing?
Lemon Balm is a herb that is praised by many for its mosquito and other insect repelling abilities! Some refer to this plant as Citronella Balm.