No See Ums

[Hirtle Family]

Hi, I'm visiting my son and daughter-in-law in Clarksville, TN. They live in a lovely area with a forested green space behind their home. They are troubled with pesky flies called "noseeum"--or that's the name they use. What could they do to reduce the influence of these flies? I suggested planting garlic, or growing garlic on their deck, where they have so much trouble. Would that work? Other ideas?

Thanks! :(

[Kathe Kitchens]

Citronella spray once every two weeks works really well. Planting garlic won't help much but society garlic in that part ofthe country should grow well and look beautiful. Releasing the oil fromthe bulbs is what helps repel the insects. Other insect repelling plants are citrosa, marigolds, rosemary, basil, mints, tansy, sage, rue and a ton of others. In Clarksville, they should have good luck with almost any of these in pots so long as they get shade part of the day and plenty of water.

"No see 'em"s is the collective reference to all the tiny little critters that love to plague us by air, land and water. Gnats, mites and other tiny insects are in this category. They are so small, we don't see them but we sure do feel their bites! :roll: :lol:

Hope this helps!
Kathe

[Hirtle Family]

Thanks so much Kathe--I can't wait to share your response with my daughter-in-law. We'll get some of the plants you suggested and let you know how things worked!

Jeannine

[Health Helper]

My sister owns property in southern Missouri and noseeums and triangle bugs are always around and biting. Her solution is not to eliminate them (which is impossible in more than a small area), but instead she has a basket of hand wicker fans for people to grab when they go out for a walk (works great to keep them off your neck and face). She also keeps an oscillating fan blowing on the porch when we sit out which keeps them at bay.