Laurel for pests of weevils, aphids, ants or mosquitoes

The Laurel , Laurus nobilis , is a tree native to the Mediterranean area . which usually measures between 10 and 15 meters in height. It has very aromatic elongated evergreen leaves with a dark green hue. It blooms in spring giving small yellow flowers that are grouped in clusters.

Traditionally, laurel has been used for its medicinal properties to make natural remedies that were used in popular medicine. In addition, its excellent culinary properties have been used very well, including bay leaves in many traditional recipes of the cuisine of the Mediterranean peoples.

But this time we are going to focus on how to use laurel to repel and combat pests in orchards and gardens in an ecological way . I also recommend that you read other interesting articles on organic garden as well as the sowing calendar .

Bay leaves to prevent pests in the garden and garden

Bay leaves have eugenol, limonene, alfaterpineol, sabinene, cineol, linalol and alfapineno in their composition. These components give the laurel repellent action against some insects, insects that can become pests or that can cause diseases in horticultural or ornamental plants in orchards and gardens.

We can use bay leaves to repel or combat:

• Aphids
• Weevils (even to keep them away from cereals already harvested and stored)
• Ants
• Flies
• Mosquitoes

In addition to repelling and combating these pests, the laurel attracts ladybugs or vaquitas, excellent allies of the gardeners.

Join other gardeners who are already enjoying their organic gardens with the help of our book «Urban gardens and flower beds»  in which you will find a lot of useful information on urban organic gardening, get it now!

How to prepare and use laurel as a natural remedy in the garden

You only need 300 grams of fresh bay leaves (if you use dried leaves, 200 grams will be enough) for every 10 liters of water.

Put the bay leaves in a large-capacity bucket or container. You can cut the leaves in half if you wish. Add two liters of boiling water and cover the bucket. When it has cooled add the other 8 liters remaining, cover partially and let it rest for 48 hours in a cool, dark place.

Once that time has elapsed, strain and store in a refrigerated place. In the fridge it will last you up to a month.

To use it to prevent pests you can spray the plants with a dilution of one part of the bay leaf macerate with two parts of water. Spray for two weeks in a row in the late afternoon. Then let it rest for at least another two weeks before repeating again.

If you are going to use it when there is already a plague in your garden or garden, dilute this macerate in equal parts with water. Then spray the plants to be treated every 3 days. Do it in the late afternoon.

You can also use bay leaves to repel clothes moths . You just need to put some bay leaves around the closet and the moths won’t come near.

Laurel essential oil is another natural remedy to repel flies and mosquitoes. Apply a little of this oil on walls, pieces of paper or cloth in areas where these flies or mosquitoes can enter the house, such as windows.

SHARE THIS ARTICLE!