For Immediate Release – April 2, 2002
Garlic Successful as Natural Insect Repellent
Bedford Hills, NY —April 2, 2002—Garlic has been useful as a spice for a very long time, and it is often utilized for an ever-growing list of curative properties. However, the most interesting use for garlic may not be the most well known. Garlic makes a powerful natural insect repellent.
Garlic can be used to repel a variety of crawling and flying insects, including mosquitoes,” according to Patrick Parker , SavATree Plant Health Care Program Director. One treatment with garlic is effective for 2 weeks and can repel insects for up to one month. Moreover, garlic is easy on the environment. Parker states, “It is a natural extract and does not affect insects that are beneficial to suburban landscapes.”
Garlic bulbs contain an amino acid that converts to a substance called allicin when crushed, blended or chopped. The characteristic odor released as a result of this process has powerful properties. “When garlic extract is absorbed by a plant, biochemical changes take place in its foliage which cause it to actively repel insects,” says Parker, “In short, plants are provided with a long-lasting case of ‘garlic breath’ that causes insects to move elsewhere.” However, the treatment is odorless to humans within minutes of application.
Insects are naturally repulsed by the presence of the botanical extract. Therefore, they do not build up a resistance to garlic treatments. Garlic can also be applied to many sensitive trees, shrubs and turf that traditional treatments would harm. Parker added, “I get excited whenever a natural solution produces results that are effective enough to compete on a large scale with synthetic products.”
About SavATree: This premier tree, shrub and lawn care company has been providing environmentally sensible tree, shrub and lawn care to residents, businesses and historic properties for over 20 years. They currently operate in Connecticut, Massachusetts, Maryland, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania and Virginia, and Washington D.C. Industry certified arborists provide clients with expertise in tree care and help clients maintain a healthy, safe and beautiful landscape. Services include pruning, disease diagnosis, removal, insect and mite treatments, organic lawn care, integrated lawn care and more. For more information, please contact us.
