What to plant

For the passed couple of years I have had a problem this time of year at the top of my garden with biting flying things, not sure what hey are, kind of like gnats .
I was wondering apart from spraying is there anything I can plant to stop them congregating in their hundreds and attacking me every time I try to garden up there.
I have used the normal anti bug sprays on myself but it's not very nice being covered in them while I'm trying to garden.
Help please

 

I can sympathise there Lyn, we used to get them in north wales, there were days when you couldn't go out. The only relief we found was a second floor balcony as they only swarmed at ground level.

 

Bear in mind I know nowt - but I have heard that Pyrethrum has '... natural insecticidal properties ...' and I recall being told that you had to be a bit careful where you put them in case all the insects (beneficial as well as pesky ones) were 'warned off'.

Just a thought.

 

anti midgie remedy

The Wee beasties are called Midgies up here.
Not wanting to advertise Avon products per-say - but - they sell something now called Soft & Fresh Dry Oil Body Spray. (make sure you get the Green one)
It hit the media a few years ago as an anti mosquito remedy for holidays abroad - it was called Woodland Fresh Dry Oil Body Spray back then.
Lots of guys on Building Sites and Factory workers use it to ward of biting things.

 

Yes i have the Avon spray oil, and yes it does work.
I never go on holiday without it.

I'll look into the Pyrethrum , might just deter them.

Thank you