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Repel Bugs Naturally!

April 25, 2019

Are you an insect magnet? If you aren’t, you probably know one. Insect magnets attract annoying insects the second they walk outdoors — or so it seems.

If this describes you, take comfort in knowing that one of the ways you can fight back against mosquitoes, gnats, flies, no-see-ums and other pesky bugs doesn’t have to involve covering yourself with a sticky spray or engaging in chemical warfare.
For those who would like to give the natural route a try, below is a list of pest repelling plants and herbs.

Marigolds

The scent of a marigold will deter plant lice, mosquitoes, and even rabbits. Plant these in flower beds near your front or back doors, or even in your vegetable garden to keep rabbits and mosquitoes from harming your plants.

Chrysanthemums

This might be the best plant to deter bugs. Ants, Japanese beetles, roaches, bed bugs, spider mites, silverfish, and ticks will stay away if you have some of these around. Some bug repellents use an ingredient in this flower because of how effective it is. These flowers deter:

  • Ants
  • Japanese beetles
  • Roaches
  • Bed bugs
  • Spider mites
  • Ticks
  • Silverfish
  • Harlequin bugs
  • Lice

Mint

Mint plants can repel spiders, ants, and mosquitoes. But be careful when you plant mint because these plants spread rapidly!

Basil

Repel mosquitoes and houseflies with this wonderful herb. Maybe even put some plants by your backdoor to discourage them from getting inside, and have easy access to basil when you want to cook with it.

Citronella grass

Everyone knows this is an ingredient in mosquito repellents, but a lot of people don’t know it’s a grass. Plant this grass in gardens, or have it in planters near your doors to keep mosquitoes and flying insects from getting inside when you open the door.

Lavender

Gnats and mosquitoes hate a smell that so many people love. Plant it near windows and doors so the scent wafts into your home.

Chives

Japanese beetles and carrot rust flies won’t want to stick around your property if you have chives growing.

Petunias

Add color to your yard while repelling asparagus beetles, leafhoppers, various kinds of aphids, tomato worms, and a variety of other pests.

Bay leaves

This plant will repel flies, and if you have a roach problem you can use these to deter roaches in your kitchen.

Garlic

Known for its health benefits and seasoning, garlic plants deter Japanese beetles, root maggots, carrot root flies, codling moths, and can be planted near roses to repel aphids from eating your flowers.

Rosemary

Rosemary will protect your vegetable plants by repelling a wide variety of bugs that will want to feed on the plants you’re growing and plan to eat. Keep them back with rosemary.

Source: https://trugreenmidsouth.com/blog/11-garden-plants-keep-bugs-away/

To read more about pest repelling plants visit Wikipedia:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_pest-repelling_plants