Natural Bug Repellents – Plants to Help Keep Bugs at Bay

Mosquitoes, ants and spiders are just a few of the unwanted guests can put a damper on your summer fun. Luckily for us, there are quite a few plants that provide a natural alternative to dousing your home or yard with gallons of smelly chemical insecticides.

In any battle, choosing the correct weapon is the key to winning the war. That means knowing which plants and where to use them will help maximize their benefit and keep bugs from ruining your weekend party plans. Herbs are a wonderful way to pump up the flavor in our cooking, but you may not realize that some of these herbs can also provide a terrific solution against bothersome pests like ants, mosquitoes and roaches.

Mint

Just like clockwork, every summer these armies of tiny six-legged soldiers march their way through your home, usually setting up camp near or around a water source like your kitchen or bathroom sink. Once they’re settled in, it can be extremely difficult to convince them to go. One easy way to discourage the ants from turning your home into their home is to plant a container or bed of peppermint, spearmint, or any other type of mint plant you prefer near your home. The oils and scent of the mint plant is a natural ant deterrent.

Rosemary

One of the best things about this time of the year is enjoying a romantic dinner meal under the stars. However, spending the night fighting off platoons of pesky mosquitoes can quickly zap all the fun from your outdoor dining experience. The good news is the solution to this pest problem may be sitting in your spice cabinet. Most of us are familiar with the herb rosemary. Not only does it make chicken and potatoes taste divine, it has the power to stop those annoying mosquitoes in their tracks. Plant a couple rosemary plants nearby in decorative terracotta pots and not only will you get to enjoy their delightful fragrance, but you will ensure it’s just you and your sweetheart dining together.

If you’re looking for some wonderful double duty plants that will bring a punch of color to your garden along with the added benefit of a natural bug repellent, you will definitely want to consider these flowering plants.

Marigolds

Marigolds are one of the hardest working plants in the garden. Not only do they look incredible with their vivid orange, yellow and red blooms, but they are edible and said to be useful as a medicinal herb for treating a variety of minor ailments. As if all that wasn’t enough to make you want to plant a couple dozen of these beauties, marigolds are considered to be a natural insect repellent for a variety of pests including flies and mosquitoes. They are also great for attracting beneficial critters like ladybugs and butterflies.

Lavender

With it’s aroma and vibrant purple flowers lavender is a beautiful addition to any home garden. They work great as colorful container plants to dress up a front porch or backyard patio. Just like mint, ants dislike the oils and fragrance of the lavender plant, making them the perfect for using near your home or in a kitchen window to keep these miniature menaces away.  As an added bonus, lavender also helps chase away pesky mosquito and fleas.




So plant a few of these helpful plants and herbs around your home and garden and let them take care of those annoying creepy crawlies!