While we all understand the importance of insects in a functioning ecosystem, we often don’t want the bad ones on us or on our plants! Ususally, we think the only way to fix the problem is through spraying gross chemicals on our bodies and around the home.

These are 12 plants to grow to repel bad bugs.

Herbs

1. Basil

Basil is a wonderful herb many of us use for cooking. Basil is great for repelling house flies and mosquitoes. Put it near your house doors and outdoor seating.

2. Lavender

This plant is wonderful to smell! It also is great at repelling moths, fleas, flies, and mosquitoes. You can put this in your home and even in your clothing drawers.

3. Lemongrass

Citronella is often used in candles and sprays to keep away mosquitoes. Lemongrass contains naturally occurring citronella and is great for repelling those bloodsuckers.

4. Lemon thyme

The herb is great at growing in dry and rocky soil. This is a great one to grow in beds or hard locations. Simply bruise a few of its leaves to repel mosquitoes!

5. Mint

Mint is great to grow in a pot because it spread easily. Putting mint cuttings in mulch can help broccoli, cabbage, and turnips. You can also put some in tea and salads!

6. Sage

Sage can be tossed into a campfire or backyard fire to scent the smoke and keep bugs away. It also creates a wonderful smell!

Ornamental Flowers

7. Alliums

Allium is found is quite a few plants and flowers. These flowers are great at repelling garden vegetable menaces like slugs, aphids, and caterpillars.

8. Chrysanthemums

If you don’t like roaches, ants, silverfish, and spiders, grow these incredible flowers. They contain an ingredient called pyrethrum and it is great at killing flying and jumping bugs.

9. Petunias

Petunias should be grown if you want to get rid of aphids, hornworms, and squash bugs. They are beautiful and provide wonderful value to a garden!

10. Marigolds

The scent of marigolds can repel aphids and even rabbits! The roots can also repel nematodes but that takes at least a year of growth.

11. Geraniums

Leafhoppers and mosquitoes are sure to leave you alone if you plant some of this! When in bloom, the lemony scent keeps bugs away and keeps you happy.

12. Floss flowers

The chemical coumarin is often used in bug repellent sprays and happens to be inside floss flowers. If you want to keep biting pests out of your yard plant these pretty plants.

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Source: MNN