Nothing ruins an outdoor party faster than pesky bugs, such as flies, mosquitoes or similar. While you may consider hosing down your backyard with insecticide to get rid of the critters, there's actually no need to resort to that. A few strategically-placed plants of a certain type will help you ward off insects, allowing you to dine or party in the outdoors in peace. Below are ten plants that not only will keep the insects away this coming spring - they're also herbs, which will make your next cookout a whole lot tastier!
Plant some petunias near your vegetable garden or in a window box. They need quite a lot of sunlight, so make sure that they'll get it in the spot you intend to plant them in. They are great for repelling squash bugs, beetles and aphids.
Basil contains oil that kills mosquito eggs. Plant the herb in pots in gathering areas, as this will help ward off flies and mosquitoes.
Marigolds are often planted by farmers to keep pests away from their produce. Make sure yours get plenty of sun though - marigolds love it. They'll help keep mosquitoes and aphids out of your backyard.
While lavender is a heavenly scent for human beings, it is disgusting to flies, moths, and mosquitoes. Planting some lavender is ideal if your backyard gets plenty of sun.
The presence of rosemary in your backyard will repel mosquitoes, as well as prevent any vegetable plants you might have growing from becoming infested.
Apart from its gorgeous smell, mint is great for repelling biting insects. Be aware that it's best planted in pots because it spreads like wildfire if left to its own devices.
Catnip contains nepetalactone, and while it may attract cats, it has the exact opposite effect on bugs and can repel them efficiently.
Chrysanthemums contain a compound called Pyrethrin, which is an ingredient found in many commercial insect repellents designed for keeping mosquitoes, cockroaches, beetles, ticks, and silverfish at bay.
Take your pick between chives, leeks, onions, garlic, scallions, and shallots for this one, because they all fall into the allium group. Plant some of these in your backyard, and you'll soon have pretty purple, white or pink flowers blooming atop high stems. The plants will protect your backyard from slugs, flies, and worms. Beware though - alliums are highly toxic to dogs and cats.
Lemongrass contains an oil called citronella, and that's what gives the plant its citrus-like scent. Seeing as it enjoys plenty of sunlight, lemongrass is best to plant in the summer.
More bug-repelling tips
Content and Image Source: Hello Glow
Spore to Fungi: The Lifecycle of Mushrooms in Fast-Forward
Enjoy this look into one of nature's most incredible shows: the lifecycle of the mushroom in time-lapse over 2 years.
This South African Plant May be the New Cannabis
Is this plant the new cannabis? What will the woolly umbrella plant do for medicine?
Easy Tips for Growing Chamomile in Your Home Garden
Love drinking chamomile tea? Now you can grow the wonderful herb in your garden and make your own chamomile tea.
These 15 Powerful Plant Medicines Are Science Approved
The 15 medicinal plants listed in this article all have a whole host of science-backed health benefits.
Tasty and Healthy: 15 Herbs That Improve Brain Function
What's common among all the following plants is that each can improve the function of the most important organ in your body - the brain.
This Awesome Plant Can Live For More Than 300 Years!
The compass plant can live for over 300 years!
These Sleep Secrets Are Only Known to a Few...
What are the things that will help make your sleep better?
What Happens to Your Breasts When You Don't Wear a Bra
What happens when you don't wear a bra? Here are 8 health benefits of not wearing a bra you may not know about.
We Bet You Didn't Know Bleach Had This Many Different Uses
Bleach is often used to whiten fabrics, disinfect toilets, and clean tiles. However, as you're about to see, bleach has many other alternative uses.
Maintain Your Credibility By Avoiding the Following Words
There are certain words that many of us tend to use habitually. Unfortunately we use them to our detriment, as they harm our credibility. Find out more.
14 Creative Uses for Magnets Around the House
Here are some creative and practical ideas to make use of those unwanted magnets, which will benefit both you and the kids.
17 Common Cleaning Mistakes That Can Ruin Your Bathroom
Keep your bathroom spotless with significantly less effort by avoiding these 17 biggest bathroom cleaning mistakes people make all the time
Here Is the Secret For Making the Perfect Hamburger
This video is for those of you who are hamburger enthusiasts and want to learn everything there is to know about making a savory burger.
Learn the Self-Massage That Treats Back And Neck Pain
Many muscle aches, including back and neck pain, result from muscle bonds called "trigger points" - today you'll learn how to identify and treat these points.
Be Warned! This Battery Could Be a Danger to Your Home
If you use 9V batteries, you need to be aware of this vital information.
Are Your Sofa Cushions Sagging? Here's What to Do
Got saggy sofa cushions? Here's what to do.
Why Your Consumer Brand Loyalty Can Backfire
It happens to all the consumer goods you can imagine...
Learn to Replace a Bathroom Faucet: Step by Step Tutorial
after watching this step by step video tutorial, you’ll know how to replace a bathroom faucet like a real pro...
7 Kinds of Food Known to Cause Adult Acne
There is a significant link between adult acne and diet. These 7 food types are known to cause acne in adults
You Need to Wash Your Towel More Often Than You Think
With all the germs your towels may be harboring, here's how they should be washed.
27 New Life Hacks and DIY Ideas For Your Home
Here are 27 fresh DIY ideas chosen especially for our crafty readers, with some handy wellness tricks sprinkled through the video as well
NEVER Put These 5 Things in the Microwave!
Some things should never go in the microwave, because of the health dangers. Here are 5 things you should keep out of the microwave.
7 Proven Techniques for Testing & Fixing Christmas Lights
Test your holiday lights with these easy fixes.
A Simple, Easy Guide for Writing Your Living Will
It's not something you want to think about, but writing your will is sure to lift a huge burden from your shoulders. Here's a simple guide.
6 Stress-Relieving Cuddly Companions for Your Home
You must have these stress-relieving companions for your home.
DIY: Make Your Own Chemical Free Gel Air Freshener
Gel air fresheners smell wonderful, but they're often filled with chemicals. Make your own chemical-free air freshener with this DIY.
Bored of the Outlet Covers? Here's How to Paint Them Well
In this article, we'll learn how to paint and wallpaper plastic or metal outlet covers effectively and professionally.
20 Great Kitchen Tips That'll Save You On Money and Effort!
Make your kitchen that much more efficient and less time consuming with these 20 great tips that might change your kitchen experience forever.
4 Stylish Haircuts that Take Years Off Your Face
Sometimes, all it takes to look years younger is a change in your hair style and color.
Tutorial: Improving Your Soil's Health Made Easy!
This tutorial will take you on a journey to transform the very foundation of your garden - the soil - without touching your wallet.
How to Beat Knee Pain While Going Up and Down the Stairs
Knee hurts while climbing stairs? These tips might just help.
6 Harmful Types of Mold That Could Be Growing in Your Home
It’s important to identify and prevent these dangerous types of mold in the house.
Quick Tip: Clean the Gunk Out of Your Kitchen Cupboards!
A quick tutorial that teaches how to clean your kitchen cupboards without damaging them.
6 Great Benefits of Waking Up Early
Do you promise yourself that you'll wake up early the next day, but at the moment of truth you hit the snooze button? Stop this with these 11 tips!
Save Money with These 15 Great Fuel Economy Tips
These 15 great tips will help improve your fuel economy, saving you money in the process.
This Is Why You Should NOT Reboil Your Water!
It can be tempting to reboil water for your hot drinks. But when ordinary water is over boiled or reboiled, the chemical compounds change for the worse. Learn about it here.
Tea Is Much More Than a Drink. It Has MANY Other Uses!
Tea isn't just for drinking, it's one of the most helpful materials in the house!
13 Great Secret Hiding Spots That Burglars Will Never Find
Here are a few practical places to properly hide your cash and valuables from professional criminals.
Never Put Your Phone in These 8 Common Places!
If you care about your cell phone and your health, then make sure you never leave your device in any of these places.
Why Buy Candles When You Can Make Your Own at Home?
Why spend money on expensive candles when you can easily make your own? This guide will show you how.
Why You Shouldn’t Use Olive Oil To Fry Or Braise Food
Stovetop cooking is very versatile, but most people are disappointed with this cooking method because they make one of these 10 mistakes...
Who Knew Duct Tape Prevents Blisters & Has All These Uses!
Is any one object more multitasking than duct tape? We really doubt that, and here are just 18 genius ways you can start using it right away
These Stunning Photos of Women in the 1940s Take Me Back
Not much is known about talented Russian Photographer Nina Leen. Throughout her career she produced memorable work, some of which you are about to see here.
Say Goodbye to Your Weeds with These Natural Weed Killers
Trying to find a way to kill your garden weeds without killing your plants? These 8 all-natural weed-killing tips are just what you're looking for!
Transform Your Room with These DIY Painting Tips
Painting your own room may seem like a daunting task. But here are some useful tips that will make the job easier.
Collection: 12 Full Guides to Pet Care!
What can't we feed them? How do we know they're sick? What does their behavior mean? All this and more you'll find in these guides.
13 Ways to Make Your Shoes More Comfortable
These tips will help you adjust your shoes to your feet, and even enhance them to prevent issues like wetness, squeaking, wrinkling, or pain.