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.
Sniffing Rosemary Can Help Improve Your Memory
For hundreds of years, Rosemary has been thought to improve memory. A study carried out by researchers from Northumbria University has shown that it does.
How to Revive Your Plants to Shiny Green Again
To help you out, we've put together a comprehensive guide that covers eight signs of plant sickness and provides solutions to restore their health and beauty.
14 Plants in the Most Artful, Unique, and Quirky Pots
These perfectly-paired pots and plants will light up any garden.
Bring Positive Energy to Your Home With These Lucky Plants
Feng shui experts say that these plants will bring good luck and positive energy to your home.
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.
10 Surprising Uses for Honey Outside the Kitchen!
While honey may be an essential ingredient to add to your diet, there are a number of other surprising uses for it too.
Testing 10 Amazon Phone Gadgets: Are They Any Good?
Are these phone gadgets as good as advertised? Let's check it out.
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
These Handy Stand Mixer Tips Made A Massive Difference...
A cooking mixer is an important appliance in any kitchen. If you employ these 9 tips, we guarantee you'll fall in love with your even more.
Discover 7 Ways to Make Your Home Smell Great
Check out these seven wonderful ways to keep your home smelling clean and fresh without breaking the bank!
Get Rid of Your Dog's Worms Using These 10 Home Remedies
At some point in their lives, most dogs will suffer from intestinal worms. Should this happen to your dog, here are 10 home remedies to help deworm them.
10 Excellent Uses for Mayonnaise Around the House!
Mayonnaise is a great complimentary condiment for food, but did you know there are multiple non-food-related uses for this kitchen staple?
These Handy Tools Are On a Whole Other Level!
Watch some of the most brilliant and helpful tools out there.
16 Survival Gadgets for Any Emergency Situation
These cool gadgets can be extremely useful in any emergency situation.
Waste No More: 6 Great Ways to Use Fruit & Veggie Peels
If you want to save both money and reduce your waste, remember these 6 practical and delicious ideas for what you can do to utilize your fruit and vegetable leftovers to the max.
Watch Out for These 10 Fake Plastic Foods Made in China
China is a manufacturing behemoth responsible for many great products, but also some horrible ones too. The following 10 fake foods are seriously dangerous.
8 Pressure Points for Improving Memory and Concentration
Whenever you feel stress starting to affect your concentration, or if you just want to improve your memory, try these 8 points ...
Whoa! I Never Knew an Empty Plastic Bottle was So Useful
When you've finished with the contents of a plastic bottle, don't throw the bottle away as it can be used for so many different things.
DIY Secrets: Make Your Own, Home-Made Ziploc Bags!
This video will teach you how to make your own home-made Ziploc bags.
Did You Know Vinegar Has a Whole Range of Different Uses?
Watching this video will make you love vinegar more than you ever did before - it has loads of different uses around the house.
If You Wear These Shoes Often, You Are Damaging Your Feet
Wearing these shoes often can damage your feet!
10 Reasons Why Your Nonstick Cookware Is SO Short-Lasting
Here are 10 common cooking and maintenance mistakes that can ruin nonstick cookware for you to avoid in the future!
The Best Time of Day to Eat Healthy Foods!
In this article we have outlined the best time of the day to indulge in some of your favorite foodstuffs.
Knowing These 12 Things Could Save Your Life One Day
We hope that you’ll never need to use any of these tips, but in case you do, they will help you or others survive 12 life-threatening situations.
Stunning! The Evolution of Beauty From 1952 to Today
Our definition of beauty may change as years go by but these pictures prove that true beauty is timeless.
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.
10 Tips to Washing Your Car the Right Way
Here are a few tips on how to effectively wash your car without damaging the paint or leaving marks.
This is the Right Way to Load a Dishwasher For Best Results
What's the best way to load your dishwasher? Find out in this guide.
Never Struggle to Get Out of Bed Again with These Tips
Do you have difficulty getting out of bed in the morning? If so, you can add some much needed energy to your mornings by taking heed of these simple tips.
Before You Buy: 8 Important Tips When Buying New Clothes
In this article, we'll discuss the difference between natural and synthetic fabrics as well as 9 essential tips for evaluating the quality and comfort of fabrics.
These Healthy Vegetables Are Very Easy to Grow In a Pot
If you grow your own vegetables at home, you can both eat healthier and save money. These 10 vegetables don't even need a garden to grow perfectly well.
Make Your Home Look Expensive With These Low-Cost Tips
Transform the look of your home with these low-cost tips and tricks.
Life Tips: How to Take Back Control from Unbearable People
Are selfish people driving you up the wall? This handy guide will help you to identify a selfish person, and show you how to effectively deal with them.
Step by Step – Learn 36 Interesting Facts About Walking!
What are the benefits of speed walking and how long would it take to walk around the planet? Learn this and much more now!
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...
These Winter Skincare Solutions Are Utterly Genius
The winter can take its toll on your skin, but that doesn't mean that you can't rectify problems quickly and easily. Find out about these 10 genius solutions.
A Beginner's GUIDE to Sculpting with Clay
This guide will be your comprehensive introduction to the world of sculpting, with a focus on traditional clay modeling.
How to Clean Your Jewels at Home for Free
Enjoying clean jewels used to be a tedious chore, or an expensive visit to the jeweler's, but this way you can do it at home, for free!
The BEST Craft Idea For the Little Princesses in Your Life
Make this cute princess charm you can hang on a bag, and it's both easy and fun!
39 Smart Cleaning Tips You Just Have to Try
You can never know enough about cleaning. In This Video you can finds 39 great cleaning tips to make your life much simpler.
Maintain Your Brain: 15 Methods to Improve Brain Function
Like our muscles, the brain can also be strengthened and maintained in excellent condition, with proper practice. Learn 15 simple ways to train your brain today!
7 Cleaning Mistakes You Probably Make Every Single Day
These unhealthy washing up mistakes are very common, yet it's very easy to learn how to clean up properly. This could save you and your family from illness.
7 Streaming Services You’ve Probably Never Heard Of
Looking for an alternative to Netflix, Amazon Prime, Disney+? Try these underrated streaming services.
Boost Your Happiness in These 22 Small, Easy Ways
Do these little things every day, to make you feel happy.
All 11 of These Ordinary Items Have Clever Hidden Features
Not only is it fun to find out the purpose of these secret features, but it’s also quite useful to know them!
Spend the Money on These Items and They'll Last a Lifetime
There are certain items that we shouldn't be afraid of spending a bit more on, and this is because paying for quality will ensure they last us a lifetime.