Plants That May Help Repel Bugs Like Mosquitoes, Flies and Spiders

When it comes to the inevitable face-off between you and bugs, keeping them away from your immediate vicinity is probably a top priority as they thrive during the warmer months. While there are always options like pesticides and bug traps, it certainly doesn’t hurt to explore potential natural solutions before trying harsher chemicals (even though they can be necessary with serious infestations).

That’s where plants come in. There is a slew of different herbs, bushes and flowers you can put in your garden or outdoor space that have a solid reputation for keeping bugs away. “Plants are in the business of repelling insects because this is one of the most important ways to avoid insect damage — by feeding,” explains entomologist Dr. Roberto M. Pereira, an insect research scientist with the University of Florida. But, of course, plants also need insects to perform cross-pollination so they can survive. “It is an arms race between plants and insects, each trying to survive and prosper,” Pereira says.

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