Bugs inevitably find their way into your home -- usually the kitchen -- but you don't need an expensive exterminator or harmful chemicals to keep insects at bay. Before you reach for a can of Raid, consider houseplants to keep ants, beetles, flies and other annoying insects away from your living spaces. You may not have considered using houseplants to rid your home of bugs, but some common herbs and other plants act as an all-natural repellants.
As a bonus, these plants add visual charm to your home and some can be used to add flavor to your cooking or cocktails. Below you'll find six houseplants known to deter insects naturally. Read more: This Houseplant Cleans Air 30 Times Better Than a Typical Plant For more, see the best plants for cooling the air in your home, find out which plants are easiest to keep alive and peruse our list of the best places to buy plants online .
Herbs Herbs can do double duty as flavor enhancers and bug repellents. Potent herbs like basil, mint, sage and rosemary are great for topping spaghetti or making mojitos, but their scent stops insects like house and fruit flies from coming near. Consider lining a sunny kitchen window with a few of your favorite food and drink garnishes.
Not only will the bugs stay away, but you'll enjoy the benefits of fresh herbs year-round and without the hefty price tags found in most supermarkets. Pro tip: Lemongrass contains citronella oil, which is often used in candles and sprays to repel mosquitos. Marigold Marigol.