Summer is bug season no matter where you live. Ants, mosquitos, beetles, you name it -- when the weather warms, insects come out to play, eat and bite. To combat bug takeovers, there are a few common houseplants that act as natural bug repellants, keeping spiders and other bugs at bay.
You may not have considered using houseplants to rid your home of bugs, but some act as an all-natural way keep insects out of your kitchen and home. So what are the best plants to keep bugs away? 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 how to keep plants alive for longer 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 Marigolds give off a potent scent that not all critters enjoy.
The yellow-and-orange-hued flower.