Six Common Plants That Keep Bugs Away

Summer is winding down and Fall will be here soon. In Waco, Texas, that means football. It means soaking up time outside before the time change and it starts to get dark too soon. It also means bugs. I think my blood attracts mosquitoes. It is sweet or something and I'm like a walking buffet. 

We've been renovating the inside of our house and the outside will come soon. When that time comes, I'm going to be sure to incorporate some plants that are sure to ward off the bugs. Here is a list of six of those plants.

1. Rosemary

Rosemary is not only great for cooking, it repels fleas, ticks, flies and mosquitoes! It can also be used on your pets as a parasite repellent. We had rosemary bushes at our home in Rockwall. They were pretty, fragrant and added great flavor to recipes (our favorite was Rosemary Chicken).

2. Peppermint

The smell of peppermint (which is so lovely) will keep spiders, mosquitoes, ants and other insects away. It has many benefits as well. Peppermint may relieve digestive symptoms, such as gas, bloating and indigestion. Peppermint also acts as a muscle relaxant and pain reliever - it can diminish certain types of headaches. Peppermint may also freshen your breath. Probably my favorite benefit to peppermint is that it may relieve clogged sinuses. It has antibacterial, antiviral and anti-inflammatory properties. Because of the menthol in peppermint, steam from peppermint tea can also help with clogged sinuses. Drinking peppermint tea may also improve energy levels and reduce daytime fatigue. Because of the muscle relaxant properties, drinking peppermint tea can also help relieve menstrual cramps (can I get an amen?). These are just a few benefits of peppermint. 

3. Catnip

This perennial herb is related to mint, and grows readily both as a weed and a commercially cultivated plant in most areas of the US. While catnip will repel mosquitoes in close proximity to the plant, some people apply crushed catnip leaves or catnip oil for more robust protection. Side note: we have a neighborhood cat that likes to hang out in the backyard and taunt our dog, Bella. Said cat will love it if we plant some catnip. 

4. Marigold

Marigolds are so bright and cheerful and will add some great color to the yard. They are hardy annual plants that have a distinctive smell which mosquitoes find particularly offensive. Marigolds contain Pyrethrum, a compound used in many insect repellents. 

5.  Basil

Another great herb for cooking, basil repels both house flies and mosquitoes. 

6. Lavender

Lavender is another colorful flower that will add some pizzazz to your outdoor space. While we love the smell, lavender will repel moths, fleas, flies and mosquitoes. 

Bonus: Eucalyptus Oil

I'm not sure the eucalyptus flower would survive here in Waco, Texas. It sure is pretty though. I believe it thrives in Australia. Eucalyptus oil is a natural remedy for repelling snakes and mosquitoes though.