Gardeners urged to plant 12 flowers now to banish insects from your home

To avoid dealing with the annoying mosquitoes this summer, gardening experts have named the 12 plants that will help you keep any insects away from your outdoor spaces – and it works.

The long, hot days of summer are glorious with many households throwing open their patio doors and windows. But along with the extra heat comes the influx of flies which often feel like they are buzzing around you endlessly until September.

Although insects can be quite beneficial to some plants, they can also be quite harmful. When the mercury cranks up, and you’ve got fresh produce, tons of bugs and mosquitoes are flying around hunting for nutrients during the hot temperatures.

And to top it off, they aren’t fussy and are likely to land on all sorts of food in your kitchen, or outside if you’re eating al-fresco. While for some it could be tempting to reach for a chemical spray aimed at clearing flies from an area, there could be a far easier solution.

According to Country Living, introducing these 12 plants will act as a natural deterrent to the flying pests who know no boundaries.

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12 plants pests cannot stand

Just like citronella candles are used outdoors at night to help keep mosquitoes away, citronella grass pretty much does the same thing. Did you know the oil from the leaves and stems is quite useful?

Garden lifestyle expert Carmen Johnston said: “Citronella is by far the most popular plant that repels mosquitoes. It has a very pungent odour.”

“I often place this in small eight-inch terracotta pots and mix it with my centrepieces when entertaining outdoors,” she added. Carmen explained that gardeners can use clippings mixed with the arrangement or simply use the citronella itself as the centrepiece.

In the gardening world, petunias are ‘nature’s pesticide.’ Not only do their vibrant colours illuminate any outdoor space, but they can prevent aphids from mosquitoes coming into your area.

Peyton Lambton, lifestyle expert and star of My New Old House, said: “Petunias are very easy to grow, and you can plant them in the ground or keep them potted.

The gardening guru said petunias love the sun and recommended buying transplants and putting them in the light to keep the soil well-drained.

Lavender has a lot of benefits. Not only does it look good, but it smells divine. But did you know it can also keep mosquitoes far away from your beautiful blooms?

Carmen added: “Lavender has a fragrant smell that deters mosquitoes. I have this planted in clusters at the entryway of my garden, and I love their purple blooms.”

When it comes to the perfect time to plant these, she recommended doing it during the summer when the weather is hot and dry.

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Colourful and edible, Nasturtiums are also the perfect add-on, as they also help other plants in your garden. Of course, Nasturtiums also repel bugs.

Chris Lambton, a professional landscaper, and star of My New Old House (and also Peyton’s husband), added: “They produce an airborne chemical that repels insects, protecting not only themselves but other plants in the grouping.”

He recommended gardeners to plant Nasturtiums during the early spring in “moist, well-drained soil in full sun.” Chris also said that they should be watered regularly and deadheaded to ensure their blooms.

Just like Lavender, Rosemary is a favourite. Not only is it edible, but mosquitoes and wasps can’t stand its smell – but humans do.

Carmen explained: “This one is another plant perfect for summer heat because it likes to be dry.” The gardening expert said that they can be in containers, but they also perform well as a hedge.

Basils are a staple in many households, and the good thing about this plant is that it can be grown indoors and outdoors by also keeping bugs away.

Chris mentioned: “It’s an annual herb and repels houseflies and mosquitoes. Ensure that the plant gets six to eight hours of full sun daily, and its soil should be moist and well-drained.”

Carmen also suggested people use basil leaves as a natural remedy to ease the itchiness from mosquito bites. To do so, she said to roll a few leaves between the hands to release the oil and apply them where in the affected area.

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The smell of mint leaves is very refreshing, and a natural repellent for mosquitoes and ants. It’s a great plant to have near dining areas or pathways.

Peyton said: “Mint is easy to grow, but once established in a garden, it can be tricky to remove. Plant it in a pot instead and frequently pick its leaves to keep the plant at its best.”

The expert said the plant can also be grown indoors during winter months as it will keep the flies outside.

Marigolds are pretty, but some people can’t stand their smell. But don’t worry, mosquitoes hate it, as well. If you don’t mind their distinctive smell, experts suggest planting Marigolds around the vegetable patch.

Their gorgeous colour might attract bees and butterflies, but they will keep away any pests that may harm your fresh product.

Although there aren’t many in the UK, Eucalyptus are a winner when it comes to keeping mosquitoes as far away as possible. The RHS site said: “The small fluffy flowers are rich in nectar, so are a magnet for bees and other pollinating insects.”

RHS advised gardeners to plant their trees in a sheltered location. They added: “Most will grow happily in a large container until they grow too large for their confines.”

Similarly to Eucalyptus, Lantana plants aren’t spotted in the UK, but this beautiful arrangement can be grown outdoors to soak up as much sunlight as possible.

Lantana leaves, and flowers release a strong smell when rubbed or crushed. However, they must be dealt with caution as they can irritate the skin.

Monarda, also known as bee plants, bergamot, or Oswego tea, are rich in oil. Their vibrant colours are the perfect addition to any garden space, and their aroma is just so refreshing.

The RHS wrote: “They combine well with other perennials and grasses, especially in prairie-style plantings.” Monardas can be indoors or outdoors, where they will keep any insects away.

Unlike the Lantana, Monarda leaves can be crushed and applied to the skin as a natural mosquito repellent.

Last but not least, Ageratum is a reliable bedding plant whose smell used as an insecticide that mosquitoes hate. It’s also easy to grow, as they only need to be kept moist and in a sunny spot.

Although mosquitoes can’t stand the smell, butterflies and bees don’t mind the scent. It’s also good to know the plant is toxic – therefore, keep your pets away!