It’s also a good idea to trim shrubs, since many pests, including berry bugs and ticks, like to live in dark areas with high humidity, like under the leaves of bushes, Hottel says. “One or two inexpensive box or oscillating fans placed strategically can help dramatically reduce mosquitoes in localized areas.” “Moving air is a natural enemy of mosquitoes-they are extremely weak fliers and air movement prohibits their flying and their abilities to land,” she says. If mosquitoes are the issue, you can even use fans, Troyano says. “Those objects should be removed or cleaned out frequently, as mosquitoes can breed in just an inch of standing water.” “For mosquitoes, this includes any object that has the potential to hold water,” he says. Trying to suss out what’s attracting those bugs to your outdoor space is important, says Ben Hottel, Ph.D., technical services manager at Orkin. If you want to add some greenery to your outdoor space anyway, it’s kind of a no-lose situation to consider plants known to repel bugs-but it’s important to have realistic expectations, especially if you have a lot of pests to deal with. They won’t wipe out mosquitoes, ticks, or flies for good-no plant really will-but their unique properties may send pests in another direction while simultaneously sprucing up your yard, garden space, or patio. Not sure where to start? Below, we rounded up the plants gardeners love to use to repel annoying bugs. ![]() “It is an arms race between plants and insects, each trying to survive and prosper,” Pereira says. But, of course, plants also need insects to perform cross-pollination so they can survive. ![]() Pereira, Ph.D., an insect research scientist with the University of Florida. “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 Roberto M. ![]() There are 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. 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). When it comes to the inevitable face-off between you and bugs, keeping them away from your immediate vicinity is probably top priority as they thrive during the warmer months.
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