Plants That Keep Bugs Away Bugs can be an annoyance in the summer months while trying to enjoy time outside. Pests such as mosquitoes, ticks, fleas, aphids, and flies are all on the list of bugs to avoid. Unfortunately, the common solution to getting rid of these pests is turning to harmful chemicals. Avoid those chemicals by adding specific plants that naturally deter annoying insects into your garden. Try one or all of these substitutes out and learn what works best for you! Peppermint can keep away spiders, ants and mosquitoes. If growing peppermint be sure to keep it in a container, as it can spread rapidly in a garden. Peppermint is used to repel pests by crushing the leaves of the plant to release the odor. Peppermint oil can also be mixed with water to be sprayed in areas where pests are present. Peppermint Rosemary is a great option for when you want to be left alone while enjoying a campfire. You can add dried rosemary directly into the fire, its incense deters mosquitoes. Rosemary is also great when planted to repel ticks and fleas. For added protection, rub the plant on pets and on your skin, the oils from rosemary will keep those nasty pests away. Roesmary Essential oils within the lavender plant are great for deterring mosquitoes, moths, fleas, ants and flies. To protect yourself from these insects, rub the plant on your skin to release the oils or mix essential oil with water to make a bug spray. Growing lavender in your garden or in a pot on your patio can also help with keeping bugs away. Lavender Lemon balm is a natural bug repellant especially known for keeping mosquitoes away. Similar to mint, it can be invasive therefore keep it in a container. Grow it where you notice bugs the most to keep them away from those areas. Lemon balm is great to have on hand when bugs come out, crush a few leaves together and rub them on your exposed skin. Lemon Balm Basil keeps bugs like houseflies and mosquitoes out of your way. Grow it in your garden as a companion plant, scatter basil leaves on the ground or burn dried basil as an incense. Basil can also be crushed and rubbed on exposed skin to deter insects from biting you while you are enjoying the outdoors. Basil.