Here in Singapore, keeping bugs and mosquitoes at bay is a top priority. For pest control that will actually make your outdoor space look better, here are five pretty plants that will not just repel mosquitoes and bugs, but will also keep your outdoor/indoor space looking better.

Whether you introduce pots of lavender outside your front door or start planting citronella grass in your planters, these multi-tasking plants are both pretty and serve a purpose. For the best mozzie-repelling effect, be sure to position the plants as close as possible to the area you want bug-free.

Citronella Grass – is the most popular plant that repels mosquitoes and it is the fragrant oil from the plant that is used to make citronella candles. The plant requires filtered sunlight and prefers to be planted in a loamy potting mix.

Lemongrass – closely related to citronella, this plant repels mosquitoes, but is also edible. It can grow three- to five-feet tall and adds lots of extra height and privacy to your garden, balcony or outside your apartment door, so be sure to plant it in a larger container and place it in a sunny spot.

Petunia – This beautiful blooming perennial is sometimes known as nature’s pesticide, because it can repel aphids, tomato hornworm, asparagus beetles, leafhoppers, and squash bugs. Petunias are very easy to grow and you can plant them in the ground or keep them potted. They like the sun, and should be potted in well-drained soil in full sun.

Lavender – has a beautiful scent that deters mosquitoes. It likes to be hot and dry, so place it in an area that receives full sunlight and be sure to use well draining potting mix.

Rosemary – this easy to care for plant not only adds flavour to your dishes, it also helps keep the bugs away. The scent of this herb is hated by mozzies, so if your neighbourhood is having a mosquito problem, do consider having this herb in your house. Rosemary thrive in warm, humid environments like well-drained, sandy soil and at least six to eight hours of sunlight a day.

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