how to get rid of flies in potted plants

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7 houseplants to help keep insects out of your home

From basil to a Venus fly trap…

houseplants to keep insects away

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Summer is a great time with plenty of sunshine, picnics and gardening. On the other hand, it's also the season when more flies and other insects enter the home, which can be incredibly annoying.

To help you out, Thejoyofplants.co.uk has revealed the houseplants that can help to keep bugs at bay, from basil to a Venus fly trap. So rather than reaching for the bug spray or insect repellent, incorporate these plants into your home for a more eco-friendly way to keep pest outs.

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Basil

If you want to keep those pesky flies and mosquitoes away then try keeping basil in your home. The herb has been used for pest control since ancient times, due to its strong aroma and oil. As a bonus, it also makes for a tasty garnish.

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Lavender

Lavender is a good natural choice for keeping bugs at bay. Not only does the herb smell amazing but also repels flies, beetles and even fleas. This is due to the lavender oil. And if that wasn't enough, the plant looks great as a table decoration.

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Rosemary

You may just think of rosemary as a wonderful ingredient to dishes, but the herb is also great for repelling bugs. Its intense fragrance will ward off irritating gnats and midges. It's best to keep an entire rosemary plant in your kitchen – close at hand for cooking but also useful for keeping bugs out of your house.

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Lemon balm

What makes lemon balm so effective as an insect repellent is its high levels of a compound called citronellal. So rather than using toxic chemical repellents, just place a lemon balm plant in your home to keep bugs away.

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Sage

Sage's strong smell and oil both act in repelling mosquitoes and flies. Keep a sage plant in your home, and then take cuttings and burn them once the leaves are dried out. This is particularly good for when you're entertaining alfresco.

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Common marigold

The scent of common marigold deters flies, gnats, mosquitoes and midges. So there's no need to buy mosquito spray when you have this natural, bright and beautiful insect repellent.

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Carnivorous plants

One of the more obvious ways to banish flies is to buy a Venus fly trap, or Dionaea. Carnivorous plants lure the insects in with scent or colour, then catch and eat them. It might sound a little gross but it works.

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