Coating your lawn with chemicals may be an effective solution to your bug problem, but unfortunately, it can also kill beneficial insects and harm the environment. Instead, why not opt for a green way to

keep the bad bugs away

? These seven plants can help keep bugs at bay:

1. Basil:

A summer kitchen staple, basil is also great at keeping away house flies and mosquitoes. It’s hearty and can be planted in beds or pots. Keep it near doors or windows to deter pests.

2. Rosemary:

Rosemary is another common cooking herb with preventive powers. Its evergreen smell repels mosquitoes, house flies and cabbage worms. While it grows best in beds, rosemary can also be grown in pots.

3. Lemongrass:

Cousin to the well-known citronella plant, lemongrass gives off a vaguely citrusy smell that mosquitoes and other bugs hate.

4. Catnip:

While it may attract cats, catnip deters mosquitos so well that a compound in it is used in many commercial insect repellents. It grows easily in beds or pots.

5. Petunias:

This beautiful annual flower comes in a wide variety of colors and looks great in pots or beds. These colorful plants repel aphids, tomato hornworms and squash bugs. However, they can attract slugs and caterpillars.

6. Marigolds:

Marigolds are so common they may already be growing in your garden. Along with adding some color, they deter aphids, mosquitoes and nematodes.