Summer is just two days away, and the nasty bugs are already in full force. From the annoying gnats and flies to the more bothersome mosquitos and chiggers, nobody wants uninvited guests to their summer BBQ. So The chemical-ridden lawn spray is dug out of the shed and sprayed all over the lawn. The spray, of course, can be poisonous to dogs and sometimes even humans. Not to mention the awful smell it leaves. Now that the lawn is covered it is time to dig out another chemically -ridden spray, but this time it is put on the delicate human skin. Don't forget to reapply it every hour or so, because its summer and sweating can cause it to slide right off. These do not seem like actual solutions. Instead, they cause us all more problems. Fortunately, there are natural solutions to keep out these annoying party crashers. Using herbs to keep bugs away reduces the chemicals on lawn and landscaping and off the skin. 

Herbs are a great way to keep bugs away from any outdoor living area. They can be potted in planters around a garden or by a grill. They smell nice, contain zero chemicals and most of all they require very little maintenance. These are the top 5 herbs that keep bugs away from intruding on the fun of the summer. Also, check this recipe for a natural bug spray from Dr. Axe for any on-the-go needs.

Citronella

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Thyme 

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Peppermint

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Lemongrass

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Rosemary

Alex Frank

These herbs have many uses other than just bug repellent. They can be great for making summertime drinks, like Rosemary Mojitos, or adding some flavor to any recipe. For more information on cooking with fresh herbs take a look at this other Spoon University article!