We earn a commission for products purchased through some links in this article.

From basil to a Venus flytrap…

While we can bask in the sunshine, enjoy picnics and relax in the comfort of our own gardens during spring and summer, it's also the season when more flies and other insects enter the home, which can be incredibly annoying. But good news: there are several plants that repel flies.

To help you out, Thejoyofplants.co.uk has shared seven houseplants that deter flies and keep bugs at bay, from basil to a Venus flytrap. 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.

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.

Lavender is a good natural choice for keeping bugs at bay. Not only does the herb smell amazing but it 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, and is a great plant for the bedroom as it's a great natural sleep aid.

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 insects out of your house.

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 repel insects.

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 too.

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.

One of the more obvious ways to banish flies is to buy a Venus flytrap, 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.

Follow House Beautiful on Instagram.