Flies don’t like mint, bay leaves or eucalyptus, substances you can use to help keep flies from visiting your home.

from: Natural Insect Pest Control

I’m allergic to eucalyptus, and I regard both eucalyptus and california bay trees as weeds.

But, I do like mint. It can be invasive, but mint requires regular water, and I live in a desert. My experience with mint is that it’s rather delicate, and it doesn’t spread.

Catnip is a natural repellent to cockroaches.

from: eartheasy.com/live_natpest_control.htm#c

We have roaches in the yard. The vector control guy from Alameda County says everyone has them. I had no idea.

So, I thinking I’m going to be planting some mint and catnip.