5 plants you should never place near your patio if you want to avoid pests

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The key to any balanced garden design is to place plants in the right place. And although we shouldn’t discourage pests completely from our yards, there are plants that are pest magnets, and careful placement is needed.Insects are beneficial to our yards and the wider environment, but placing a plant that attracts pests near your house, on decking or on a patio can make the summer unpleasant.I’ve called on plant experts to share the top 5 plants you should never place on your patio, and what to plant instead to ensure you can relax outside in peace.1. Bamboo

(Image credit: Shutterstock)Bamboo can serve as a screen and is a good choice for creating a private zone, but it can attract pests. “Some varieties create dense, damp environments attractive to mosquitoes, slugs, and rodents. Running bamboo varieties can also become invasive and difficult to manage,” says Elizabeth Waddington, garden designer and writer at First Tunnels.For this reason, and because bamboo is an invasive plant, if you do decide to place bamboo in your yard, it’s best planted in a container.Best alternativesFor an alternative screen, Waddington suggests planting clematis, Star jasmine and climbing roses.Get instant access to breaking news, the hottest reviews, great deals and helpful tips.2. English ivy