Top 15 Plants That Keep Bugs Away Naturally | Bug-Repellent Plants
Is your backyard overrun with pests? Mosquitoes, flies, and other bugs can ruin a lovely evening outdoors, not to mention invade your home if you’re not careful.
While chemical repellents and pesticides work, they often come with health and environmental concerns. That’s where natural pest control comes in.
Plants are nature’s bug repellents. Many emit scents or contain natural compounds that keep pesky insects away without harming beneficial pollinators like bees.
Best of all? These plants will add beauty to your garden or home while doubling as natural repellents. Here’s a list of 15 plants that will help you reclaim your outdoor spaces bug-free.
15 Plants That Keep Bugs Away
1. Lavender
Lavender’s soothing scent is loved by humans but acts as a natural repellent for mosquitoes, flies, and moths.
This fragrant, versatile plant thrives in sunny areas and can be grown both indoors and outdoors, making it a flexible option for any space.
Place pots of lavender near windows, doorways, or outdoor seating areas to create a barrier that keeps bugs from sneaking into your home. Plus, you can use dried lavender to make sachets or essential oils for added protection.
2. Marigolds
Marigolds are a bright, cheerful staple in many gardens, and their strong aroma makes them an excellent natural pest deterrent. They repel aphids, mosquitoes, and squash bugs, helping to protect your garden from common infestations.
Plant marigold borders around vegetable gardens, flower beds, or patios to create a natural and colorful barrier.
In addition to their pest control benefits, marigolds are easy to grow and can bloom throughout the growing season, adding beauty and functionality to your outdoor space.
3. Citronella Grass
Citronella is well-known as the main ingredient in mosquito-repellent candles, but as a living plant, it’s even more effective. This tall, grassy plant releases a citrusy scent that mosquitoes can’t stand.
Citronella grass thrives in warm, sunny environments and is ideal for growing in containers or along patio edges.
Not only does it keep mosquitoes at bay, but its lush appearance also adds a tropical vibe to your garden or outdoor space.
With a little care, citronella grass can become a practical and attractive addition to your pest-control arsenal.
4. Peppermint
The strong, minty scent of peppermint is disliked by most bugs, including mosquitoes, ants, and spiders. This hardy plant grows easily in gardens, pots, or even indoors, making it a convenient option for natural pest control.
You can also use peppermint leaves to create a simple DIY bug spray—just steep the leaves in water, let the liquid cool, and transfer it into a spray bottle to use around your home.
Beyond pest control, peppermint is also great for tea and other culinary uses, making it a versatile and valuable addition to your garden.
5. Basil
Basil isn’t just for flavoring your favorite dishes—it’s also a natural repellent for flies and mosquitoes.
This herb thrives in pots placed on windowsills, patios, or near outdoor dining areas, keeping bugs at bay while staying within easy reach for cooking.
Basil loves warm weather and plenty of sunlight, so it’s perfect for summer gardens.
The leaves can be used fresh or dried for meals, adding both utility and pest control to your home.
6. Rosemary
Rosemary is a must-have herb for both your kitchen and your pest-control efforts. Its woody, aromatic scent is a natural deterrent for flies, mosquitoes, and cabbage moths, making it a great choice for vegetable gardens or outdoor spaces.
You can grow rosemary in pots for easy portability or use it as a decorative hedge or border plant.
Additionally, you can cut sprigs of rosemary to use in cooking or dry them to make sachets that can repel moths indoors.
7. Lemongrass
Lemongrass is similar to citronella grass, as it contains citronella oil, a natural mosquito and ant repellent. This tall, fragrant plant thrives in warm, sunny climates and adds a tropical touch to any garden.
Lemongrass is particularly well-suited for planting in outdoor spaces like patios or along walkways to help keep pests away.
It’s also a popular ingredient in cooking, especially in Southeast Asian dishes, so it can serve a dual purpose in your garden.
8. Chrysanthemums
Chrysanthemums, or mums, are more than just a beautiful addition to your flower garden—they’re also a powerful pest deterrent.
These flowers contain pyrethrum, a natural compound found in many insect repellents, which helps ward off a variety of pests, including roaches, fleas, ticks, and ants.
Chrysanthemums are easy to grow and come in a variety of vibrant colors, making them an eye-catching yet functional choice.
Plant them in flower beds, borders, or containers, or cut them for indoor arrangements to enjoy their beauty while keeping bugs at bay.
9. Catnip
Your feline friends will love it, and mosquitoes will absolutely hate it.
Catnip is incredibly effective at repelling mosquitoes because of its active ingredient, nepetalactone, which is 10 times more effective than DEET, a common chemical in insect repellents.
This plant is not only easy to grow, but it also thrives with minimal care, making it perfect for beginners.
Plant it in your garden or near outdoor seating areas to keep mosquitoes away while giving your cats a natural treat.
10. Scented Geraniums
Known for their delightful citrus-like scent, scented geraniums are a double-duty plant, repelling mosquitoes and other flying insects while adding beauty to your garden.
These fast-growing plants come in a variety of fragrances, such as lemon and rose, and their vibrant flowers make them decorative as well as functional.
They’re excellent for pots and hanging baskets, so you can strategically place them on patios, balconies, or near windows to keep the bugs out.
11. Thyme
Thyme is more than just a favorite kitchen herb—it’s also a natural pest repellent! This aromatic plant is particularly effective against mosquitoes, whiteflies, and cabbage loopers.
Crushing its leaves releases natural oils that enhance its repelling properties, and burning thyme sprigs can create a bug-repelling smoke.
It’s also drought-tolerant and thrives in dry, sunny spots, making it an ideal addition to herb gardens or outdoor spaces with low water requirements.
12. Mint
Mint’s strong, refreshing fragrance is a natural deterrent for ants, flies, and mosquitoes. Its appealing aroma may draw you in, but pests can’t stand it.
However, mint is notorious for its aggressive growth—it spreads quickly and can take over your garden if not managed carefully.
To keep it under control, grow mint in pots or containers. You can also use fresh mint leaves to make a mosquito-repelling spray or add a burst of flavor to your summer drinks.
13. Eucalyptus
Eucalyptus trees and shrubs are well-known for producing a potent oil that mosquitoes and other pests find unbearable.
The strong, aromatic scent of eucalyptus not only acts as a natural bug barrier but also fills your outdoor space with a refreshing fragrance.
Growing eucalyptus in large pots is a great option for patios or decks, where it can double as a decorative, ornamental plant.
Its leaves can also be harvested for making homemade essential oils or sachets to repel bugs indoors.
14. Alliums
Alliums, part of the onion family, have a unique way of keeping pests at bay.
They release sulfur compounds that repel aphids, slugs, and cabbage worms, making them particularly useful in vegetable gardens.
Beyond their pest control benefits, alliums are a stunning addition to any garden, producing globe-like blooms in shades of purple, white, and pink.
Their striking appearance can create a focal point in flower beds while protecting nearby plants from damage.
15. Pitcher Plants
Looking for a plant that doesn’t just repel pests but actively eliminates them?
Enter the pitcher plant. These fascinating carnivorous plants lure in insects like flies, ants, and wasps with their sweet nectar and bright colors.
Once the bugs fall into their pitcher-shaped traps, they’re digested by the plant.
Pitcher plants are perfect for natural pest control and make a unique, conversation-starting addition to your garden.
They thrive in boggy, acidic soils, so consider planting them in containers with the right soil mix or near water features for the best results.
FAQs
Are these plants safe for pets?
Some of these plants, including lavender, mint, and catnip, are safe for pets. However, others like chrysanthemums and eucalyptus can be toxic if ingested. Always research whether a plant is pet-safe before adding it to your space.
Can you use these plants indoors?
Yes, many of these plants grow well indoors, provided they get adequate sunlight and water. Container gardening is an excellent way to keep these natural bug repellents close at hand while adding greenery to your indoor decor.
Do you still need bug spray if you have these plants?
While these plants can significantly reduce the presence of bugs, they may not completely eliminate them. Using a combination of plants and eco-friendly bug sprays ensures maximum protection in high-pest areas.
Wrap Up
Integrating these bug-repelling plants into your garden or home offers multiple benefits.
They reduce the need for chemical pesticides, making your environment safer for people, pets, and pollinators.
Plus, these plants are as beautiful as they are functional, adding vibrant colors and lovely fragrances to your space.
With so many options to choose from, there’s a bug-repelling plant for every type of gardener. Start small with a potted lavender bush or go big by surrounding your garden with marigolds and citronella grass.