Bug bites don’t have to be part of your routine. A handful of common plants release natural oils that insects find unbearable, giving you a chemical-free way to keep them off your skin and out of your yard.
Herbs, flowers, and even grasses can pull double duty as garden decor and bug deterrents. Here are 20 plants worth adding to your yard or windowsill for that reason.
Basil
Mosquitoes and flies tend to steer clear of basil, which makes this kitchen herb a handy natural repellent.
Cooks love basil for the flavor it brings to pasta, salads, and sauces, but its strong aroma does double duty as a pest deterrent.
Bugs and other small critters can’t tolerate the smell, which makes basil a solid choice for pushing them out of garden beds or away from indoor spaces.
Try growing basil in garden rows or in a pot on a sunny windowsill to keep bugs from settling in nearby.
Lavender
Beyond its beautiful purple blooms, lavender pulls double duty by chasing away several types of pests from your garden.
Mosquitoes, moths, and flies tend to avoid lavender’s strong fragrance, so planting a few bushes can help clear the air around your patio or yard.
People, on the other hand, tend to find that same scent soothing, which is why lavender oil shows up in candles and relaxation products.
For the best results, plant it close to doorways, walkways, or patio seating where bugs typically enter.
Rosemary
Mosquitoes tend to avoid rosemary, which makes this woody herb a reliable natural repellent for patios and gardens alike.
Cooks often grow rosemary for the kitchen, but it also wards off carrot flies and other pests that tend to show up at backyard cookouts.
Many insects avoid its sharp, piney scent, so a pot of rosemary near a door or grill area can do more than season your food.
Mint
Ants, spiders, and mosquitoes tend to steer clear of mint, making it one of the more dependable natural pest deterrents for home gardens.
This fast-growing herb works well in garden beds or containers, and it’s just as useful in the kitchen for teas and garnishes.
Its sharp scent throws off a bug’s sense of direction, which is often enough to send them looking elsewhere.
Set pots of mint near doorways or scatter plants through the garden to keep crawling and flying pests from moving in.
Geranium
Geraniums are simple to grow in garden beds or containers, and they double as a natural way to push bugs out of your yard.
Mosquitoes and other pests tend to avoid the sweet, citrus-like fragrance these flowers give off, even though people usually find it pleasant.
Line the edge of your patio or porch with geraniums, or set pots near entryways, to create a barrier bugs would rather avoid.
As a bonus, geraniums come in shades of red, pink, and white, so they add real color to a garden bed or hanging basket.
Catnip
Cats aren’t the only ones drawn to catnip – this mint-family plant also happens to be a strong natural deterrent for mosquitoes and flies.
Nepetalactone, an essential oil found in catnip leaves, is the compound responsible for its bug-repelling effect.
Growing catnip in your yard can cut down on unwanted pests, giving both you and any outdoor pets a more comfortable space to relax.
Citronella Grass
You’ve probably smelled citronella grass before, since it’s the main ingredient in many outdoor candles, sprays, and lotions.
Also known as Cymbopogon nardus, this grass contains geraniol and citronellal, two oils known for driving off biting insects.
Planting it around patios or garden borders gives you an eco-friendly way to reduce mosquito activity without reaching for a spray can.
Lemon Balm
Lemon balm grows easily in a backyard bed or a pot on a sunny windowsill, and it happens to be a strong natural pest deterrent too.
Its bright, citrusy scent works against mosquitoes and other bugs, which is reason enough to tuck a few plants into a border or container garden.
Beyond pest control, the leaves add a citrus note to iced tea, salads, and other dishes, so nothing goes to waste.
As an added bonus, lemon balm is also said to have a calming effect on humans, reducing stress and promoting relaxation.
Sage
Sage is great for keeping mosquitoes and bugs away. It’s a natural pest repellent that really works!
It contains a compound called thujone, which is known to repel insects.
When you plant sage in your garden or indoor pots, it actually releases its oils into the air. This ends up creating a not-so-friendly place for those pesky pests that we don’t want hanging around.
Also, it smells really nice which is a great extra touch and makes it a perfect addition to your outdoor or indoor space.
Thyme
Did you know that thyme is actually a great way to keep those pesky mosquitoes and bugs away? Just toss some around your outdoor space and you’ll be bug-free in no time!
This fragrant herb not only adds flavor to your cooking but also has natural oils that repel pests.
Thyme is particularly effective against mosquitoes and whiteflies, making it a great addition to your garden or indoor plants.
Simply plant it in your garden or keep a few pots indoors to reap its bug-repelling benefits.
Chamomile
Chamomile is a natural insect repellent that not only keeps mosquitoes and flies at bay but also adds a lovely fragrance to your garden.
This herb is known to repel aphids and other garden pests, making it an excellent addition to your outdoor space.
Plus, its calming effects on humans can be a nice bonus!
Pennyroyal
Pennyroyal is a fragrant herb that repels ants, fleas, and mosquitoes naturally. Its pungent aroma, similar to peppermint, confuses and deters these pests.
To use pennyroyal as a natural insect repellent, plant it in your garden or indoor pots, or apply pennyroyal essential oil to your skin or clothing.
You can also make a natural spray by steeping dried pennyroyal leaves in water and straining the mixture before applying it to your skin or clothing.
Pyrethrum
Did you know that pyrethrum, which comes from the pretty pyrethrum daisy flowers, is actually a powerful bug repellent?
People have been using this natural insecticide for hundreds of years to keep pesky mosquitoes and other bugs away. It’s been a tried and true solution for generations!
Its natural insecticidal properties make it a popular choice for gardens, as it effectively keeps bugs at bay without harming humans or pets.
If you plant pyrethrum in your garden, you can keep bugs away naturally without using any harmful chemicals. It’s a great way to enjoy your outdoor space without those pesky pests bothering you!
Garlic
Garlic is renowned for its natural insect-repelling properties.
Did you know that garlic has a strong smell that bugs like aphids, spider mites, and mosquitoes hate? It’s a simple way to keep those pesky critters away from your plants!
By planting garlic alongside other plants, you can create a natural barrier against unwanted pests.
Oh, and did you know that garlic has these awesome sulfur compounds that can actually keep ticks and fleas away? It’s a super cool natural way to control pests!
Chives
Did you know that chives are more than just a tasty herb? They also help keep pesky bugs away from your garden!
These plants have a natural insecticide that repels aphids and other pests, making them a perfect choice for a bug-free garden. How cool is that?
Plus, they’re easy to grow and require minimal maintenance, making them a great choice for gardeners of all skill levels.
Radish
Radish is a natural pest repellent that can help keep bugs away from your garden. With its strong, pungent scent, radish can deter aphids, whiteflies, and other pests that can damage your plants.
When you plant radishes next to your other veggies and herbs, it can actually help protect them from pesky pests. It’s like giving your plants a natural bodyguard to keep them healthy and thriving.
So go ahead and mix it up in your garden to create a happy and bug-free space for all your crops to grow!
Marigold
Marigold repels nematodes, whiteflies, and aphids, making it a natural pest control for your garden.
Its strong, pungent scent deters these pests, keeping them away from surrounding plants.
As an added bonus, marigold attracts beneficial insects like ladybugs and lacewings, which prey on harmful pests.
Plant marigold alongside tomatoes, carrots, and other vegetables to create a balanced ecosystem that’s less prone to pest-related issues.
Lemon Verbena
Lemon Verbena, a member of the verbenaceae family, is a natural insect repellent that’s perfect for keeping mosquitoes and other pesky bugs at bay.
This fragrant herb has a strong citrus scent that’s known to ward off insects, making it a great addition to your garden or indoor space.
Simply plant it in a pot or in the ground, and enjoy the bug-repelling benefits it provides.
Bog Myrtle
Hey there! Have you heard of Bog Myrtle, also known as Sweet Gale? It’s a really cool plant that people have been using for like forever as a natural bug repellent.
This awesome shrub puts out a scent that bugs like mosquitoes and other pests can’t stand. How neat is that?
In fact, its leaves can be used to make a potent insect repellent that’s been shown to be even more effective than DEET-based products.
Planting Bog Myrtle in your garden or bringing it indoors can help keep those pesky bugs at bay, all while adding a lovely, subtle scent to the air.
