Natural Bug Repellent: 16 Plants that Naturally Repel Insects and Mosquitoes

Rosemary: Your Outdoor Pest Repellent! Discover More Expert-Recommended Plants to Keep Unwanted Insects Away

Keep those annoying bugs and mosquitoes away when spending those long summer evenings on the patio or in the backyard with mosquito repelling plants. While there are many treatments for repelling mosquitoes outdoors, why not step up your pest management strategy while also enhancing your space? Including a variety of plants that naturally ward off insects can be a successful approach.

Imagine the graceful presence of citronella grass in your garden or pots of scented lavender gracing the perimeter of your patio. These multipurpose plants not only enhance aesthetics but also efficiently ward against insects. Utilise these useful and aesthetically pleasing bug-repelling plants to harness the power of nature and create a chic outdoor hideaway.

Marigolds

Citronella oil’s distinctive aroma not only permeates the air but also acts as your patio’s covert weapon against mosquitoes. Citronella is regarded as the most well-liked mosquito-repelling plant and has a strong odour that deters these bothersome insects.

Expert in garden lifestyle Carmen Johnston suggests putting citronella in tiny 8-inch terra cotta pots as a great way to include it in your outdoor gatherings. For a dual-purpose arrangement, incorporate it with your centrepieces, or let the plant stand out as the main attraction. Take advantage of citronella’s natural insect-repelling abilities to improve your outdoor experience.

Petunias

Dubbed as “nature’s pesticide,” this perennial beauty possesses the remarkable ability to repel a variety of garden pests. Aphids, tomato hornworms, asparagus beetles, leafhoppers, and squash bugs are no match for the mighty petunias. According to lifestyle expert Peyton Lambton, growing petunias is a breeze, as they thrive both in the ground and in containers.

Embrace the sun-loving nature of these vibrant flowers by purchasing transplants and planting them in well-drained soil, basking in full sun after the last frost of spring. With their pest-deterring prowess and easy-to-care-for nature, petunias are a must-have addition to any garden, offering both beauty and protection in perfect harmony.

Lavender

Renowned for its delightful fragrance, lavender serves as a natural deterrent against mosquitoes, as highlighted by gardening expert Carmen Johnston. To enhance the protective benefits, Johnston recommends planting lavender in clusters at the entryway of your garden, where its stunning purple blooms add a touch of elegance.

Thriving in hot and dry conditions, lavender is perfectly suited for the summer season. Additionally, you can harness the power of lavender by applying its essential oil to your skin as a natural and aromatic mosquito repellent. Embrace the beauty and versatility of lavender, transforming your outdoor space into a fragrant haven while keeping those unwanted mosquitoes at bay.

Nasturtium

Bringing both beauty and functionality to your garden, the colorful nasturtium is not only edible but also an effective repeller of various garden pests. Whiteflies, squash bugs, aphids, beetles, and cabbage loopers are no match for this versatile flower. Moreover, nasturtium goes beyond self-protection, actively benefiting neighboring plants by emitting an airborne chemical that repels insects, as explained by professional landscaper Chris Lambton.

To cultivate these remarkable blooms, Lambton advises planting nasturtium in early spring, ensuring moist and well-drained soil in a sunny location. Regular watering and deadheading will promote continuous blooming and maintain their vitality. Embrace the vibrant presence of nasturtium in your garden, enjoying its beauty while simultaneously protecting your plants from unwanted pests.

Rosemary

While widely known for its culinary uses, rosemary also serves as a natural bug repellent, as highlighted by gardening expert Carmen Johnston. This versatile plant thrives in the summer heat and prefers dry conditions, making it an ideal addition to your outdoor space. Not only does rosemary emit an enticing aroma that delights our senses, but it also acts as a formidable deterrent against mosquitoes.

Johnston suggests utilizing rosemary in various ways, such as planting it in containers or using it as a hedge. Its textured foliage adds visual interest, making it a perfect candidate for outdoor centerpieces. By incorporating rosemary into your arrangements, you not only repel bugs but also enhance the visual appeal of your space with this captivating herb. Embrace the multi-purpose nature of rosemary and create an inviting outdoor environment that is both aromatic and visually pleasing.

Basil

Basil has long been prized for its culinary applications, especially in the preparation of pesto and dishes with a Mediterranean flavour. However, this adaptable herb now sports a new skill: bug repulsion. Chris Lambton, a landscaping specialist, claims that basil has a natural repellent effect on mosquitoes and houseflies.

Lambton suggests giving basil six to eight hours each day of direct sunlight along with keeping the soil moist and well-drained to guarantee basil grows as best it can. He advises clipping the blossoms off at the base when the plant starts to bloom. The best-tasting leaves are developed as a result of this technique.

Lemongrass

Closely related to citronella, lemongrass shares its mosquito-repelling properties while offering the added benefit of being a culinary delight in Southeast Asian cooking. As gardening expert Carmen Johnston explains, this versatile plant can reach heights of three to five feet, adding an impressive vertical element and textural interest to your garden. Due to its size, lemongrass thrives best in a larger container.

When cultivating lemongrass, ensure it is placed in a sunny spot, as it requires ample sunlight to thrive. Embrace the dual benefits of lemongrass as both a natural mosquito repellent and a flavorful ingredient in your culinary endeavors. Elevate your garden with the height, texture, and delightful flavor that lemongrass brings to the table.

Mint

Mint leaves are renowned for their refreshing taste in culinary creations and cocktails, but the plant itself offers an additional advantage—it acts as a natural mosquito repellent, as noted by lifestyle expert Peyton Lambton.

While mint is relatively easy to grow, Lambton cautions that once established in a garden, it can be challenging to remove. To prevent its invasive nature, she suggests planting mint in a pot instead. Regularly harvesting its leaves not only keeps the plant in optimal condition but also allows you to enjoy its delightful flavor in various recipes. Additionally, growing mint indoors during winter serves a dual purpose, as it helps keep flies at bay, ensuring a pest-free environment.

Embrace the versatility of mint, not only for its culinary contributions but also for its natural mosquito-repellent properties. Enjoy the invigorating aroma and taste of fresh mint leaves while maintaining a pleasant and bug-free space both indoors and outdoors.

Catnip

While catnip belongs to the mint family, it deserves special recognition for its unique properties. Not only is catnip non-toxic to pets, but it also has intriguing effects on our feline friends, making some cats go wild while others become mellow. However, its benefits extend beyond amusing our furry companions—it has the power to keep mosquitoes and other flying insects at bay.

The essential oil derived from catnip serves as an active ingredient in many all-natural insect repellents. However, you don’t need to extract the oil to harness its mosquito-repelling properties. Simply crushing the fresh leaves and stems and applying them to your skin and clothing can effectively ward off these bothersome pests.

Embrace the versatility of catnip by utilizing its natural insect-repellent qualities. Enjoy a pest-free outdoor experience by using crushed catnip leaves and stems as a simple and effective defense against mosquitoes. Explore the wonders of this mint relative and let its unique attributes enhance your enjoyment of the great outdoors.

Mosquito Shoo Geranium

Created through biogenetic engineering as a cross between scented geranium and citronella grass, this plant carries a descriptive name but offers unassuming flowers and leaves. When crushed, however, it emits a fragrance reminiscent of lemon furniture polish.

Referred to as the citronella plant, mosquito plant geranium, or citrosa geranium, this name can be misleading, as it implies the presence of mosquito-repelling citronella. In reality, the plant produces a scent that resembles citronella but lacks the genuine compound. As a result, its effectiveness in warding off mosquitoes remains a subject of debate.

While this hybrid geranium may not live up to its name in terms of mosquito repellency, it still carries its own charm with its unique fragrance. Explore this plant’s pleasant lemon-like scent and enjoy its delicate flowers, even if its true potential as a mosquito deterrent may be uncertain.

Marigolds

While the fragrance of marigolds may not be everyone’s cup of tea, it holds a silver lining. The pungent smell that many find unpleasant also happens to be detested by mosquitoes, wasps, and hornets.

Gardeners seeking effective pest control strategies would be wise to allocate some real estate around their vegetable beds for marigolds. Not only do these annuals boast vibrant autumnal colors that attract butterflies and bees, but their distinctive scent acts as a natural repellent against pests. By planting marigolds strategically, you can create a barrier that deters insects from feasting on your fresh vegetables.

Embrace the beauty and benefits of marigolds as they bring a burst of color to your garden while serving as a natural defense mechanism against unwanted pests. Let these radiant flowers add both visual appeal and functional pest control to your gardening endeavors.