Bug-Repelling Plants
The following plants can help control those pesky bugs that come with summertime—or all year, if you live in the South as I do. Mosquitoes are a menace for most of the year here in the woods, so the mosquito-repelling plants are my personal favorites. The great thing about these plants, though, is that they offer benefits beyond just repelling insects. We love multipurpose plants around here!
A common characteristic of many bug-repelling plants is their strong aroma.
Note: Cucumbers are not compatible with several of these plants. Consider planting them further away or researching companion planting for cucumbers before placing them together.
Plants That Naturally Repel Bugs
Alliums
Includes plants like onions and garlic with a strong, pungent smell. Repels cabbage worms, aphids, carrot flies, and slugs, all of which dislike the odor. They make excellent companion plants—especially for strawberries.
Basil
All varieties of basil repel mosquitoes, moths, and flies. It’s great planted near tomatoes for improved flavor and fewer pests. Crush fresh leaves and rub them on your skin while working outside to help keep bugs away. Pinch off blooms to encourage foliage growth and better flavor.
Tip: Chewed basil leaves can be used as a field poultice for mosquito bites, and basil essential oil may help with bite irritation.
Beauty Berry
The leaves can be distilled to extract compounds (callicarpenals) considered very effective against mosquitoes. Crushed leaves can be rubbed on clothing, though extracts are stronger. Avoid applying directly to skin, as toxicity levels haven’t been fully established. Berries are edible but not particularly tasty raw.
Bee Balm
A beautiful flower that attracts beneficial pollinators like bees and butterflies, while helping deter mosquitoes and other unwanted insects.
Catnip
Part of the mint family and known to spread rapidly if not contained. Very effective at repelling mosquitoes—some studies suggest it works better than DEET. If you have cats, be warned: they may destroy your catnip patch. Interestingly, while it excites cats, it has a calming effect on humans.
Chrysanthemums
Fantastic border plants that repel bed bugs, fleas, roaches, ants, ticks, spider mites, and Japanese beetles. They naturally contain pyrethrin, a well-known botanical insecticide.
Lavender
Repels mosquitoes, fleas, flies, and moths with its soothing aroma. Excellent around patios and seating areas. It’s tough and drought-resistant once established.
Lemongrass
Packed with citronella oil and closely related to citronella plants, but edible and delicious in tea. The crushed leaves can be rubbed on clothing as a mosquito repellent—patch-test first if applying to skin. Grows well in pots but can reach 3–5 feet tall, so size your container accordingly.
Marigolds
The scent repels mosquitoes, whiteflies, nematodes (including cabbage worms), and several other pests. They’re excellent garden companions and also work well in pots near entryways to discourage bugs from coming indoors.
Mint
A non-toxic repellent for mosquitoes, flies, and ants. Best grown in containers, as it spreads aggressively. Keep pots near doorways to discourage pests and pick leaves often to promote healthy growth. Can be overwintered indoors to continue fly control through the colder months.
Nasturtium
Repels whiteflies, squash bugs, aphids, beetles, and cabbage loopers. Acts as a protective companion plant, releasing airborne chemicals that benefit neighboring plants. Both flowers and leaves are edible. Prefers moist soil and full sun; deadhead to encourage blooming.
Petunias
Great companions for roses, brassicas, beans, basil, tomatoes, grapes, corn, and peppers. Repels leafhoppers, squash bugs, hornworms, and aphids. Plus, they’re beautiful—always a bonus!
Rosemary
Its strong, woody scent repels mosquitoes, cabbage moths, and carrot flies. Avoid planting near cucumbers, as it may inhibit growth. Thrives in hot, dry climates and does well in containers near patios and doors. Larger plants can be pruned into shapes if you enjoy decorative gardening. Also works well in smudge sticks for fumigation.
Sage
Keep sage planted near fire pits—tossing leaves into the flames helps repel bugs with the smoke. It can also be dried for homemade bug sprays or bundled into smudge sticks for indoor use. Pairs wonderfully with rosemary for natural fumigation.
Thyme
A fragrant, low-growing ground cover that repels mosquitoes and thrives in rocky, dry areas. Tasty in recipes and available in many varieties, each with different flavors and scents.
In Closing
There are many more plants that have bug-repelling benefits, and some of them grow wild, like fleabane. This is a lovely rabbit hole to fall down as we plan for spring. Natural pest repellant should be our go to first before resorting to chemical sprays to rid our sanctuaries of unwanted guests.