20 Plants That Keep Bugs Away Naturally

Get ready to say goodbye to bug bites and hello to a bug-free life! Certain plants have natural oils that repel mosquitoes and other pests, providing a natural and eco-friendly way to keep bugs at bay.

From fragrant herbs to colorful flowers, explore the top 20 plants that’ll keep bugs away without harsh chemicals.

Table of Contents

Basil

Basil is a natural insect repellent that can keep mosquitoes and flies at bay.

This fragrant herb not only adds flavor to various dishes but also possesses strong bug-repelling properties.

Its strong scent confuses and distracts pests, making it an effective natural way to keep them away from your garden or indoor spaces.

Planting basil in your garden or keeping a pot indoors can help keep unwanted bugs at a distance.

Lavender

Lavender is a lovely addition to any garden, and it’s a natural insect repellent to boot! This fragrant flower is known to deter mosquitoes, moths, and flies, making it a great choice for keeping your outdoor space pest-free.

Plus, its calming scent is a bonus for humans, promoting relaxation and tranquility.

Plant lavender near entryways, walkways, or seating areas to keep unwanted bugs at bay.

Rosemary

Rosemary is a natural insect repellent that can be used to keep mosquitoes and mosquitoes at bay.

This fragrant herb is known for its ability to ward off carrot flies, mosquitoes, and other pests that can ruin your outdoor gatherings.

Its strong scent is unappealing to many insects, making it an excellent addition to your garden or indoor space.

Mint

Mint is a natural pest repellent that can help keep bugs away.

This fragrant herb is known to repel ants, spiders, and mosquitoes, making it a great addition to your garden or indoor space.

Its strong scent confuses pests, causing them to lose their sense of direction and stay away.

Planting mint in your garden or in pots near entryways can effectively deter unwanted bugs from entering your home.

Geranium

Geranium is a natural bug repellent that’s easy to grow in your garden or indoor pots.

This lovely flowering plant emits a sweet, citrusy scent that mosquitoes and other pests find overwhelming, keeping them at bay.

Simply plant geraniums around the perimeter of your outdoor living space or near entryways to keep unwanted visitors away.

Plus, their beautiful blooms will add a pop of color to your garden!

Catnip

Catnip, a member of the mint family, is a natural insect repellent that can keep mosquitoes and flies at bay.

The essential oils found in catnip, particularly nepetalactone, are responsible for its insect-repelling properties.

When planted in your garden or yard, catnip can effectively deter unwanted pests, creating a more enjoyable outdoor space for you and your pets.

Citronella Grass

Citronella Grass is a popular natural insect repellent that’s widely used in candles, sprays, and lotions. This type of grass, also known as Cymbopogon nardus, contains geraniol and citronellal oils, which are responsible for its bug-repelling properties.

When planted in outdoor areas, citronella grass can help keep mosquitoes and other insects at bay, making it an effective and eco-friendly way to keep bugs away.

Lemon Balm

Lemon balm is a natural bug repellent that can be grown in your backyard or even indoors. This sweet-smelling herb is known to repel mosquitoes and other pests, making it a great addition to your garden.

Not only does it keep bugs away, but it also adds a lovely citrus flavor to teas, salads, and other dishes.

As an added bonus, lemon balm is also said to have a calming effect on humans, reducing stress and promoting relaxation.

Sage

Sage is a natural deterrent for mosquitoes and other bugs.

It contains a compound called thujone, which is known to repel insects.

When planted in your garden or indoor pots, sage releases its oils into the air, creating an unwelcoming environment for unwanted pests.

Plus, its pleasant aroma is an added bonus, making it a lovely addition to any outdoor or indoor space.

Thyme

Thyme is a natural insect repellent that can be used to keep mosquitoes and other pests at bay.

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

Pyrethrum, a natural insecticide derived from the flowers of the pyrethrum daisy, is a potent bug repellent. This ancient, flowering plant has been used for centuries to repel mosquitoes and other pests.

Its natural insecticidal properties make it a popular choice for gardens, as it effectively keeps bugs at bay without harming humans or pets.

By planting pyrethrum in your garden, you can create a bug-free outdoor space without relying on harmful chemicals.

Garlic

Garlic is renowned for its natural insect-repelling properties.

The strong smell of garlic can deter aphids, spider mites, and even mosquitoes.

By planting garlic alongside other plants, you can create a natural barrier against unwanted pests.

Chives

Chives are a type of herb that not only add a burst of flavor to your dishes, but also repel aphids and other pests in your garden. These onion-like plants contain a natural insecticide that keeps unwanted bugs at bay, making them a great addition to a bug-repelling garden.

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.

Planting radish alongside other vegetables and herbs can help keep these unwanted visitors at bay, creating a healthier growing environment for your crops.

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

Bog Myrtle, also known as Sweet Gale, is a natural insect repellent that’s been used for centuries. This fragrant shrub contains a natural oil that repels mosquitoes and other pests.

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.