Using plants to naturally repel bugs and mosquitoes is an eco-friendly and effective way to keep pests at bay while adding beauty to your garden. Here are 16 plants known for their ability to repel insects:

1. Lavender (Lavandula spp.)

  • Repels: Mosquitoes, moths, fleas, flies
  • Additional Benefits: Fragrant, attracts pollinators, has calming properties

2. Citronella Grass (Cymbopogon nardus)

  • Repels: Mosquitoes, flies
  • Additional Benefits: Citronella oil extracted from the grass is a common ingredient in mosquito repellents.

3. Marigolds (Tagetes spp.)

  • Repels: Mosquitoes, aphids, whiteflies, nematodes
  • Additional Benefits: Bright flowers, deter pests from nearby plants

4. Lemon Balm (Melissa officinalis)

  • Repels: Mosquitoes, gnats
  • Additional Benefits: Lemon-scented foliage, attracts pollinators

5. Basil (Ocimum basilicum)

  • Repels: Flies, mosquitoes, thrips
  • Additional Benefits: Culinary herb, aromatic foliage

6. Rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis)

  • Repels: Mosquitoes, moths, flies
  • Additional Benefits: Culinary herb, fragrant foliage

7. Peppermint (Mentha x piperita)

  • Repels: Ants, spiders, mosquitoes
  • Additional Benefits: Culinary herb, aromatic leaves, soothing scent

8. Catnip (Nepeta cataria)

  • Repels: Mosquitoes, flies, cockroaches
  • Additional Benefits: Attracts cats (which may deter other pests)

9. Chrysanthemums (Chrysanthemum spp.)

  • Repels: Ants, roaches, ticks, fleas, bedbugs, mosquitoes
  • Additional Benefits: Colorful flowers, contains pyrethrin (a natural insecticide)

10. Lemongrass (Cymbopogon citratus)

  • Repels: Mosquitoes, ticks, fleas, gnats
  • Additional Benefits: Culinary herb, lemon-scented foliage

11. Garlic (Allium sativum)

  • Repels: Mosquitoes, aphids, cabbage loopers, cabbage worms
  • Additional Benefits: Culinary herb, pungent odor deters pests

12. Sage (Salvia officinalis)

  • Repels: Moths, mosquitoes, cabbage moths
  • Additional Benefits: Culinary herb, aromatic foliage

13. Thyme (Thymus vulgaris)

  • Repels: Mosquitoes, flies, cabbage worms
  • Additional Benefits: Culinary herb, aromatic foliage

14. Eucalyptus (Eucalyptus spp.)

  • Repels: Mosquitoes, flies, ticks
  • Additional Benefits: Aromatic foliage, eucalyptus oil has insect-repellent properties

15. Petunias (Petunia spp.)

  • Repels: Aphids, leafhoppers, tomato hornworms
  • Additional Benefits: Colorful flowers, easy to grow

16. Nasturtiums (Tropaeolum majus)

  • Repels: Aphids, whiteflies, squash bugs
  • Additional Benefits: Edible flowers and leaves, attract pollinators

Tips for Using Pest-Repelling Plants:

  1. Strategic Planting: Place these plants near outdoor seating areas, windows, and doorways to maximize their effectiveness.
  2. Crushed Leaves: Crush the leaves of some plants, like basil and lemon balm, and rub them on your skin as a natural insect repellent.
  3. Companion Planting: Plant pest-repelling plants alongside vegetables and other susceptible plants to deter pests and attract beneficial insects.
  4. Regular Maintenance: Keep plants healthy by providing adequate sunlight, water, and soil nutrients to optimize their pest-repelling properties.

By incorporating these plants into your garden landscape, you can create a natural barrier against pests while enjoying their beauty and fragrance.