If there's anything I've learned from spending about 30-ish summers in Minnesota, it's this: nothing ruins a patio party faster than mosquitoes (except maybe red ants or biting flies). Mosquitoes, flies, beetles, and other pesky party poopers are mega-annoying when you're trying to enjoy the outdoors—and even worse when they make their way inside—but there's no need to spray down your yard with industrial-strength insecticide.
Plants are experts at repelling bugs as a defense strategy so they don’t get eaten [source]. And just like how they can clean the air indoors, a few strategically placed bug-repelling plants will help ward off insects, allowing you to dine al fresco in peace. By incorporating these plants, you can create a natural barrier against pests while enhancing the beauty and utility of your backyard.
10 Bug-Repelling Plants Your Backyard Needs
Here is a great list of 10 common, easy-to-find bug-repelling plants to try. And not only will these ward off unwanted critters, but you can use the herbs to make your next cookout even tastier. For an extra layer of protection, check out our post on 13 essential oils that repel bugs naturally!
1. Petunias
These bright-colored beauties are from the nightshade family (Solanaceae), and they make alkaloid substances that work as “chemical weapons” against insects that try to eat them [source]. Because of this, they are often planted to repel squash bugs, beetles, and aphids. They need a sunny spot, so try planting them near your vegetable garden or in a window box.
2. Basil
Basil emits a strong aroma that deters flies and mosquitoes, making it a dual-purpose plant for both pest control and kitchen use. Of all the bug-repelling plants, basil is my favorite. There's an oil in basil that kills mosquito eggs! Plant basil in pots near gathering areas to ward off flies and mosquitoes and for use in pesto!
3. Marigolds
These pretty, sun-loving plants are often used by farmers as companion plants near their important crops to keep pests at bay. Turns out they give off an airborne substance called limonene that protects against flies [source]. Marigolds are well-known for their ability to deter mosquitoes and aphids, thanks to their distinct scent.
4. Lavender
The same scent that calms us down, aids our insomnia, and makes our linens smell amazing is absolutely disgusting to flies, moths, and mosquitoes. Plant it if you have a sunny garden, or keep a few bouquets around to ward off these pests. Lavender, with its pleasant fragrance, not only repels moths, fleas, flies, and mosquitoes but also adds a touch of beauty to any garden.
5. Rosemary
In addition to repelling mosquitoes, rosemary bushes have two potent insecticides that seem to work together, 1,8-cineole and camphor [source], which will help protect your vegetable plants from infestation. Rosemary keeps mosquitoes and other insects at bay while thriving in a sunny spot with well-drained soil.
6. Mint
One of the more pleasant-smelling plants for our species (along with its cousin, lemon balm), the scent of mint helps repel biting insects of all kinds [source]. It's best to plant mint in pots because it will spread like crazy and crowd out the other plants in your garden.
7. Catnip
Also a member of the mint family, catnip has been shown in one study to repel flies in cattle feedlots (now that’s pretty potent stuff!) [source]. Catnip repels bugs—thanks to its active ingredient nepetalactone, the same natural compound that attracts cats. Go figure!
8. Chrysanthemums
Pyrethrins, found in chrysanthemums [source] and used in many commercial insect repellents, keep mosquitoes, roaches, beetles, ticks, cockroaches, and silverfish away.
9. Alliums
Chives, leeks, onions, garlic, scallions, and shallots fall into this group. These plants grow tall with pretty purple, white, or pink flowers and contain a substance called lectin [source] that helps to protect other veggies (and your yard) from slugs, flies, and worms, although they can attract moths. Be warned that, like garlic and onions, allium plants can be extremely toxic to dogs and cats.
10. Lemongrass
Citronella is the oil found in lemongrass (creating its slight citrus scent). Lemongrass needs tons of sun, so most of us will have to enjoy it as an annual in the summer.
How do I Repel Stubborn Bugs?
(This section answers some of the questions that kept popping up in the comments. If you're more of a backyard barbecuer than a gardener, the plants mentioned above should do the trick.)
While most plants do double duty and repel a wide variety of insects, you may still be left with a few stubborn offenders that just won't take a hint. Here's how to target those recalcitrant bugs (of the mostly non-flying variety) and keep them out of your yard.
Bees
Bees do a lot of good things for the environment, and they're a welcome visitor in many gardens. But if you're allergic or just don't like them being so close to your house, you can encourage them to go elsewhere with the help of wormwood, eucalyptus, and basil.
Slugs
Slugs are a pesky problem for many gardeners, but luckily, there are few plants that they can't stand. Aromatic herbs such as thyme, rosemary, and basil are said to repel slugs. You can also try setting up slug traps using the bottom of an old soda bottle and fresh beer. Just pour the beer into the cut-off end of a soda bottle and nestle it into the dirt so the slugs can climb in and, hopefully, not be able to get back out.
Caterpillars
While we can all agree that butterflies are a welcome sight most of the time, their caterpillar cousins can actually do a lot of damage to trees and foliage. Use lavender, peppermint, sage, and mugwort to deter caterpillars far away from your yard.
Grasshoppers
Locusts and grasshoppers have been plaguing humans for centuries. Keep them away with the help of lilac, forsythia, and moss rose.
How Do I Prevent Bugs in My Backyard?
While stocking up on bug-repelling plants, there are a few extra steps you can take to keep the bugs away for good.
Get rid of standing water. You've probably heard this one already, but bird baths, buckets, clogged gutters, and leaky hoses create an instant breeding ground for bugs. Walk around your yard, checking to make sure there isn't any standing water you've forgotten about.
Use fans. This one's easier said than done, but bugs can't stand up to a little breeze. Either install patio fans, or use portable fans to keep the most irritating offenders at bay.
Keep food covered. When eating outdoors, always keep a cover on your food (preferably with plastic wrap or tin foil) to prevent the smell from attracting bugs.
Hide the trash can. Just like food, trash has a way of attracting bugs from miles away. Keep all garbage and recycling covered, and place your cans far away from where you'll be hanging out.
Harness the power of citronella. One of the oldest bug repellants in the book, citronella can be used to make powerful citronella diffusers or bug-busting citronella candles.
Follow up with a patio spray or an essential oil diffuser. Make a lemon-mint patio spray or an essential oil blend to disguise food smells and turn off any bugs already in the area.
References:
1. Ibanez S, et al. Plant insecticidal toxins in ecological networks. Toxins (Basel). 2012.
2. Chowański S, et al. A review of bioinsecticidal activity of Solanaceae alkaloids. Toxins (Basel). 2016.
3. Conboy NJA, et al. Companion planting with French marigolds protects tomato plants from glasshouse whiteflies through the emission of airborne limonene. PLoS One. 2019.
4. Tak JH, et al. Enhanced cuticular penetration as the mechanism for synergy of insecticidal constituents of rosemary essential oil in Trichoplusia ni. Sci Rep. 2015.
5. Singh P, et al. Prospective of essential oils of the genus Mentha as biopesticides: a review. Front Plant Sci. 2018.
6. Zhu JJ, et al. Repellency of a wax-based catnip-oil formulation against stable flies. J Agric Food Chem. 2010.
7. Chen M, et al. Action of six pyrethrins purified from the botanical insecticide pyrethrum on cockroach sodium channels expressed in Zenopus oocytes. Pestic Biochem Physiol. 2018.
8. Upadhyay S, et al. Receptors of garlic (Allium sativum) lectins and their role in insecticidal action. Protein J. 2012.
This article was medically reviewed by Dr. Gina Jansheski, a licensed, board-certified physician with more than 20 years of practice experience. Learn more about Hello Glow's medical review board here. As always, this is not personal medical advice, and we recommend that you talk with your doctor.
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Cj Deane says
Copper repels slugs. So if you plant in tubs, putCopper tape around the edge. Planting in soil is trickier..... use nematodes!
Barbara says
some commented about bees and didn't get an answer about what to do to repel them. Of course there were a couple of comments from folk who love bees! but I'm allergic to bee and wasp stings so if there is something I could plant to repel them I would put the plants on my deck. I understand we all love bees but they do make me nervous.
Beatrice Zaharian says
I have a waspinator at the corner of my property, since I’ve been using it about 5 years I have not seen any.
It’s a product purchased on amazon ( less than 15 for 2)
Disnne says
Beer! Slugs hate it. I poured it into empty tuna cans and sat it outside.
Jennifer says
Petunias do not repel aphids that’s why I stopped planting them. I love the colours but every year they would be loaded with the bugs.
Vickie says
Crushed eggshells is what I use around all my plants outside, the shell sharp edges hurt them and kill them, they will ruin hostas so that’s what I use.
Erica Nielsen says
Pie pan of beer attracts slugs....they drown happy me
JoAnn says
I am in need of a remedy for chiggar bugs. They are so small that you can’t even see them. But if you are bitten, you will definitely know it. I have had to go to the Drs. Office because of the spreading rash from them. It is not uncommon to have the rash spread for seven or so days. The bites are very itchy and burn. Had to get RX cortisone cream for them because over the counter cortisone, benedryl, and other home remedies were not working. So, I honestly do not care if the solution is organic or not. ( I usually do). Any suggestions are welcome because I still have a long way to go before I am done. One other thing- I noticed that many of the suggestions previously mentioned were for sunny areas. I have been working in shady areas in my backyard. So shady solutions are welcome. TIA.
JoAnn
Karin says
My daughter was attacked the afternoon before her performance in a play. We were told to have her bath in liquid Lysol. She reported that it worked. The play went on without her itching!
Shelley says
My good friend like a mother to me felt with all kinds of irritating bugs in Hunt Tx. She had to rub ammonia on private’s after using towel to dry after going in stream. I & she are very knowledgeable health inthusiests, but the ammonia works on such a torturous bug as chigars like nothing else I know..
Katie says
I don't know how to get them out of the yard, BUT, if they bite you, paint over the bite with clear nail polish. It is my understanding that they burrow into your skin, and if you cover the bite with nail polish they suffocate. It always works for us.
Debi says
About the marigolds, my mother told me that French marigolds kept the bugs away. Burpee's usually has one or two kinds of these in their catalogs. They really don't look much different than regular marigolds. I had a huge vegetable garden one year, and the French marigolds kept most of the bugs out. I used a LOT of marigolds!
Amy says
So some marigolds don't work?
Leonie says
Thankyou all for such great infor.learnt a lot ......leonie
Matt says
Thank you for the tip
Bert DeLapp says
Thanks for the additional plant choices.. I have bought the mosquito plants several years now BUT they are very expensive and son/t really cover a large area. So I am glad to hear there are other plants I can select and not sink all of my yearly budget into mosquito plants. Going for the herbs first thing in the morning. But I must say the mint conversation has warned me adequately. lol
Jean says
I rub my dog's down with basil and it keeps the fleas away to
Connie says
It is always interesting reading the replies as well as the wonderful information on plants! Thank you all! I learned a lot. Now, does anyone have suggestions on plants to keep squirrels away from the plants I do plant? I think there are some plants that they don't like and stay away from.
Kristin says
Hello . . . I do agree mint is invasive . . . But it's very easy to rip out . It has a great root system that makes it easy to move ,transplant or give away. I love to plant it along with iris, hen and chicks,and chives. You can have a nice established garden in a few years that comes back because they're all perennial. They will all grow and invade, but you just move little ones or give them to friends just starting a garden. I love the basil too, it's so easy to use and delicious in meals and drinks . . It does great inside on windows when we have snow on the ground and always a nice one to add to the gardens outside . . Andis you want Bees and love them around plant Nepeta, it's a cat mint and comes in several varieties. I love the purple and white flowered variety . . The bees can't stay away . . . Love Our Bees ! Happy Gardening to all !
Ree says
I grow crazy amounts of mint . . . But last year the mint attracted lots of bugs, and I spent more time keeping bugs off my mint than anything else!
Linda May says
I don't think all marigolds are the same. French MArigolds are supposedly best for deterring bugs.
Chris A. Marcus says
As for the catnip. It can also brewed as tea for us to drink. It has a very calming affect.
Sharon says
Rosemary and mint weren't surprising but the rest were! Great list.
Catherine says
What can deter caterpillars?
Sandra says
Do you know of any indoor plants for pet dander?
Bruce says
Pet dander is the equivalent or the same as adult dandruff , there is no plant that will keep you from getting dandruff. In this case pet dander, they just need a good washing often this will help with the dander. I hope this is helpful have a good day
Amy says
I give my dog the same fish oil that I take, it helps with all kinds of things including pet dander. He takes it with peanut butter.
Jan says
Do you know of any plants that have color but repel bees every summer we have a problem with bees swarming so badly that we can't even enjoy our pool
Brant says
Please tell me what plants or trees are around your pool because I want the bees.
Amy says
I know right!!!!! Bees are AWESOME
Nedalee says
Great! Thank you, Dana! I love your ideas.
Anne says
Hi my great friend moved to S. Carolina coast area and feels totally invaded with bugs that come in the house. Tree roaches and spiders. Its turning here retirement into a nightmare. Any advice ladies?
Sandy says
Try peppermint...Bugs hate it! Put some peppermint oil in bottle and spray over exterior..guaranteed to leave her alone...hope this helps your friend.
Pat says
I have many deer what can I plant in pots
Gerry Rotko says
Seed packets have indications wheather they are resitant to deer.
M. E. Shirley says
I've been told by people who live in the Country that SOCIETY GARLIC deters deer from their eating their edible plants and trees.
Marsha Yost-Peterson says
You can plant Yucca plants , they are invasive though. Deer don't like the Yucca. Google Yucca(yuca) plants ..good luck
You can also eat the roots!
Aimee from Bermondsey says
Hi Dana,I didn't know about the benefits of growing some of your listed plants. I have problems with mosquitoes and some other bugs. I will definitely plant a basil and hope that will help. Thank you for sharing this useful article.
Marie says
Very helpful. Thanks for info.
Adelyn Taylor says
I can also add Nasturtiums to the list. They release a chemical substance that keeps insects away. It is best to plant them around the garden to protect all the vegetables.
june says
Yes we know to be careful about growing mint...it said that already! !!! Did u read it?
BRENDA says
I dont know if she read it, but I did and I grew some and it completely took off and covered my back yard. smells great mowing it though. just stressing...IT WILL TAKE OVER!
Charles Moore says
Try planting it in a whiskey barrel or pot. Not in the ground.
Waverly says
June, menopause much? Don't be so crabby.
Katrina says
I think she was just adding on to the comment, just to reiterate the importance of doing this. This was good to know because I actually planted it in the garden. Redundancy is never a bad thing, I always look at it in a more positive light and I assume that she may have had experience with the situation.
Lisa says
June, does it make you feel better about yourself to put others down...? Your comments were not necessary!
Allison, thank you for the reminder.
Bella says
That's not necessarily the way we like to be spoken to . Every single one of us can and should add whatever they like that pertains to the article. Jeesh we're not 10 .
Elaine says
that is just mean! people like you need.to stay silent. and learn to apologise.
Anna says
Unforuneately, basil and mint are very popular with grasshoppers/locusts!
Raquel says
Yites. I had no idea. I'm don't like locust and grass hoppers. Oh shoot, thought i found a solution
Burnie says
If you don't have a problem with grasshoppers, Raquel, i don't expect this will draw them in or encourage them to your yard. Really think the benefits outweigh the risk. Start with a pot, and if it is a problem, give it away.
pat. says
Helpful. Will look for some of these next time I am in a gardening section. Thank you.
AMNA ALRIFAI says
I have a big problem with the mosquitoes in my backyard I can't enjoying my outdoor time and when they bit me I got a bad rush. So I'll plant these things hope it's work.
Thanks
J.p. says
Try the mosquito plant it's a form of geranium. Smells citronella, I put several on my deck.
Laurie says
Thanks. I didn't know there was such a thing as a mosquito plant...is that what it's called...or is that a formal name?
I'm new to this discussion, so hope I'm not bringing up something that has previously been discussed.
Also, any suggestions for gnats?
Amy says
There is a plant at Home Depot called a "Mosquito plant" I bought one for my front porch. However, I feel like it would do better as a hanging plant from the way mine is growing.
Cathy L Romero says
My bug zapper actual does work and it blooms pretty purple flowers
Penny says
Yes these are wonderful & smell great. Put them in several size pots then you can relocate wherever you need depending if you have more than one spot to sit in yard. Also you can bring them indoors over the winter enjoy
Sue says
Whoa! Thanks for that! I really appreciate that.
In Louisiana and bugs are terrible!
B Hutchcraft says
I planted marigolds in my backyard and I never saw so many insects. They were covered with all kinds of them. It seemed like they drew the bugs to them. I love marigolds, they are beautiful and so many different ones. But I will not plant them again.
Julie says
What kinds of bugs did you see?
Amy says
I think French marigolds are the ones that repel
michelle @ Boards&knives says
Great post! We are constantly battling mosquitos in our garden here in Texas. I didn't know about chrysanthemums - they are so beautiful I think I'll have to get me some!