9 Plants That Repel Bugs Naturally

Repel bugs using plants the natural way. Did you go from cold, windy days to hot weather in a matter of days? We certainly did. We skipped Spring altogether and fast forward right into hot Summer days. No gradual transition, just heat on full blast. With the heat comes the arrival of bugs. If you’ve noticed ants, bugs, really big bugs at your doorstep as we have, then you may need help to repel those bugs. Stop the full on invasion of these bugs scratching their way into your home before Summer is in full swing.   

Earlier this week, we heard a scream. Our daughter screaming at the sight of another invading, pesky bug. It’s time to beat back those bugs naturally, of course. Rather than beating back bugs with toxic chemicals, we’ll be smart about it. We will use plants that those pesky bugs avoid at all costs. We will repel bugs naturally with bug repelling plants.

 

Repel Bugs Without Chemicals

If you find yourself overrun with bugs, now is the time to evaluate the arsenal in your garden to repel bugs using natural methods. There are a number of plants available to help you take control of your yard without using harsh chemicals that could potentially hurt you, your children or your pets. You will find many pest control services available to have your yard sprayed professionally using organic sprays, however, we’ve found them to be quite pricey.

Our approach to solving this problem is to strategically plant bug repelling plants at our doorways or place them in pots near exterior doorways. We’ve found some garden plants that can help control bugs around the home. Another added feature – several of these plants have a wonderful fragrance. Take a look and let us know what you think.

1. Lavender

Lavender is a fragrant and deer resistant plant. This fragrant perennial can repel bugs such as moths, fleas, flies, and mosquitoes. Lavender has been used as sachets for protecting clothes in closets and drawers for many years. We love the lavender fragrance and the striking contrast of lavender silvery green foliage and deep purple blooms. Beautiful, fragrant, tough, and effective – a gardener’s true friend. 

2.  Lantana

Lantana is an annual that blooms over the summer. In some warmer climates, lantana grows 4 to 5 feet tall and is a shrub! An easy to grow annual that is deer resistant. Lantana repels mosquitoes and provides bright summer color to your garden. Tough Lantana will attract butterflies and hummingbirds. Available in several bright Summer colors, Lantana is a stunning display of colors.  

3.  Chrysanthemum

The Chrysanthemum is a hardy perennial mum that blooms in the Fall. The Chrysanthemum will repel bugs such as ants and fleas. An easy to grow and care for perennial plant. Available in a variety of colors, the Chrysanthemum is a Fall favorite. A great way for adding some Fall color to your garden!   

4. Mosquito Plant or Citronella

The Mosquito or Citronella Plant is a tender perennial. Many outdoor candles are made of citronella to repel mosquitoes and other insects. Citronella plants can reach up to 3 feet tall. The mosquito plant gives a wonderful lemon scent to repel mosquitoes. However, cats may not care for the scent of the Citronella plant.

5. Lemon Balm

Lemon Balm has a sweet citrus scent with scalloped edged leaves. Typically used in salads, Lemon Balm is an herb repels mosquitoes. The foliage is light green color. 

6.  Lemon Thyme

Lemon Thyme is a low growing herb perennial. The small leaf perennial has a lemon scent with bright striking golden-edged leaves. Versatile Lemon Thyme is used for preparing many dishes especially chicken. Deer resistant Lemon Thyme repels mosquitoes! Looks especially lovely when grown in mass plantings. 

7.  Orange African Marigold

The African Marigold Garland Orange is an annual that can grow up to 48 inches tall! This orange beauty blooms all summer long. The African Marigold can repel bugs and rabbits. You may have noticed many gardeners plant a row or two of marigolds around their vegetable gardens. Pretty and effective – exactly what we are looking for!

8.  Basil

Basil is a classic annual herb. Many Italian dishes use Basil along with olive oil. Great for tomato sauces, pestos, and salads. Repel bugs such as flies and mosquitoes with Basil plants.

9.  Lemon Grass

Lemon Grass is an easy to grow annual (in colder climates). You’ll notice that Lemon Grass has a nice fragrant lemon scent. As Lemon Grass grows it forms a loose, vase-shape clump. Another fantastic way to repel bugs, Lemon Grass repels mosquitoes with a pleasant lemon scent. Brush up against Lemon Grass to release the wonderful fragrance. 

Repel Bugs Using Container Plants

There is no need to use expensive and toxic chemicals to repel bugs and insects. You can reduce the bug population around your home by planting the right type of bug repelling plants the natural way. Plant these natural bug repelling plants around your doorways or in pots.

Many of these 9 plants can be planted in containers. Basil, Citronella or Mosquito Plant, Lantana, Lemon Balm, and Lemon Grass can be grown in containers. Place the containers outside of your doorways, on porches, patios or balcony for even more protection. At the end of the Summer season, we relocate these containers to our basement. These annuals remain there over the Winter months. Then in late Spring, we will reintroduce these plants to the outdoors. 

Stay protected from the many bugs venturing into your home with these plants. Give them a try. If you try any of these 9 Plants that Repel Bugs Naturally let us know how you make out.  

Flowering Vines and Moonlight Gardens

For flowering vines and climbers information, read our post on 17 Vibrant Flowering Vines For Your Arbor, Trellis, or Pergola. For plant suggestions to create a Moonlight garden, read our post 20 Plants to Brighten Your Garden by Moonlight. If you have any questions, feel free to reach out to us in the comments below. We always are ready to help you out.