Over $2 billion is spent annually on pesticides for gardens and yards in the United States alone.1 However, many of these chemical pesticides can harm beneficial insects, contaminate soil and water, and even pose risks to pets and people.
The good news? Mother Nature has provided us with an array of plants that can help control pests naturally. Here are 15 plants that not only beautify your outdoor space but also keep those pesky bugs at bay.
1. Marigolds
Not only do marigolds add a burst of color to your garden, but their strong scent also repels pests like aphids, mosquitoes, and even rabbits. To create a protective barrier, plant them around the border of your vegetable garden.
Marigolds also attract beneficial insects like ladybugs and lacewings, which prey on common garden pests.
2. Lavender
Lavender is known for its calming fragrance, but it’s also a powerful pest repellent. Moths, fleas, flies, and mosquitoes are deterred by its strong aroma. To create a pleasant, pest-free environment, consider planting lavender near entryways and outdoor seating areas.
Dried lavender sachets can also be used inside your home to keep pests out of closets and drawers.
3. Mint
If you’re looking for a vigorous grower that can quickly take over a garden, mint is a great option, especially when it comes to pest control. Ants, aphids, and even mice are repelled by mint’s strong scent.
To keep it from spreading too much, plant mint in containers and place them near your home’s foundation or in the garden.
4. Rosemary
Not only is this fragrant herb great for cooking, but it also works wonders in the garden. Rosemary is effective at repelling mosquitoes, carrot flies, and cabbage moths.
Its woody stems also provide shelter for beneficial insects like ground beetles, which prey on slugs and snails. Consider planting rosemary near your vegetable garden or in containers on your patio.
5. Basil
Basil is a versatile herb that adds flavor to many dishes and has pest-repelling properties. Flies, mosquitoes, and thrips are deterred by its strong scent.
When it comes to repelling tomato hornworms, a common pest that can quickly defoliate tomato plants, basil is particularly effective. For the best results, plant basil near your tomatoes.
6. Lemongrass
Containing citronella oil, which is a natural mosquito repellent, (ref) lemongrass is an excellent addition to your garden. To create a mosquito-free zone, plant lemongrass in containers or directly in the ground near outdoor seating areas.
For added protection, you can also crush the leaves and rub them on your skin.
7. Chrysanthemums
Pyrethrin, a natural insecticide that paralyzes and kills insects, is found in chrysanthemums. To create a barrier against pests like ants, fleas, beetles, and roaches, plant chrysanthemums around the perimeter of your garden.
Beneficial insects like hoverflies and parasitic wasps are also attracted to the flowers.
8. Petunias
In addition to being beautiful, petunias are also effective at repelling pests like aphids, tomato hornworms, and squash bugs. For the best results, plant them in hanging baskets or containers near your vegetable garden.
Pollinators like bees and butterflies, which can help increase your garden’s yield, are also attracted to petunias.
9. Nasturtiums
These vibrant flowers repel whiteflies, squash bugs, and aphids. They are also known for acting as a trap crop, attracting pests away from your other plants. You can plant nasturtiums around the border of your garden or interplant them with your vegetables.
As a bonus, nasturtium leaves and flowers are edible and add a peppery flavor to salads.
10. Garlic
As a natural fungicide and pesticide, garlic repels a wide range of pests, including aphids, snails, and even rabbits. Plant garlic around the perimeter of your garden or interplant it with your vegetables.
To make a garlic spray, blend garlic cloves with water and a few drops of dish soap, then spray it on your plants.
11. Catnip
Even though cats may love catnip, pests like mosquitoes, cockroaches, and termites hate it. Consider planting catnip in containers or directly in the ground near your home’s foundation or in your garden.
To repel mosquitoes, you can also dry the leaves and sprinkle them around outdoor seating areas.
12. Thyme
As a low-growing herb, thyme makes an excellent ground cover in the garden and repels pests like cabbage worms, corn earworms, and tomato hornworms. Plant thyme near your vegetable garden or in between stepping stones on your garden path.
Thyme sprigs can also be used as a natural insect repellent by rubbing them on your skin.
13. Alliums
The allium family, which includes garlic, onions, and chives, is known for its pest-repelling properties. It contains sulfur compounds that deter pests like aphids, slugs, and cabbage worms.
For best results, plant alliums around the border of your garden or interplant them with your vegetables. As a bonus, alliums also have beautiful flowers that attract pollinators.
14. Dill
While dill is a favorite herb for many culinary dishes, it also has pest-repelling properties, attracting beneficial insects like ladybugs and hoverflies, which prey on common garden pests.
Cabbage loopers and spider mites are also repelled by dill. You can plant dill near your vegetable garden or in containers on your patio.
15. Sage
Thriving in sunny, dry conditions, sage is a hardy herb that also repels pests like cabbage moths, carrot flies, and flea beetles. Consider planting sage near your vegetable garden or in containers on your patio.
Sage leaves can also be used as a natural insect repellent by rubbing them on your skin or burning them to create a pest-repelling smoke.
Source:
1. National Academies Press
Read Next:
Nancy has been a plant person from an early age. That interest blossomed into a bachelor’s in biology from Elmira College and a master’s degree in horticulture and communications from the University of Kentucky. Nancy worked in plant taxonomy at the University of Florida and the L. H. Bailey Hortorium at Cornell University, and wrote and edited gardening books at Rodale Press in Emmaus, PA. Her interests are plant identification, gardening, hiking, and reading.