Plants that Repel Insects

Many plants have natural defenses against insects that you can use for your own benefit. Plus, many of these plants have dual purposes-being either pretty or tasty while at the same time helping rid your garden of pests. Here are a few varieties of plants that have been known to either repel harmful insects or attract beneficial ones.

Marigolds

Marigold flowers give off a fragrance that is unappealing to many insects, especially Mexican bean beetles, asparagus beetles, tomato worms, and nematodes. They are easy to grow and should be planted in full sun. They will continue bloom throughout the summer if they are deadheaded. Flowers are available in shades of cream, yellow, orange, burgundy, and bi-colors.

Thai Lemon Grass

Thai lemon grass is not particularly attractive until you realize that it is a natural mosquito repellant. It can grow about six feet tall and is often used in many Thai dishes. Plant it in an area that gets plenty of sunlight and moisture.

Artemisia

Also known as wormwood and mugworts, Artemisia is known for attracting beneficial bugs as well as repelling harmful ones. It is also known as a natural repellant for animals. It is very easy to grow-to the point of having become an invasive weed in some areas of the United States. It prefers a well-drained, loamy soil in a sunny position. However, it is known to be more aromatic if it is grown in a drier soil.

Nasturtium

Nasturtiums are known for repelling white flies, squash bugs, striped pumpkin beetle, and wooly aphids. For best results, plant nasturtium in a spot with average to poor soil that is slightly on the dry side with lots of sun. They tend to grow in areas that other plants will not.

Basil

Basil is a natural repellant of flies, mosquitoes, and asparagus beetles. It prefers a well-drained soil with plenty of organic material such as peat moss, compost, or manure. For the best flavor, be sure to pinch of any flower spikes when they start to form.

Catnip

Catnip will repel ants, aphids, cockroaches, flea beetles, and Japanese beetles but attract cats. Still, it is a hardy perennial that belongs to the mint family. It grows about two to five feet tall and produces downy, heart-shaped, leaves that are grayish green. They require very little care, except for occasional weeding, and produce small white or lilac flowers. Plant it in full sun in a well-drained soil.

Garlic

Garlic is not just for vampires. It also repels aphids, apple scabs, borers, Japanese beetles, peach leaf curl disease, and spider mites. Garlic is tolerant in many soil types, but prefers an area with full sun that drains well. It is typically planted in the fall.

Lavender

Lavender is known to repel ticks, moths, and mice. It needs to be planted in a sunny place in well-draining soil. It is very tolerant of dry conditions and rarely needs watering.

Mint

Peppermint and other mints have been known to keep ants, aphids, cabbage moths, and fleas away. Mint is best grown in moist, slightly acidic soil located in partial shade. However, it is tolerant to most other conditions.

Pennyroyal

Pennyroyal will repel fleas, flies, and mosquitoes. It needs a well-drained soil that is either sandy or loamy. It requires some sun, but is otherwise tolerant of a variety of conditions.

Rue

Rue repels flies, Japanese beetles, and even cats and dogs. It thrives in well-draining soil that is located in full sun conditions.

Tansy

Tansy is a natural repellant for ants, fleas, flies, Japanese beetles, moths, striped cucumber beetles, and squash bugs. However, it some areas it has become a noxious weed and it can be fatal if ingested by some animals. So, grow it with care.

However, these are not the only plants that are known to repel insects. Here are a few other plants and the insects that they are known to repel:

Borage: tomato worms
Calendula: asparagus beetles and tomato worms
Chrysanthemum: Mexican bean beetles
Cosmos: Mexican bean beetles
Coriander: aphids
Dandelion: Colorado potato beetles
Dead Nettle: potato beetles
Fennel: fleas
Flax: potato beetles
Geranium: cabbage worms and red spider mite
Horseradish: potato beetles
Hyssop: cabbage moth
Oregano: cabbage butterflies and cucumber beetles
Parsley: beetles
Radish: cucumber beetle
Rosemary: bean beetles, cabbage moth, and carrot flies
Sage: bean beetles, cabbage moth, carrot flies, and slugs
Southernwood: cabbage moth
Sunflower: armyworm
Thyme: cabbage worm