Plants That Repel Insects and Garden Pests | Natural Gardening

Have the summer insects and pests been “bugging” or attacking you and your prized plants? Why not introduce plants that repel insects and garden pests naturally? These herbs and flowers deter mosquitoes, black flies, slugs, snails, ticks, moles, deer, ants, and hornworms and work with nature to combat the not-so-welcome insects and pests that invade your lawn and garden in the summer.

Plants That Repel Insects and Garden Pests

Marigolds

These compact flowers, with their brightly colored hues of yellow and orange, have a strong, distinct smell that makes this a plant that repels insects like mosquitoes and black flies. A great border plant to have around your home and outside seating areas. Marigolds work even better when planted near tomatoes to help to repel the dreaded tomato hornworm. Deer are not fond of the scent of marigolds either, and may decide not to munch on the more tempting fruits and veggies if they’re planted close by. These flowers will continue to bloom all summer and throughout the fall as long as they are deadheaded on a regular basis. Deadheaded buds may be dried, and the seeds saved for next year.

Citronella

Yes, it’s actually a plant and not a chemical! The strong citrus smell of this plant will repel insects like mosquitoes and black flies. A great container plant to have on your porch or deck to complement and work with marigolds to ward off predatory blood-thirsty insects.

Catnip

This herb does double duty as both a natural mosquito repellent and a fun treat to entertain our feline friends — not only as it’s growing but also after it’s dried — as it can be packaged up and made into sachets that your cat can enjoy anytime throughout the year!

Garlic

It’s not just for vampires! Garlic wards off garden pests such as slugs, snails, ticks, and some grubs. Japanese beetles avoid garlic as well, though these pests are all but impossible to eliminate altogether. Garlic also helps to keep mosquitoes at bay. The added bonus is that you can eat it too!

Castor Oil Plant

This plant is said to discourage moles and mice from invading lawns, as well as being effective in deterring deer and many species of ants.

Find out more about plants that repel insects in this article about companion planting.

This post was first published in 2012 and has been updated. 

Shelley Wigglesworth

Shelley (Fleming) Wigglesworth is an award-winning freelance journalist from Maine and a certified Maine Master Gardener who writes gardening articles on a regular basis for NewEngland.com. Her work can be found in the following publications: The Village Magazine, York County Coast Star, Yankee Magazine (online), National Fisherman Magazine, Commercial Fisheries News, Points East Magazine, Coastal Angler Magazine and The Maine Lobstermen's Association's "Landings."

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