11 Plants that act as powerful natural repellents against insects and the specific parasites they deter! Say goodbye to toxic insecticides.
1. BASIL (Ocimum basilicum) / Insects Repelled: Mosquitoes, houseflies Basil emits a scent that mosquitoes and houseflies find particularly offensive. Plant basil in pots near doorways or in the garden alongside tomato plants for a pest-free environment.
2. LAVENDER (Lavandula) / Insects Repelled: Moths, fleas, flies, mosquitoes Lavender's soothing scent for humans acts as a repellent for many insects. Its versatility means you can grow it in the garden or use dried lavender to protect wardrobes and linen cupboards.
3. LEMONWOOD (Cymbopogon) / Insects Repelled: Mosquitoes Lemon grass contains citronellal, a natural oil found in commercial mosquito repellents. Plant it in large pots around resting areas to create a mosquito-free zone.
4. MOSQUITO (Tagetes) / Insects Repelled: Mosquitoes, aphids, rabbits The pungent scent of marigolds repels mosquitoes and aphids. They also deter rabbits. Plant marigolds along garden borders for their protective benefits.
5. MINT (Mentha) / Insects Repelled: Mosquitoes, ants, mice The strong scent of mint is unpleasant to mosquitoes and ants. Be careful, as mint can be invasive; consider planting it in pots to control its spread.
6. CATTLE (Nepeta cataria) / Insects Repelled: Mosquitoes, ants, cockroaches Research shows that catnip is more effective than DEET at repelling mosquitoes. Its easy growth makes it a garden favorite, but be prepared for cat visits!
7. CHRYSANTHÈME (Chrysanthemum) / Insects Repelled: Cockroaches, ants, Japanese beetles, ticks, silverfish Pyrethrin, present in chrysanthemums, is used in many insect repellents and controls a wide range of insects.
8. GARLIC (Allium sativum) / Insects Repelled : Aphids, mosquitoes, cabbage maggots Planting garlic around the garden acts as a barrier against aphids, mosquitoes and cabbage maggots, protecting your vegetables and flowers.
9. ROSEMARY (Rosmarinus officinalis) / Insects Repelled: Mosquitoes, carrot flies, cabbage maggots Rosemary's woody fragrance repels garden pests while attracting butterflies. Ideal for container gardening or as part of a culinary herb garden.
10. PETUNIAS (Petunia) / Insects Repelled : Aphids, dogwood caterpillars, asparagus beetles Often called "natural pesticides", petunias repel a variety of insects. Plant them in sunny spots near vegetable gardens or in hanging baskets.
11. LEMONGRASS HERB (Cymbopogon nardus) / Insects Repelled: Mosquitoes While citronella candles are a popular mosquito repellent, growing the plant itself can offer localized protection. Best grown in large pots due to its size.
Incorporating these natural repellent plants into your landscape design helps to create a more pleasant, pest-free environment, while enhancing the biodiversity and aesthetic appeal of your exterior. While no plant can guarantee total protection against all pests, these choices can significantly reduce the need for chemical repellents, promoting healthier, more environmentally-friendly gardens and interiors.