Mosquitoes, flies, and insects can quickly spoil your outdoor time. Tired of chemical-laden insecticides? Discover natural solutions from gardening experts.
These 8 plants offer a safer, more beautiful alternative to repellent sprays, keeping pests at bay while enhancing your garden.
The citronella in those familiar terrace candles comes from lemongrass oil. "Lemongrass is by far the most well-known plant for repelling mosquitoes," says gardening expert Carmen Johnston. "Its scent is a bit pungent. I often put it in a small terracotta pot about 20 cm in the middle of the table when we spend time outside. You can also use small lemongrass plants in a composition or use the plant itself as a centerpiece."
Often called a "natural insecticide," petunias deter aphids, tomato hornworms, beetles, leafhoppers, and chinch bugs. "Growing petunias is very simple. You can plant them in the ground or leave them in pots," explains specialist journalist Peyton Lambton. "They like the sun. I recommend buying seedlings and placing them in light, well-drained soil in full sun after the last spring frosts."
"The scent of lavender repels mosquitoes," says Carmen Johnston. "I planted it in beds at the entrance to my garden. I love its blue flowers. Lavender likes heat and drought. It's perfect for summer!" You can also apply lavender oil directly to your skin as a natural repellent.
Nasturtiums repel whiteflies, squash bugs, aphids, beetles, and cabbage fleas while promoting growth in nearby plants. "They produce a chemical that stays airborne and repels insects. That way they not only protect themselves, but they also protect other plants," says professional landscaper Chris Lambton. "Plant them in early spring in moist, well-drained, sunny soil. They should be watered regularly. Dead heads should be regularly removed to encourage flowering."
Renowned for flavoring dishes, rosemary also repels insects. "It's another perfect plant for summer because it loves drought," says Carmen Johnston. "It's one of my favorite smells, but mosquitoes can't stand it. You can grow rosemary in pots but you can also plant it in your garden, for hedges." It adds elegance to floral arrangements too.
This annual herb repels flies and mosquitoes. It thrives with 6-8 hours of daily sunlight in moist, well-drained soil. Pinch off emerging flowers to maintain leaf flavor. To soothe bites, crush leaves and rub the oils on the skin for itch relief.
Also known as lemongrass verbena, this plant—related to lemon balm (Melissa officinalis L.)—repels mosquitoes and is edible, popular in Southeast Asian cuisine. It grows 1-1.5 meters tall, so use a large pot in a sunny spot (above 10°C).
Mint refreshes dishes and cocktails while repelling mosquitoes as a perennial. "Mint is easy to grow in a garden. Besides, it can be difficult to contain. That's why it's best to plant it in a pot," says Peyton Lambton. "To keep it in top form, take leaves regularly. During the winter you can grow it in the house. That way it will also chase away flies!"
