Sandfly Repellent Plants: Your Secret Weapon Against Pesky Insects

Do you love spending time outdoors but hate the sandflies that come with it? Fear not, as there are natural ways to keep these pesky insects at bay. One of the most effective methods is by using sandfly repellent plants. These plants contain essential oils and compounds that repel sandflies and other insects, making them a must-have in your garden or on your balcony. In this article, we will take a look at some of the best sandfly repellent plants and how to use them.

What are Sandflies?

Before we dive into the plants themselves, let's take a closer look at sandflies. Sandflies are tiny, biting insects that belong to the family Psychodidae. They are found in many parts of the world, including tropical and subtropical regions, and are most active during the warmer months. Sandflies are attracted to warm-blooded animals, including humans, and feed on their blood. Their bites can be painful and cause itching, swelling, and even infection.

15 Sandfly Repellent Plants

Lavender (Lavandula angustifolia)

Lavender is known for its relaxing scent, but it also has powerful insect-repelling properties. The plant contains linalool, a compound that repels sandflies and mosquitoes. You can grow lavender in pots or in your garden.

How to Use Lavender:

- Crush a few lavender leaves and rub them on your skin.
- Place a bouquet of lavender on your patio or balcony to repel insects.
- Dry lavender flowers and place them in sachets to keep sandflies away from your clothes.

Lemongrass (Cymbopogon citratus)

Lemongrass is a popular ingredient in many Asian dishes, but it also has insect-repelling properties. The plant contains citronella oil, which is commonly used in mosquito repellents. You can grow lemongrass in pots or in your garden.

How to Use Lemongrass:

- Crush a few lemongrass leaves and rub them on your skin.
- Boil lemongrass leaves in water to make a natural insect repellent spray.
- Place lemongrass near windows and doors to keep sandflies away from your home.

Citronella (Cymbopogon nardus)

Citronella is a well-known insect repellent that is often used in candles and sprays. The plant contains citronellal, which masks the scent of carbon dioxide that attracts insects like sandflies. You can grow citronella in pots or in your garden.

How to Use Citronella:

- Burn citronella candles or incense sticks to repel insects.
- Crush a few citronella leaves and rub them on your skin.
- Boil citronella leaves in water to make a natural insect repellent spray.

Basil (Ocimum basilicum)

Basil is a popular herb that is commonly used in cooking, but it also has insect-repelling properties. The plant contains eugenol, a compound that repels insects like sandflies and mosquitoes. You can grow basil in pots or in your garden.

How to Use Basil:

- Crush a few basil leaves and rub them on your skin.
- Place a bouquet of basil on your patio or balcony to repel insects.
- Boil basil leaves in water to make a natural insect repellent spray.

Mint (Mentha spp.)

Mint is another herb that is commonly used in cooking, but it also has insect-repelling properties. The plant contains menthol, a compound that repels insects like sandflies and mosquitoes. You can grow mint in pots or in your garden.

How to Use Mint:

- Crush a few mint leaves and rub them on your skin.
- Place a bouquet of mint on your patio or balcony to repel insects.
- Boil mint leaves in water to make a natural insect repellent spray.

Rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis)

Rosemary is a fragrant herb that is often used in cooking, but it also has insect-repelling properties. The plant contains rosmarinic acid, a compound that repels insects like sandflies and mosquitoes. You can grow rosemary in pots or in your garden.

How to Use Rosemary:

- Crush a few rosemary leaves and rub them on your skin.
- Place a bouquet of rosemary on your patio or balcony to repel insects.
- Boil rosemary leaves in water to make a natural insect repellent spray.

Eucalyptus (Eucalyptus globulus)

Eucalyptus is a tree that is native to Australia, but it is now grown in many parts of the world for its essential oil. The oil contains eucalyptol, which repels insects like sandflies and mosquitoes. You can grow eucalyptus in pots or in your garden.

How to Use Eucalyptus:

- Burn eucalyptus candles or incense sticks to repel insects.
- Crush a few eucalyptus leaves and rub them on your skin.
- Boil eucalyptus leaves in water to make a natural insect repellent spray.

Clove (Syzygium aromaticum)

Clove is a spice that is often used in cooking, but it also has insect-repelling properties. The plant contains eugenol, a compound that repels insects like sandflies and mosquitoes. You can grow clove in pots or in your garden.

How to Use Clove:

- Crush a few clove leaves and rub them on your skin.
- Burn clove candles or incense sticks to repel insects.
- Boil clove leaves in water to make a natural insect repellent spray.

Sage (Salvia officinalis)

Sage is an herb that is often used in cooking, but it also has insect-repelling properties. The plant contains camphor, a compound that repels insects like sandflies and mosquitoes. You can grow sage in pots or in your garden.

How to Use Sage:

- Crush a few sage leaves and rub them on your skin.
- Place a bouquet of sage on your patio or balcony to repel insects.
- Boil sage leaves in water to make a natural insect repellent spray.

Thyme (Thymus vulgaris)

Thyme is an herb that is commonly used in cooking, but it also has insect-repelling properties. The plant contains thymol, a compound that repels insects like sandflies and mosquitoes. You can grow thyme in pots or in your garden.

How to Use Thyme:

- Crush a few thyme leaves and rub them on your skin.
- Place a bouquet of thyme on your patio or balcony to repel insects.
- Boil thyme leaves in water to make a natural insect repellent spray.

Marigold (Tagetes spp.)

Marigold is a beautiful flower that is often used as an ornamental plant, but it also has insect-repelling properties. The plant contains pyrethrin, a compound that repels insects like sandflies and mosquitoes. You can grow marigold in pots or in your garden.

How to Use Marigold:

- Crush a few marigold leaves and rub them on your skin.
- Place a bouquet of marigold on your patio or balcony to repel insects.
- Boil marigold leaves in water to make a natural insect repellent spray.

Catnip (Nepeta cataria)

Catnip is a plant that is often grown for cats, but it also has insect-repelling properties. The plant contains nepetalactone, a compound that repels insects like sandflies and mosquitoes. You can grow catnip in pots or in your garden.

How to Use Catnip:

- Crush a few catnip leaves and rub them on your skin.
- Place a bouquet of catnip on your patio or balcony to repel insects.
- Boil catnip leaves in water to make a natural insect repellent spray.

Pennyroyal (Mentha pulegium)

Pennyroyal is an herb that is often used in cooking, but it also has insect-repelling properties. The plant contains pulegone, a compound that repels insects like sandflies and mosquitoes. You can grow pennyroyal in pots or in your garden.

How to Use Pennyroyal:

- Crush a few pennyroyal leaves and rub them on your skin.
- Burn pennyroyal candles or incense sticks to repel insects.
- Boil pennyroyal leaves in water to make a natural insect repellent spray.

Rue (Ruta graveolens)

Rue is an herb that is often used in cooking, but it also has insect-repelling properties. The plant contains rutin, a compound that repels insects like sandflies and mosquitoes. You can grow rue in pots or in your garden.

How to Use Rue:

- Crush a few rue leaves and rub them on your skin.
- Place a bouquet of rue on your patio or balcony to repel insects.
- Boil rue leaves in water to make a natural insect repellent spray.


Sandfly repellent plants are a natural and effective way to keep these pesky insects at bay. By incorporating some of these plants into your garden or balcony, you can enjoy the outdoors without having to worry about sandflies. Whether you prefer lavender, lemongrass, citronella, or any other plant on this list, you're sure to find a solution that works for you.

FAQs

1. Do sandfly repellent plants work?

Yes, sandfly repellent plants contain compounds that repel insects like sandflies and mosquitoes. While they may not be as effective as synthetic insecticides, they are a natural and safe alternative.

2. Can I use sandfly repellent plants indoors?

Yes, you can use sandfly repellent plants indoors. Simply place them near windows and doors to keep sandflies away from your home.

3. Are sandfly repellent plants toxic to pets?

Some sandfly repellent plants, such as pennyroyal and rue, can be toxic to pets if ingested. It's important to keep these plants out of reach of pets.

4. Can I use sandfly repellent plants on children?

Yes, you can use sandfly repellent plants on children. However, it's important to test a small patch of skin first to make sure they don't have an allergic reaction.

5. How often do I need to replace sandfly repellent plants?

Sandfly repellent plants can last for several months or even years if cared for properly. However, if the plant s to wilt or lose its scent, it may be time to replace it.