10 Insect-Repellent Plants for Your Outdoor Space

Keep Mosquitoes and Other Pests at Bay with Natural Solutions

Are you tired of being bitten by mosquitoes and other pesky insects when you're trying to enjoy your outdoor space? While commercial insect repellents can be effective, they often contain harsh chemicals that can be harmful to the environment and even to our health. Fortunately, there are many natural solutions available, including insect-repellent plants.

In this article, we'll take a look at 10 plants that are known to repel insects, including mosquitoes, flies, and ticks. We'll discuss their benefits, how to grow them, and how to use them to keep pests away from your outdoor living areas.

1. Citronella

What is Citronella?

Citronella is a type of grass that is native to Asia and is known for its strong lemon scent. This scent is what makes it an effective insect repellent. Citronella oil is commonly used in candles, sprays, and other products designed to keep mosquitoes and other insects away.

How to Grow Citronella

Citronella can be grown in pots or in the ground, but it needs full sun and well-draining soil. You can grow citronella from seeds or from cuttings. If you live in a colder climate, you may need to bring your citronella plant indoors during the winter.

Using Citronella as an Insect Repellent

You can burn citronella candles or use citronella oil in a diffuser to keep mosquitoes and other insects at bay. You can also plant citronella near your outdoor living areas to help keep bugs away.

2. Lavender

What is Lavender?

Lavender is an herb that is native to the Mediterranean region. It is known for its beautiful purple flowers and its sweet, floral scent. While lavender is often used for its calming properties, it is also an effective insect repellent.

How to Grow Lavender

Lavender needs full sun and well-draining soil. It can be grown from seeds or from cuttings. Lavender can be grown in pots or in the ground, but it does best in a soil pH of 6.4 to 8.2.

Using Lavender as an Insect Repellent

You can use lavender oil in a diffuser or spray lavender water on your skin to keep mosquitoes and other insects away. You can also plant lavender near your outdoor living areas to help keep bugs away.

3. Rosemary

What is Rosemary?

Rosemary is an herb that is native to the Mediterranean region. It is known for its fragrant leaves and its ability to repel pests. Rosemary is commonly used in cooking, but it can also be used as an insect repellent.

How to Grow Rosemary

Rosemary needs full sun and well-draining soil. It can be grown from seeds or from cuttings. Rosemary can be grown in pots or in the ground, but it does best in a soil pH of 6.0 to 7.5.

Using Rosemary as an Insect Repellent

You can burn rosemary sprigs or use rosemary oil in a diffuser to keep mosquitoes and other insects at bay. You can also plant rosemary near your outdoor living areas to help keep bugs away.

4. Peppermint

What is Peppermint?

Peppermint is an herb that is native to Europe and Asia. It is known for its strong, minty scent and its ability to repel pests. Peppermint is commonly used in cooking, but it can also be used as an insect repellent.

How to Grow Peppermint

Peppermint needs partial shade and moist soil. It can be grown from seeds or from cuttings. Peppermint can be grown in pots or in the ground, but it does best in a soil pH of 6.0 to 7.0.

Using Peppermint as an Insect Repellent

You can burn peppermint leaves or use peppermint oil in a diffuser to keep mosquitoes and other insects at bay. You can also plant peppermint near your outdoor living areas to help keep bugs away.

5. Basil

What is Basil?

Basil is an herb that is native to India and other parts of Asia. It is known for its fragrant leaves and its ability to repel pests. Basil is commonly used in cooking, but it can also be used as an insect repellent.

How to Grow Basil

Basil needs full sun and well-draining soil. It can be grown from seeds or from cuttings. Basil can be grown in pots or in the ground, but it does best in a soil pH of 5.5 to 7.5.

Using Basil as an Insect Repellent

You can burn basil leaves or use basil oil in a diffuser to keep mosquitoes and other insects at bay. You can also plant basil near your outdoor living areas to help keep bugs away.

6. Lemon Balm

What is Lemon Balm?

Lemon balm is an herb that is native to Europe and Asia. It is known for its lemony scent and its ability to repel pests. Lemon balm is commonly used in cooking, but it can also be used as an insect repellent.

How to Grow Lemon Balm

Lemon balm needs partial shade and moist soil. It can be grown from seeds or from cuttings. Lemon balm can be grown in pots or in the ground, but it does best in a soil pH of 6.0 to 7.5.

Using Lemon Balm as an Insect Repellent

You can burn lemon balm leaves or use lemon balm oil in a diffuser to keep mosquitoes and other insects at bay. You can also plant lemon balm near your outdoor living areas to help keep bugs away.

7. Catnip

What is Catnip?

Catnip is an herb that is native to Europe and Asia. It is known for its ability to attract cats, but it is also an effective insect repellent. Catnip contains a chemical called nepetalactone, which repels mosquitoes and other insects.

How to Grow Catnip

Catnip needs full sun and well-draining soil. It can be grown from seeds or from cuttings. Catnip can be grown in pots or in the ground, but it does best in a soil pH of 6.0 to 7.5.

Using Catnip as an Insect Repellent

You can rub catnip leaves on your skin or use catnip oil in a diffuser to keep mosquitoes and other insects at bay. You can also plant catnip near your outdoor living areas to help keep bugs away.

8. Marigold

What is Marigold?

Marigold is a flower that is native to Mexico and Central America. It is known for its bright orange and yellow blooms and its ability to repel pests. Marigold contains a chemical called pyrethrum, which repels mosquitoes and other insects.

How to Grow Marigold

Marigold needs full sun and well-draining soil. It can be grown from seeds or from seedlings. Marigold can be grown in pots or in the ground, but it does best in a soil pH of 6.0 to 7.5.

Using Marigold as an Insect Repellent

You can plant marigolds in your outdoor living areas to help keep mosquitoes and other insects at bay. You can also crush marigold petals and rub them on your skin to repel mosquitoes.

9. Chrysanthemum

What is Chrysanthemum?

Chrysanthemum is a flower that is native to Asia and Europe. It is known for its beautiful blooms and its ability to repel pests. Chrysanthemum contains a chemical called pyrethrum, which repels mosquitoes and other insects.

How to Grow Chrysanthemum

Chrysanthemum needs full sun and well-draining soil. It can be grown from seeds or from seedlings. Chrysanthemum can be grown in pots or in the ground, but it does best in a soil pH of 6.0 to 7.5.

Using Chrysanthemum as an Insect Repellent

You can plant chrysanthemums in your outdoor living areas to help keep mosquitoes and other insects at bay. You can also crush chrysanthemum petals and rub them on your skin to repel mosquitoes.

10. Lemongrass

What is Lemongrass?

Lemongrass is a type of grass that is native to India and other parts of Asia. It is known for its strong lemon scent and its ability to repel pests. Lemongrass contains a chemical called citronella, which repels mosquitoes and other insects.

How to Grow Lemongrass

Lemongrass needs full sun and well-draining soil. It can be grown from seeds or from cuttings. Lemongrass can be grown in pots or in the ground, but it does best in a soil pH of 6.0 to 7.5.

Using Lemongrass as an Insect Repellent

You can use lemongrass oil in a diffuser or spray lemongrass water on your skin to keep mosquitoes and other insects away. You can also plant lemongrass near your outdoor living areas to help keep bugs away.

Natural Solutions for Pesky Pests

In there are many natural solutions available for keeping mosquitoes and other pests away from your outdoor living areas. By planting insect-repellent plants like citronella, lavender, rosemary, peppermint, basil, lemon balm, catnip, marigold, chrysanthemum, and lemongrass, you can enjoy your time outside without being bothered by bugs.

FAQs

Q1. Are insect-repellent plants safe for pets?

Yes, most insect-repellent plants are safe for pets. However, some plants, such as citronella, can be toxic to cats if ingested in large amounts. It's always a good idea to keep an eye on your pets when they're near these plants.

Q2. Can I use insect-repellent plants indoors?

Yes, you can use insect-repellent plants indoors. Plants like lavender, rosemary, and peppermint can be grown in pots and used to repel insects inside your home.

Q3. Do insect-repellent plants really work?

Yes, insect-repellent plants have been shown to be effective at repelling mosquitoes and other pests. While they may not be as effective as commercial insect repellents, they are a natural and eco-friendly alternative.

Q4. How often do I need to water insect-repellent plants?

The watering needs of insect-repellent plants will vary depending on the plant and the climate. As a general rule, most insect-repellent plants prefer moist soil but can tolerate periods of drought.

Q5. Can I make my own insect repellent using these plants?

Yes, you can make your own insect repellent using essential oils from insect-repellent plants like lavender, rosemary, and peppermint. There are many recipes available online for making your own natural insect repellent.