Plants that Repel Bugs

Do you love spending time outdoors but hate dealing with pesky insects? Fortunately, nature has provided us with a solution - plants that repel bugs. Not only are these plants beautiful additions to any garden, but they can also keep mosquitoes, flies, and other annoying bugs at bay. In this article, we'll explore some of the best bug-repelling plants that you can add to your garden.

The Best Plants That Repel Bugs

Citronella Grass

Citronella grass is one of the most popular plants for repelling mosquitoes. The plant contains citronella oil, which is a natural insect repellent. You can plant it in pots or in the ground, and it grows up to 6 feet tall. Make sure to crush the leaves to release the scent that repels the mosquitoes.

Lavender

Lavender is not only a beautiful plant, but it also repels mosquitoes, flies, and moths. The plant contains linalool, which is a natural insecticide. You can plant lavender in your garden or in pots and place them around your outdoor sitting area.

Marigold

Marigolds are easy to grow and can repel mosquitoes, flies, and other bugs. They contain pyrethrum, which is a natural insecticide. Plant marigolds in pots or in your garden to keep bugs away.

Catnip

Catnip is not only loved by cats, but it also repels mosquitoes. The plant contains nepetalactone, which is a natural insect repellent. Catnip is easy to grow and can be planted in pots or in your garden.

Mint

Mint is another plant that repels bugs, including mosquitoes, ants, and flies. The plant contains menthol, which is a natural insecticide. You can plant mint in pots or in your garden, but be careful as it can spread quickly.

Cedar Trees

Cedar trees are known for their strong aroma that repels insects, especially moths. You can plant cedar trees in your yard or use cedar chips in your closet to keep moths away.

Other Bug-Repelling Plants

Rosemary

Rosemary is not just a great herb to cook with, but it also repels mosquitoes and other bugs. The plant contains camphor, which is a natural insecticide. Plant rosemary in pots and place them around your outdoor sitting area or in your garden.

Lemon Balm

Lemon balm is a member of the mint family and has a citrusy scent that repels mosquitoes. The plant contains citronellal, which is a natural insecticide. You can plant lemon balm in pots or in your garden.

Basil

Basil is another herb that repels mosquitoes and flies. The plant contains eugenol, which is a natural insecticide. You can plant basil in pots and place them around your outdoor sitting area or in your garden.

Chrysanthemum

Chrysanthemums contain pyrethrin, which is a natural insecticide that repels mosquitoes, roaches, and ants. You can plant chrysanthemums in your garden or use the flowers to make an insecticidal spray.

Rue

Rue is a herb that repels mosquitoes, flies, and other insects. The plant contains rutin, which is a natural insecticide. You can plant rue in pots or in your garden.

Pennyroyal

Pennyroyal is another member of the mint family that repels mosquitoes and fleas. The plant contains pulegone, which is a natural insecticide. You can plant pennyroyal in pots or in your garden.

How to Use Plants That Repel Bugs

Planting in Pots

If you have limited space, planting bug-repelling plants in pots is a great option. You can place the pots around your outdoor sitting area or in areas where bugs are prevalent.

Planting in Your Garden

If you have a garden, planting bug-repelling plants in your garden can help keep bugs away from your entire yard. Make sure to plant them strategically to cover all areas of your yard.

Making an Insecticidal Spray

You can make an insecticidal spray using bug-repelling plants like chrysanthemums. Boil the flowers in water and strain the liquid. You can then use this liquid as a bug spray.

Using Essential Oils

You can also use essential oils from bug-repelling plants like citronella, lavender, and peppermint to make a bug spray. Mix the essential oil with water and spray it on your skin or clothes.

FAQs about Plants That Repel Bugs

1. Do these plants really work?

Yes, these plants contain natural insecticides that can repel bugs. However, they may not be 100% effective and should be used in combination with other bug-repelling methods.

2. Can I use these plants indoors?

Yes, you can use these plants indoors to repel bugs. However, make sure to place them near windows or doors to keep bugs from entering your home.

3. Will these plants harm my pets?

Some of these plants like catnip and pennyroyal can be toxic to pets if ingested in large quantities. Make sure to keep them out of reach of your pets or choose non-toxic alternatives.

4. How often do I need to water these plants?

The watering frequency depends on the plant and the climate in your area. Make sure to research the care instructions for each plant to ensure that they thrive.

5. Can I eat these plants?

Some of these plants like basil and rosemary are edible and can be used in cooking. However, make sure to research which parts of the plant are safe to eat and how to prepare them.

Adding bug-repelling plants to your garden is a great way to keep insects at bay while enjoying the outdoors. From citronella grass to chrysanthemums, there are many plants to choose from that can help repel mosquitoes, flies, and other bugs. Whether you have a small balcony or a large yard, incorporating these plants into your outdoor space is an easy and natural way to keep bugs away.