Natural Pest Repellent Plants: Keep Your Garden Free from Insects and Pests

Are you tired of using chemicals to keep pests out of your garden? Look no further than natural pest repellent plants! These plants can help protect your garden from unwanted insects and pests without the use of harmful chemicals. Not only are they effective, but they also add a beautiful touch to your garden. In this article, we will discuss 15 natural pest repellent plants that you can incorporate into your garden.

The Importance of Natural Pest Repellents

Using natural pest repellents is not only beneficial for your garden but also for the environment. Chemical pesticides can be toxic to birds, bees, butterflies, and other beneficial insects. By using natural pest repellents, you can protect these important pollinators while keeping pests out of your garden.

15 Natural Pest Repellent Plants

1. Basil

Basil is not only a tasty herb to add to your dishes, but it is also an excellent natural pest repellent. Its strong scent can repel mosquitoes, flies, and other flying insects. Plant basil in pots around your patio to keep those pesky mosquitoes at bay.

2. Lavender

Lavender is known for its calming properties, but did you know it can also repel pests? Its sweet fragrance can keep moths, fleas, and mosquitoes away. Plant lavender in your garden or in pots around your home to keep pests at bay.

3. Mint

Mint is another useful herb that can repel pests. Its strong scent can keep ants, mosquitoes, and even mice away. Plant mint around your home or garden to keep pests out.

4. Citronella

Citronella is a popular ingredient in many insect repellents, but did you know it comes from a plant? The citronella plant has a strong scent that can repel mosquitoes and other flying insects. Plant citronella in pots around your patio or garden to keep pests away.

5. Marigolds

Marigolds not only add a pop of color to your garden, but they can also repel pests. Their strong scent can keep mosquitoes, aphids, and other insects away. Plant marigolds around your vegetable garden to keep pests from eating your crops.

6. Chrysanthemums

Chrysanthemums contain a natural insecticide called pyrethrum, which can repel and kill pests. Plant chrysanthemums in your garden to keep pests away.

7. Rosemary

Rosemary is a great herb to add to your meals, but it can also repel pests. Its strong scent can keep mosquitoes, flies, and other insects away. Plant rosemary in pots around your patio or garden to keep pests at bay.

8. Lemongrass

Lemongrass contains citral, which is a natural insecticide. It can repel mosquitoes, ticks, and other flying insects. Plant lemongrass in pots around your home or garden to keep pests away.

9. Thyme

Thyme is another useful herb that can repel pests. Its strong scent can keep mosquitoes, flies, and other insects away. Plant thyme in pots around your patio or garden to keep pests at bay.

10. Catnip

Catnip is not only attractive to cats, but it can also repel pests. Its strong scent can keep mosquitoes, flies, and other insects away. Plant catnip in pots around your home or garden to keep pests out.

11. Eucalyptus

Eucalyptus contains eucalyptol, which is a natural insecticide. It can repel mosquitoes, ticks, and other flying insects. Plant eucalyptus in pots around your patio or garden to keep pests away.

12. Garlic

Garlic is not only good for your health, but it can also repel pests. Its strong scent can keep mosquitoes, aphids, and other insects away. Plant garlic around your vegetable garden to keep pests from eating your crops.

13. Sage

Sage is another herb that can repel pests. Its strong scent can keep mosquitoes, flies, and other insects away. Plant sage in pots around your patio or garden to keep pests at bay.

14. Petunias

Petunias not only add a pop of color to your garden, but they can also repel pests. Their strong scent can keep mosquitoes, aphids, and other insects away. Plant petunias around your vegetable garden to keep pests from eating your crops.

15. Nasturtiums

Nasturtiums are not only beautiful, but they can also repel pests. Their strong scent can keep aphids, whiteflies, and other insects away. Plant nasturtiums around your vegetable garden to keep pests from eating your crops.

How to Incorporate Natural Pest Repellent Plants into Your Garden

There are many ways to incorporate natural pest repellent plants into your garden. One way is to plant them in pots around your patio or garden. Another way is to plant them directly in your garden, especially around your vegetable garden to keep pests from eating your crops. You can also use natural pest repellents in homemade insect sprays and other DIY pest control methods.

FAQs about Natural Pest Repellent Plants

1. Are natural pest repellent plants safe for pets?

Yes, most natural pest repellent plants are safe for pets. However, some plants like citronella and eucalyptus can be toxic to cats and dogs if ingested in large amounts.

2. Do natural pest repellent plants work on all types of pests?

No, natural pest repellent plants may not work on all types of pests. They are most effective against flying insects like mosquitoes, flies, and moths.

3. How often should I water my natural pest repellent plants?

Most natural pest repellent plants prefer well-draining soil and should be watered when the top inch of soil is dry.

4. Can I use natural pest repellent plants indoors?

Yes, many natural pest repellent plants like lavender, mint, and rosemary can be grown indoors in pots.

5. Can natural pest repellent plants completely eliminate pests?

No, natural pest repellent plants may not completely eliminate pests but they can help reduce their numbers and keep them away from your garden.


Natural pest repellent plants are a great alternative to chemical pesticides. They are not only effective but also safe for the environment and beneficial insects like bees and butterflies. Incorporating natural pest repellent plants into your garden can help protect your plants from unwanted pests while adding beauty to your outdoor space.