Seven Flora Species to Deter Insects and Pests from Your Backyard Green Space
In the quest for a pest-free garden, some plants can be your best allies. Here's a list of natural pest repellents that will not only keep your garden looking beautiful but also protect it from unwanted visitors.
Chrysanthemums
Chrysanthemums are versatile in their pest-repelling abilities. They are effective at deterring various pests such as beetles, bedbugs, ants, silverfish, ticks, and mosquitoes. These vibrant flowers are a great addition to any garden.
Lavender
Lavender, with its soothing fragrance, is a favourite among humans. But for pests, it's a different story. Lavender repels moths, fleas, flies, and mosquitoes, making it an ideal choice for your garden. Additionally, lavender oil can be used as a mosquito repellent by rubbing it on exposed skin.
Basil
Basil, not only adds flavour to your dishes, but also helps in preventing flies from landing on food. In the garden, basil repels house flies and mosquitoes, making it a great addition to kitchen gardens and balconies.
Pitcher Plants
Pitcher plants, known for their unique structure, are ideal for homes or gardens that are frequently overrun with pests. They devour bugs, making them a "plant that keeps bugs away." However, they are sensitive to moisture and sunlight, best grown in a saucer of water in a pot.
Mint and Peppermint
Mint and peppermint, with their strong aroma, repel mosquitoes and flies. Peppermint is especially fast-growing and ideal for containers to control its spread.
Marigolds
Marigolds emit a distinct smell that deters gnats, midges, and other pests. They are easy to grow and require little maintenance. Marigolds are effective at repelling mosquitoes, aphids, and whiteflies in a garden.
Lemongrass
Lemongrass, containing citronella oil, a well-known mosquito repellent often used in candles and sprays, is particularly noted for its effectiveness.
Garlic
Garlic, with its pungent smell, deters many insects.
Catnip
Catnip, known to repel mosquitoes naturally.
Rosemary and Sage
Rosemary and sage repel insects harmful to plants and mosquitoes. These herbs are drought tolerant and easy to cultivate.
Petunias
Petunias, popular for their range of colours, low maintenance, and versatility in gardening settings, are considered nature's pesticide, attracting aphids, tomato hornworms, asparagus beetles, leafhoppers, and squash bugs.
Other Notable Mentions
Lavender has been used to bring a pleasant sweet scent to homes and clothing drawers for generations. Marigolds are commonly used in Indian households for festivals and auspicious occasions.
By strategically placing these plants near entrances, seating areas, or alongside edible plants, you can create a natural pest barrier in your garden and outdoor living spaces. Many of these plants also serve dual purposes for culinary or aromatic uses while enhancing garden aesthetics.
Remember, some plants marketed as repellents, such as scented geraniums (sometimes confused with citronella), may not be effective. Always do your research to ensure you're making the most of these natural pest-repelling allies in your garden.
- Chrysanthemums, with their versatile pest-repelling abilities, deterring various pests such as beetles, bedbugs, ants, silverfish, ticks, and mosquitoes, are a great addition to any garden, contributing to a pest-free outdoor lifestyle.
- The strong aroma of basil not only adds flavour to dishes but also helps in preventing flies from landing on food, making it an effective pest repellent in kitchen gardens and balconies.
- Pitcher plants, devouring bugs, are ideal for homes or gardens that are frequently overrun with pests due to their ability to consume insects, functioning as a natural "plant that keeps bugs away."
- Marigolds, known for their distinct smell that deters gnats, midges, and other pests, are easy to grow, low-maintenance, and effective at repelling mosquitoes, aphids, and whiteflies in a garden.
- Strategically placing plants like lavender, marigolds, basil, and rosemary around entrances, seating areas, or alongside edible plants can create a natural pest barrier in the garden and outdoor living spaces, while also contributing aromatic and culinary benefits.
