Nothing ruins a sunny summer day spent out on your porch like the constant buzzing of bees or bite of a mosquito. But before you assume your garden is the problem, consider the possibility that it might actually be the solution — you just have to know what types of plants and flowers that repel bugs to grow in it.
5 flowers that repel bugs
1. Lavender
While we humans love the relaxing scent of lavender, bugs don’t care for it. In fact, they try their best to avoid it at all costs! If you’re looking to deter moths, fleas, flies, and mosquitoes from entering your home, try planting bushels of lavender at entryways around your house.
2. Chrysanthemums
If hard shell bugs are a problem by you, add chrysanthemums to your garden. These colorful little flowers repel everything from roaches to Japanese beetles, and bed bugs to spider mites and ticks.
3. Marigolds
If you have a fruit or vegetable garden in your yard, marigolds are a necessity. Not only do small bugs like gnats and mosquitoes not like them, but they even repel rabbits that can destroy your garden. Marigolds also pair beautifully with roses because they have been known to enhance the latter's growth.
4. Petunias
Another great flower to have in your vegetable garden are petunias. Known for warding off tomato hornworms, asparagus beetles, leafhoppers, and squash bugs, petunias are a pesticide-free way to protect your garden from unwanted pests.
5. Nasturtium
Not only does the chemical nasturtium produces provide protection from creepy crawlers, but it also protects many of the plants near it. For the best results, plant these flowers in early spring so they’re fully grown and ready to work by the time summer (and bugs) arrive.
5 plants that deter bugs
- Basil: The oil in basil leaves kills mosquito eggs.
- Mint: Similar to lavender, many insects don’t like the smell of mint.
- Lemongrass: Naturally produces citronella, an oil commonly found in mosquito-repelling candles and waxes.
- Rosemary: Rosemary will protect vegetable gardens, in particular, from an infestation.
- Mugwort: It may not have the prettiest sounding name, but it’s one of the best fly-repelling plants on the market.
Plants that attract mosquitoes
When summer hits, the one bug most people are affected by are mosquitoes. Because mosquitoes are attracted to water, flowers like water lilies, water hyacinths, taro, and papyrus are a few that you’ll want to refrain from planting.
AUTHOR
Tara Carlson graduated from Hofstra University with a degree in Public Relations and loves any and all things creative writing - which is why she is thrilled to be working with Berry Chatty. When she's not writing, you can probably find her swimming at the beach, catching up on the latest movies (she's a big fan of award season!) and playing soccer.