15 Top Plants That Keep Pests Away
Natural pest control starts in your garden
Tired of battling bugs in your backyard, garden, or even your kitchen? Before reaching for chemical sprays, try a more natural (and beautiful) solution: plants that repel pests. Nature has its own line of defense, and many common herbs and flowers double as effective bug repellents — helping you create a healthier, more balanced outdoor space.
Whether you’re looking to deter mosquitoes, flies, aphids, or even mice, these 15 pest-fighting plants are as useful as they are lovely. Bonus: many of them are edible, aromatic, and easy to grow.
🪴 15 Top Plants That Naturally Repel Pests
1. Basil
Repels: Mosquitoes, flies, thrips
With its strong scent and essential oils, basil is a mosquito’s worst nightmare. Plant it near doors, patios, or tomato plants to keep insects away and enhance your cooking too!
2. Lavender
Repels: Moths, fleas, flies, mosquitoes
This fragrant favorite does double duty: calming humans while deterring unwanted bugs. Plant it along walkways or near windows, or use dried lavender inside closets.
3. Mint
Repels: Ants, mosquitoes, flies, mice
Peppermint and spearmint both release a sharp scent that pests dislike. Just be sure to plant mint in pots — it spreads aggressively!
4. Rosemary
Repels: Mosquitoes, cabbage moths, carrot flies
A sun-loving herb that not only flavors food but also defends your veggie garden from common insects.
5. Marigolds
Repels: Aphids, mosquitoes, nematodes, whiteflies
The strong aroma of marigolds repels many common garden pests. Plant them among your vegetables or in borders to keep insects at bay.
6. Lemongrass
Repels: Mosquitoes
Lemongrass contains citronella — a natural oil often used in insect repellents. It thrives in warm climates and can be grown in large pots.
7. Chrysanthemums
Repels: Roaches, ants, beetles, ticks, silverfish
These vibrant blooms contain pyrethrin, a natural compound used in many insecticides. A powerful ally against a wide variety of indoor and outdoor pests.
8. Catnip
Repels: Mosquitoes, cockroaches, flies
Surprisingly, catnip is up to 10 times more effective at repelling mosquitoes than DEET. Just keep it away from areas where neighborhood cats might take over!
9. Thyme
Repels: Mosquitoes, cabbage worms
Creeping thyme varieties make excellent ground covers and release pest-repelling oils when crushed or brushed.
10. Petunias
Repels: Aphids, tomato hornworms, squash bugs
Often called “nature’s pesticide,” petunias are easy to grow and come in a rainbow of colors. Ideal for veggie beds and hanging baskets.
11. Bay Laurel (Bay Leaves)
Repels: Moths, flies, cockroaches
Bay leaves are excellent for kitchen pantries — just place a few dried leaves inside containers to ward off pantry pests.
12. Sage
Repels: Cabbage moths, beetles, carrot flies
Burn sage leaves to keep mosquitoes away during outdoor gatherings. It’s also great when paired with rosemary in garden borders.
13. Garlic
Repels: Aphids, beetles, Japanese beetles
Its strong sulfur compounds are highly unappealing to pests — and you can eat the benefits! Garlic is perfect in vegetable gardens.
14. Alliums (Onions, Chives, Leeks)
Repels: Aphids, carrot flies, slugs
With their sharp scent and pest-repelling oils, alliums are excellent companions for tomatoes, peppers, and cabbage crops.
15. Geraniums (especially citronella-scented)
Repels: Mosquitoes, leafhoppers
The lemony aroma of citronella geraniums makes them popular patio plants and natural mosquito repellents.
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