Looking for a way to repel pests from your house naturally? Then you should know that you can do it easily by using some of the best garden plants that naturally repel pests from your area.
Many pests have developed resistance to frequently applied pesticides, increasing interest in alternate pest control options. This is why most people started to use garden plants to repel pests and believe me garden plants are one of the most effective and environmentally safe ways to naturally repel pests.
Garden Plants That Naturally Repel Pests
1. Lavender
Lavender has a nice fragrance and has been used for centuries to repel moths, fleas, and mosquitoes. It is a perennial plant that is also drought-resistant, making it perfect for places where water usage must be monitored.
This plant prefers bright light and should be put near entryways to keep pests at bay. You can additionally hang dried lavender in your closet to repel moths and keep them from eating your garments. You can also use lavender oil as a mosquito repellent on your skin. It also has a soothing effect and is said to help with sleep.
2. Mint
This beautiful and edible plant repels a wide range of pests, including mice. You can grow it in a little pot, make sure it gets adequate sunlight and water. Peppermint is the greatest plant against pests since it has the most menthol.
Not only does it help in maintaining your garden, but a fresh plant in your kitchen deters ants, mosquitoes, flies, and even spiders and roaches. Fresh mint leaves can be used to generate a DIY spray that can be used in situations where you are concerned about the presence of bugs.
3. Marigold
Marigolds are known to attract beneficial insects that not only pollinate but also control some pests, as well as repel mosquitoes and nematodes. Nematodes, often known as roundworms, are soil-dwelling creatures that attack garden plants. The marigold roots emit a poisonous substance (alpha-terthienyl) that prevents nematode eggs from developing.
However, not all marigold cultivars are as successful as Tagetes patula, which is the greatest option for controlling roundworm populations. Marigolds are also recognized for repelling mosquitos, especially when in full bloom. Their lovely brilliance repels blood-sucking insects and is frequently utilized to reduce mosquito-infested areas. These plants need full sun and well-drained soil to thrive.
4. Lemongrass
Lemongrass is used in cooking for flavoring foods, but it also contains citronella, a natural oil that repels insects. The plant can grow to be approximately 4 feet (122 cm) tall, is quite easy to cultivate, and will flourish in a variety of soil types. It’s also a natural insect, lizard, snake, and rodent repellent.
Plan to plant it along the porch, walkway, and seating places. It thrives in a pot or in soil in a sunny, well-drained site. It is advisable to bring it indoors during the colder seasons because it is a tropical plant that prefers warm and humid conditions.
Citronella, the essential oil found in lemongrass, is an FDA-approved natural insect repellent. It is also a common element in candles, perfumes, and lotions.
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5. Rosemary
It is a Mediterranean plant that is well-known and widely used in food preparations as well as in medicine. It also repels flies and mosquitoes, which is especially useful during a picnic, when you can toss a few sprigs on the grill and let the strong smoke chase these annoying pests away.
The herb’s woody smell deters cabbage moths and carrot flies, and the plants themselves can be pruned in a variety of ways to produce borders or decorations.
Rosemary prefers well-drained, sandy soil that receives lots of sunlight. The plant thrives in warm, humid circumstances but cannot withstand extreme cold, thus it is sometimes best planted in pots and brought indoors during the winter.
6. Nasturtiums
Nasturtiums are another companion plant that can be used to repel insects. They repel whiteflies, cucumber beetles, and squash bugs when planted with tomatoes and cucumbers.
Some people use them as trap crops to attract insects, so be prepared to plant a significant number of sacrificial plants distant from those you want to protect. If you want to safeguard your rose garden, nasturtiums are a fantastic way to keep aphids away from the roses.
Nasturtiums prefer full sun and moist, well-drained soil. They prefer poor soil and are planted early in the spring. However, using fertilizer will result in lush, green plants instead of flowers.
7. Chrysanthemums
Chrysanthemums (also known as mums or chrysanths) do not repel mosquitoes, but they do repel ticks, fleas, ants, and other insects. They include Pyrethrin, a neurotoxin that affects and kills insects’ nervous systems while being safe for pets, birds, and most animals.
Because it is biodegradable and degrades with light and air exposure, this garden plant is also becoming popular as a pest management option. To kill and prevent insects, you can also produce your own spray by grinding dried leaves into a powder.
Mums work best as companion plants, repelling pests like leafhoppers, spider mites, cabbage worms, and root nematodes. They are also perennial plants that require well-drained soil and consistent moisture. Mums grow best in spring and bloom in fall, which is why they are also known as the flower of November.
Conclusion
Using garden plants that naturally repel pests from gardens and homes is a smart, eco-friendly alternative to using pesticides, which not only harm pests but can also harm humans and pets. Consider your specific needs first, and then make a few strategic decisions for enjoying a secure home and garden.