15 Plants That Can Naturally Send Mosquitoes and Bugs Away

Forget about toxic repellents that can put your family’s health in danger. We discovered that plants and flowers don’t just clean the air and help you fall asleep, but they can also repel bugs and mosquitoes from your house. Some of them have a strong scent, and others have a chemical compound that only bugs can smell, but all of them are beautiful and can be both decorative and beneficial to us.

Bright Side investigated what plants can be used for repellent purposes so you can add them to your next shopping list.

1. Chrysanthemum

Chrysanthemums not only have beautiful flowers, but they also serve as a great bug repellent. They produce a substance called pyrethrin, which insects don’t like. You can either plant your Chrysanthemum next to other plants as a form of pest control or pluck its flowers, adding them to hot water to sprinkle on clothes or surfaces to repel mosquitoes.

2. Mint

Mint is often used for culinary purposes, but it can also do wonders when it comes to deterring ants from coming into your home. Just sprinkle some mint wherever you find ants and watch them go away. The strong scent this plant gives off will repel any undesirable bugs. Peppermint essential oil also works.

3. Lavender

Lavender contains a compound called linalool that is a well-known flea, fruit fly, and cockroach insecticide. You can grab a handful of lavender leaves, put them in a spray bottle filled with water, and sprinkle it onto your skin and furniture.

4. Catnip

While cats may love catnip, mosquitoes hate it. This plant exhales nepetalactone that has highly effective repellent power. Just leave your catnip in your garden or inside your home and witness the effects.

5. Bee balm

Bergamot, also known as Bee Balm, attracts hummingbirds and bees, but its roots also have an important role as a pesticide. They contain thymol, which can keep subterranean pests away.

6. Sage

Sage has a natural compound called caryophyllene that can repel mosquitoes and bugs. It’s better activated while hot, so you can throw a few branches of this herb into a fire and watch the insects say goodbye.

7. Rosemary

Whether it’s for cooking or decorating, having a rosemary plant in your home is always a good idea. And to get even more out of it, its flowers have the power to repel any mosquitos in your path. Just add one cup of dried rosemary to a quart of water, boil it, let it cool down, and put the mixture into a spray bottle. You can apply it directly to your skin or pets.

8. Lemon balm

Lemon balm has a good smell thanks to the citronellal compound it has — but bugs don’t like this aroma very much. Crush its leaves so the scent can become stronger, then rub them onto your skin to repel mosquitoes and bugs.

9. Borage

If you grow tomatoes or cabbages in your garden, borages can be your best friend. You can put them next to your vegetable plants, as they can repel harmful insects and hornworms.

10. Basil

The smell of basil is so strong that it can leave our mouths watering and scare away bugs at the same time. Its leaves have 4 repellent compounds, and you only need to rub them for the scent to be released. Put some basil on your windowsills to stop mosquitos from coming inside your house.

11. Marigold

Like chrysanthemums, marigolds also have pyrethrin in them and can be used for repellent purposes. Blend a handful of marigolds and water and let the mixture rest for 2 days in a dark, cool place, shaking it occasionally. After that, use a dishcloth to strain it and get the liquid out of it. Put the liquid in a spray bottle and it’s ready to use.

12. Oregano

Most of us have dried oregano at home to add to our food. But having the actual plant can also be a good idea, as insects don’t like the oil scent of this herb. Smash 4 to 5 cups of oregano leaves to release the plant’s juices. After that, place the mixture in a container with water in a sunny area and let it sit overnight. Add liquid dish soap into the mixture, strain it, and put the water in a spray bottle.

13. Wormwood

If you have dogs or cats, wormwood is a good plant to have. It’s known for being a natural flea controller and you can spray a water infusion of this plant on your furry friends and furniture. But be careful not to use it in excess because the smell can be strong to animals.

14. Tansy

Donning bright yellow flowers, the tansy is famous for being a fly repellent. You can rub the leaves on your skin or shake them into the air inside your house. An aroma will be released and flies won’t come in the house.

15. Floss flower

Floss flowers, or Ageratum, are often used in perfumes but are also recommended as a mosquito repellent. They have a compound called coumarin, and you can plant them in your garden or in a vase to repel bugs.

How many plants do you have? What’s your favorite one?