Skip the Chemicals: 12 Plants for Natural Pest Control

I think most of us can agree that chemical pesticides do more harm than good, not only to us, but the environment around us. We are seeing record low numbers of bees and butterflies due to pesticides, cancer and birth defects developing in humans, and lower crop yields. So, what do you do about the pests that attack your gardens? Mother nature has had its own form of pest control since the dawn of time, using natural pest deterrents in the way of plants, so why don’t we harness these plants and protect our gardens the natural way?

There are numerous plants that can be placed around our yards as pest control, deterring anything from insects, all the way up to deer and rabbits. For this blog, I want to highlight 12 of these useful plants, that way you can deter pests without harming yourself and the environment. 

Tansy

This plant has been used as an insecticide since the medieval period. When planted around potatoes, peppers, corn, beans, and cucumbers, tansy can repel a number of the most prominent pests these plants face. Potato beetles, flies, ticks and mosquitoes all avoid areas where this plant is placed, meaning that it not only protects your plants, but can also protect people and pets from the harmful diseases ticks and mosquitoes can spread. 

Repels: Potato beetles, flies, ticks, and mosquitoes 

Lemongrass

Lemongrass is a pungent herb that repels mosquitoes, ticks, fleas, roaches, and ants. It also functions medicinally, aiding in stomach pains as well as being anti-inflammatory and anti-bacterial when consumed in food, or as a tea. Keep this plant close to entryways to your house to repel roaches and ants from getting inside. 

Repels: mosquitoes, flies, ticks, fleas, roaches, and ants

Sage

A super common cooking and medicinal herb with many functions, sage is excellent at repelling mosquitoes, beetles, and snails. Sage should be planted close to other plants, as it helps to keep crop-ruining bugs away. Try planting it near to zucchinis, cucumbers, and anything else you might notice being targeted by snails and beetles. 

Repels: snails, beetles, and mosquitoes 

Lavender 

Lavender is a calming herb. During peak season, the smell of its flowers can fill your entire yard. What smells nice to us does not smell nice to mosquitoes, flies, and moths, and they will avoid any place these flowers are planted. You can also rub some of the flower stalks on your clothes and skin in order to repel bugs while you work in your garden. 

Repels: mosquitoes, flies, and moths 

Mint

Another common herb, used both for cooking and medicines, mint works to keep many different yard pests away. Aphids, fleas, ants, flies, mosquitoes, and mites will all steer clear. There are many different types of mints, all of which are delicious when worked into recipes and used as teas, making them versatile both in the garden and in our kitchens. 

KEEP IN MIND: mint is a highly invasive, quick spreading plant. Keep them in pots far away from the earth, otherwise you will have a big problem on your hands! I keep my mint near my back door, on my concrete patio, far away from the dirt. 

Repels: mosquitoes, flies, fleas, aphids, mites, and ants 

Marigold

Marigold is an extremely common garden flower, because of their ability to repel pests. Aphids, nematodes, squash bugs, cabbage and tomato worms, as well as rabbits and deer all steer clear of marigolds. Many people choose to plant them close to their crops, especially tomatoes and peppers, because of the way it makes pests stay away. 

Because of how quick and easy they are to grow, I usually start my growing season by planting multiple packs of seeds all around my yard. They flower quick and make a considerable difference in how often my plants are munched on. They also have the ability to reseed themselves, meaning they will come back year after year. 

Repels: aphids, nematodes, squash bugs, and hornworms, rabbits and deer 

Basil

Planting basil close to tomatoes and peppers repels mosquitoes, flies, and hornworms while also making the fruit the plants produce sweeter. Basil can be planted near just about anything, and are a quick solution to hornworms devouring your gardens. 

Repels: mosquitoes, flies, and hornworms 

Nasturtiums 

Nasturtium works in a different way than the others plants do, in that it attracts pests to it. It attracts flies, beetles, and aphids to itself, while also attracting predator insects who consume these pests. It grows into large, sweeping vines that can cover large garden beds and trellises, meaning just a couple plants will cover the rest of your garden from pests. It’s also fully edible, from its flowers to its roots. 

I keep one to two nasturtium plants in each of my garden beds, one on each side. Most of the pests that reach my garden beds get distracted by the nasturtium, or completely deterred by the marigolds, so most of my plants remain untouched. 

Repels: flies, beetles, and aphids 

Rosemary

Rosemary is a perennial herb that can grow quite large in the right conditions. Either keep it in pots, or somewhere you plan to let it grow and expand. Slugs, cabbage moths, mosquitoes, and aphids will avoid this woody plant, so keep it somewhere central in your garden. 

Repels: slugs, cabbage moths, mosquitoes, and aphids

Petunias 

Squash beetles, hornworms, aphids, and leaf hoppers are all repelled by these flowers. While they’re not herbs like many of the other plants on this list, its flowers do attract pollinators. They can bring a pop of color to your yard while keeping it safe from harmful bugs. 

Repels: hornworms, aphids, leaf hoppers 

Calendula

Calendula is a well known flower with many uses. From culinary, to medicinal, to beauty, calendula is one of the most useful plants you can keep in your garden. 

In my own garden, I keep calendula up close to my house. Mosquitoes, flies, and gnats avoid this plant, while bees and butterflies are naturally attracted to it. In my own experience, it keeps flies from getting into my house on days I’m in and out. 

Repels: mosquitoes, flies, and gnats 

Citronella 

Everyone knows citronella as the outdoor candles and tiki torches meant to keep mosquitoes away from pool parties, but did you know it’s also a plant that works just as well?

I typically keep a potted citronella plant close to my most frequented part of my yard. My front porch, back porch, and even close to my fire pit. 

Repels: mosquitoes and flies 

Summary

Know your yard, your garden, and your own personal needs. Pest control can be achieved without nasty, harmful chemicals. You can use plants to not only deter pests, but also attract pollinators, feed your family, and promote healthier ecosystems.