Have you noticed damaged or chewed leaves on the plants in your garden? Is there a sticky residue on your perennials? Any slimy trails on the soil? Observed webbing between plant stems? Spotted orange/oval or white/round objects on the underside of vegetation? If this situation sounds familiar, you have garden pests!
One possible way to address pest infestations is to utilize plants with natural insect/pest-repelling properties. Strong-smelling flora can deter a range of unwanted garden guests. The following list contains many plants that can help you drive pests away while adding fragrance and beauty to your yard.
Plants That Deter Pests and Insects
Add the following herbs and flowers to your yard if you struggle with pests.
- Lavender’s heady aroma deters flies and mosquitoes while adding colour to your backyard. Plant it near your deck for a bug-free seating area.
- Basil: The sweet smell of basil is unpleasant to beetles, mosquitoes, aphids, and whiteflies. Plant this aromatic herb near your tomatoes for a bug-free crop.
- Marigolds add a dash of colour while repelling nematodes, mosquitoes, and beetles. Plant them around the edges of your vegetable patch to protect your crops. Deadhead dying blooms to encourage constant flowering and maintain its ability to fend off pests.
- Rosemary: Rosemary’s aromatic fronds rebuff many insects (cabbage moths, mosquitoes, carrot flies, etc.). Plant it near carrots or cabbage and prune it often.
- Mint’s energizing aroma is effective against spiders, mosquitoes, and ants. Plant it in a container/pot as it loves to spread!
- Chrysanthemums come in many colours, adding beauty while warding off fleas, ticks, and mosquitoes. Use them as a protective barrier around your plants.
- Lemongrass is used to shoo away flying insects, particularly mosquitoes. Its willowy blades add texture to a landscape.
- Thyme’s robust aroma chases away whiteflies, cabbage worms, and aphids. It works well as a border for your garden and is a great planting companion for all cruciferous vegetables.
- Petunias’ vibrant blooms rebuff tomato hornworms, aphids, and leafhoppers. Deadhead them regularly to ensure a continuous aroma.
- Nasturtiums drive away squash beetles, mosquitoes, cabbage loopers, whiteflies, cucumber beetles, and aphids. A bonus: the flowers are edible!
- Garlic’s peppery fragrance dispels mosquitoes, spider mites, flies, caterpillars, aphids, and Japanese beetles. Plant it near your tomatoes, peppers, and roses.
- Oregano is a strong deterrent for cucumber beetles, spider mites, cabbage butterflies, and aphids. Plant it near peppers and tomatoes, pruning it often to encourage growth.
- Dill drives away many insects (tomato hornworms, aphids, squash bugs, cabbage moths, spider mites, etc.). It attracts wasps and ladybugs (beneficial insects). Plant it near broccoli, cabbage, and other vegetables.
- Sage‘s robust aroma effectively wards off carrot flies, cabbage moths, and slugs, while its purple flowers and silver leaves add grandeur to your garden.
- Parsley’s scent sends carrot flies and aphids on the run. Plant this lush flora near vegetables and harvest it regularly to encourage growth.
- Coriander/Cilantro fends off many insects (spider mites, aphids, potato beetles, etc.). It attracts ladybugs and hoverflies (beneficial insects). Plant it near peppers and tomatoes, and harvest it regularly.
When To Call One Man And A Ladybug
Though aromatic plants are a boon for gardeners wishing to repel pests, sometimes insect populations get away from you! When this happens, contact One Man and a Ladybug. Our residential pest control services help effectively reduce or eradicate pest problems. When the pests are getting the better of you, call for our help!
