As a mom and avid gardener, I’ve always struggled with keeping those pesky mosquitoes and flies away from my kids during our backyard adventures. But then I discovered the magic of natural repellent plants! Not only do they keep the bugs at bay, but they also add beauty to our garden. Let me share my top 10 picks with you!
10 Best Plants That Keep Mosquitoes and Flies Away
1. Lavender
Oh, how I love lavender! It’s not just for making our drawers smell nice anymore. I’ve found that planting lavender in sunny spots near our doorways keeps mosquitoes, moths, fleas, and other bugs away. Plus, the bouquets I bring inside make our home smell heavenly!
2. Basil
Who knew this kitchen staple could be such a powerhouse against pests? I’ve planted both sweet basil and Genovese basil in containers on our patio, and it’s amazing how it keeps both mosquitoes and flies at bay. It’s a win-win – fewer bugs and fresh herbs for cooking!
3. Mint
Mint has become my go-to for child-friendly pest control. I keep potted mint near our doors and scattered around the patio. It’s so effective against mosquitoes, flies, and ants! When the kids are playing outside, I feel safer knowing they can rub a mint leaf on their skin for extra protection.
4. Chrysanthemums
These beautiful flowers are more than just pretty faces in our garden. They contain pyrethrin, a natural insecticide that repels ticks, fleas, ants, and even Japanese beetles. The best part? It’s safe for our family pets!
5. Lemongrass
I love the citrusy scent of lemongrass, and apparently, mosquitoes and house flies hate it! Its scientific name is Cymbopogon citratus, but I just call it my “bug-away grass.” It’s become a staple in our garden beds.
6. Allium
These ornamental onions do double duty in our garden. Not only do they look stunning with their round flower heads, but they also keep mosquitoes, aphids, and other pests away from our veggies. I’ve planted them around our tomatoes, potatoes, and carrots with great success!
7. Sage
A pot of sage on our patio table has made a world of difference. Research shows it can offer up to 32% protection against mosquitoes. Plus, it keeps ants and flies away too. Who knew this herb could be so helpful?
8. Catnip
While our neighbor’s cat goes crazy for it, mosquitoes and flies can’t stand catnip! I was surprised to learn that it’s even more effective than DEET as a spatial repellent. Now it’s a must-have in our garden beds.
9. Rosemary
Our family cookouts have improved so much since we started growing rosemary. When the bugs get bad at dusk, I toss a few sprigs on the grill. The aromatic smoke drives the mosquitoes away, and it makes our food smell amazing!
10. Scented Geraniums
These have become my secret weapon against insects. Their scent is similar to citronella, which flies and mosquitoes hate. For extra protection, I’ve taught the kids to gently crumple the leaves and rub the oil on their skin.
Wrapping Up
From lavender to geraniums, these 10 plants have transformed our outdoor space into a bug-free oasis. Not only do they keep the pests away naturally, but they’ve also added so much beauty to our garden. If you’re tired of battling mosquitoes and flies, give these plants a try. Your garden (and your family) will thank you!