13 Herbs and Flowers to Keep Bugs Away in Your Yard

A relaxing summer day in your backyard can quickly turn sour with the incessant buzz of flies or bites from mosquitoes. But if you want to have a bug-free space to enjoy and entertain, learn more about the 13 herbs and flowers to keep bugs away in your yard. Thanks to their distinctive aromas, these plants can deter even the most persistent bugs and enhance your landscape.

From the timeless beauty of marigolds to the soothing aroma of lavender, transforming your yard into a beautiful outdoor haven is simple.

13 bug-repellent herbs and flowers for your yard

Bug-repellent herbs and flowers give off scents that repel insects by interfering with their sensory receptors and internal physiological processes. This prevents them from landing or feeding on the plants in your garden.

In most cases, they deter pests while attracting predatory and beneficial insects such as ladybugs, lacewings, bees, and butterflies.

These 13 herbs and flowers can be your natural pest control solution, helping you enjoy your yard without the buzz and bite.

1. Basil (Ocimum basilicum)

• Repels: Mosquitoes, mites, aphids, flies, white flies, carrot flies
• Pairs well with: Lemongrass, chamomile, marigolds, lettuce, broccoli, tomatoes
• Soil preference: Well-draining, fertile, moist soil
• Sun preference: Full sun
• Hardiness zones: 10-11

Besides its culinary properties, basil is a potent natural insect repellent for your garden. When its leaves are rubbed, this aromatic herb releases a scent that bugs find unappealing. Whether you’re enjoying a barbecue on the patio or lounging in the garden, planting basil in your garden can make your outdoor stay that much more enjoyable.

Basil is easily identified by its large, oval, slightly curved, smooth-textured leaves that grow opposite each other on slender, square stems. They can vary in color from bright to dark green and even purple. Its delicate pale pink or white flowers are tubular in shape and sit on top of the stems as spikes or clusters.

Basil likes moist (not soggy) soil and easy access to nutrients. In cooler climates, basil is typically grown annually, but in USDA hardiness zones 10-11, it can be cultivated as a perennial that provides year-round protection against nuisance insects.

2. Calendula (Calendula officinalis)

• Repels: Mosquitoes, aphids, cabbage worms
• Pairs well with: Potatoes, strawberries, carrots, geraniums, lavender, salvia, roses
• Soil preference: Well-draining, fertile, neutral or slightly acidic soil
• Sun preference: Full sun to partial shade
• Hardiness zones: 2-11

Calendula is a versatile and attractive plant that not only adds a pop of color to the garden but also serves as a bug-repellent thanks to its distinct musky, wooden fragrance. If you need fast results, calendula is the answer; it grows easily from seed and reaches maturity within a couple of months. Once mature, it continues to flower until the first frost.

Calendula needs moisture, nutrients, and full sun for healthy growth. Besides keeping bugs away, calendula has provided many healing and culinary benefits for centuries. Its petals are edible and can be used to jazz up salads, soups, and teas, while its healing properties make it a staple in natural skincare products. 

3. Catnip (Nepeta cataria)

• Repels: Mosquitoes, cockroaches, termites, aphids, ants, squash bugs, weevils, mice
• Pairs well with: Beets, pumpkin, squash, broccoli, cauliflower
• Soil preference: Well-draining, fertile soil
• Sun preference: Full sun to partial shade
• Hardiness zones: 3-9

Catnip isn’t just for cats – it can be a real bug buster in your garden. This member of the mint family contains a unique compound called nepetalactone, which can be highly effective at repelling a variety of pests and creating an enjoyable, bug-free zone. Bugs find its sweet, minty smell highly unpleasant.

With its gray or green, heart-shaped leaves, upright, square stems, and beautiful white and purple-tinted flowers, catnip is a lovely addition to any landscape.

Catnip is suitable for a wide range of climates and growing conditions, so maintenance shouldn’t present a problem. In addition to its ability to send bugs packing, catnip provides plenty of medicinal and culinary perks. Dry its leaves for a soothing tea, or sprinkle them fresh on your salads. 

4. Chrysanthemums (Chrysanthemum spp.)

• Repels: Ants, roaches, fleas, ticks, Japanese beetles, moths, cutworms
• Pairs well with: Salvia, sedum, asters, echinacea, dahlias
• Soil preference: Well-draining, rich sandy or loamy soil
• Sun preference: Full sun
• Hardiness zones: 5-9

Aside from their lovely, long-lasting, white, yellow, pink, orange, lavender, or red blooms, chrysanthemums (also known as “mums”) are popular for their natural pest-repelling properties. They contain a potent natural insecticide called pyrethrin, which can really kick pests to the curb and create an effective barrier against them. 

Their visual versatility allows mums to be used in flower beds, borders, and containers, allowing you to enjoy them both indoors and outdoors.

5. Citronella (Cymbopogon nardus)

• Repels: Mosquitoes
• Pairs well with: Lavender, marigold, catnip, rosemary, thyme, lemon balm
• Soil preference: Well-draining, rich, loamy soil
• Sun preference: Full sun to partial shade
• Hardiness zones: 9-12

If mosquitoes are ruining your outdoor vibe, citronella can solve your problems. A powerhouse when it comes to repelling mosquitoes, citronella emits a strong, citrus-like scent that keeps these pests away. It has long, narrow, green leaves that release the namesake fragrance when crushed. Citronella doesn’t produce flowers and normally grows in clumps.

Plant your citronella plants outdoors after the last frost or in containers that can be brought indoors during the colder months.

While these flowers can effectively deter mosquitoes, they may not completely eliminate them. For optimal mosquito control, consider using citronella candles or oil-based repellents in combination with citronella plants.

6. Dill (Anethum graveolens)

• Repels: Aphids, spider mites, cabbage moths, squash bugs
• Pairs well with: Parsley, lettuce, cucumbers, nasturtiums, tomatoes, onions, lavender
• Soil preference: Well-draining, fertile, loose soil
• Sun preference: Full sun
• Hardiness zones: 2-11

Dill is a flavorful herb beloved by cooking enthusiasts. Due to its strong, fresh, herbal-like aroma, it doubles as an effective common pest repellent. Sprinkle the dry herb on vulnerable plants or flowers to keep the little monsters at bay, or plant it in the yard to create a pest barrier.

Dill has feathery foliage and delicate yellow flowers, which encourage the presence of beneficial insects such as ladybugs and lacewings. It makes an excellent companion plant for vegetables like tomatoes, cucumbers, and brassicas.

7. Geraniums (Pelargonium spp.)

• Repel: Mosquitoes, slugs, snails, cabbage worms, Japanese beetles
• Pair well with: Petunias, marigolds, begonias, nasturtiums
• Soil preference: Well-draining, fertile soil
• Sun preference: Full sun
• Hardiness zones: 9-11

Geraniums are another favorite bug-repelling flower for the yard. Their light lemony scent keeps bugs at bay, while their low-maintenance qualities make them a popular choice for both beginner and experienced gardeners. And let’s not forget their visual appeal, which includes orange, red, white, or pink flowers that rise over lush green or bronze leaves. 

These sturdy plants can handle any growing conditions, whether you have sun or shade, dry or moist soil. Plant them among your vegetables, near entryways or vulnerable plants, and along borders and walkways for maximum pest control effects.

8. Lavender (Lavandula spp.)

• Repels: Mosquitoes, fleas, flies, moths
• Pairs well with: Rosemary, sage, thyme, echinacea, roses
• Soil preference: Well-draining, slightly alkaline, sandy or loamy soil
• Sun preference: Full sun
• Hardiness zones: 5-9

Lavender is a flower known for its timeless beauty and bug-repelling properties. It emits a floral, herbal, sweet fragrance loved by humans but detested by insects. Its features include narrow, long, gray or green leaves covered in fine hairs, woody stems, and spiky purple flowers. 

Lavender thrives in environments where excess water is efficiently drained away, ensuring the health of its root system. 

But this fabulous flower isn’t just about warding off bugs; it’s a staple in herbal remedies, aromatherapy, and culinary experiments. Its fragrant blooms attract pollinators, while its visual charm and eco-friendly properties make it an indispensable plant in any garden. 

9. Marigolds (Tagetes spp.)

• Repel: Mosquitoes, aphids, whiteflies, nematodes
• Pair well with: Alyssum, rosemary, thyme, dill, cilantro, pumpkin
• Soil preference: Well-drained, fertile soil
• Sun preference: Full sun to partial shade
• Hardiness zones: 2-11

Marigolds are vibrantly beautiful, boasting dazzling blooms that range in color from gold and yellow to orange, red, brown, and even creamy white, depending on the cultivar. Renowned for their hassle-free maintenance, marigolds are reliable annuals that release a unique musky scent known to discourage pests. When inhaled, it may remind you of wet hay.

While adaptable to various soil types, marigolds reach their true potential in well-draining soils, where their roots can access essential nutrients for healthy growth. Thanks to their adaptability to different climates, they’re often found in diverse landscapes throughout the country.

Beyond their pest-repelling properties, marigolds support ecosystems by attracting pollinators such as ladybugs, which help reduce aphid populations. 

10. Mint (Mentha spp.)

• Repels: Mosquitoes, ants, aphids, rodents
• Pairs well with: Peonies, roses, marigolds, radishes, peas, tomatoes, oregano
• Soil preference: Rich, moist soil with some acidity
• Sun preference: Full sun
• Hardiness zones: 3-11

Mint is a potent natural insect repellent that can safeguard your yard against common yard pests, which is why planting it is worth your while. Thanks to menthol, the active ingredient in mint oil, repelling annoying bugs that pop up every time you’re outside is easy.

This aromatic herb boasts small, rounded, serrated leaves, square stems covered in fine hairs, and small clusters of light purple, pink, or white flowers that appear on top of the stems as whorls or spikes.

To help it thrive, provide your mint plant with ample protection from the intense midday sun,  placing it in a container on your patio or in a raised garden bed with plenty of shade. Keep the soil adequately moist (not soggy) to prevent root rot and leaf diseases.

One thing to remember is that mint is an aggressive plant, so confining it to a pot is advisable. In open gardens, it will outcompete most plants in the vicinity. Once established, mint can be close to impossible to eradicate.

11. Petunias (Petunia spp.)

• Repel: Aphids, tomato hornworms
• Pair well with: Verbena, sweet Alyssum, lobelia, salvia, fan flower, geraniums, daisies
• Soil preference: Well-draining, fertile soil
• Sun preference: Full sun
• Hardiness zones: 9-11

Petunias are another great weapon against insects. They release a sticky substance that traps insects, helping to protect nearby plants from damage. Their overpowering sweet scent can also drive away most insects by masking the smell of more desirable plants.

With their strikingly beautiful flowers, petunias attract beneficial insects such as bees, ladybugs, and hoverflies to the garden. These pollinators feed on aphids, which is why incorporating petunias into your garden can create a more pest-resistant environment the natural way.

12. Rosemary (Salvia rosmarinus)

• Repels: Mosquitoes, cabbage moths, carrot flies
• Pairs well with: Sage, lavender, oregano, thyme, alyssum, marigolds
• Soil preference: Well-draining, slightly acidic, sandy loam soil
• Sun preference: Full sun
• Hardiness zones: 7-10

Incorporating rosemary into your landscape is a surefire, natural way to deter insects and enjoy spending time outdoors. As a result of the essential oils it contains, rosemary releases a pungent scent that many insects find unpleasant. It’s typically described as fresh, pine-like, and woody. 

Rosemary’s preference for sandy soil reflects its Mediterranean origins. It grows wild in coastal regions with full sun and dry, hot weather. In ideal conditions, rosemary produces evergreen, long, needle-resembling foliage that creates a bushy appearance. Its small, cluster-forming, delicate flowers are a colorful visual delight, including shades of pale blue and violet.

This particular flower is well-suited to mild climates but also can be grown in pots and brought indoors in cooler regions. When you’re not using rosemary to combat pests, you may be adding it to various culinary dishes or enjoying it as a flowering bush near your home.

13. Thyme (Thymus vulgaris)

• Repels: Mosquitoes, cabbage worms, tomato hornworm
• Pairs well with: Rosemary, lavender, oregano, sage, eggplant, cauliflower, strawberries
• Soil preference: Light, well-draining, sandy or loamy soil
• Sun preference: Full sun
• Hardiness zones: 5-9

If you value natural pest control, why not make thyme a permanent part of your garden? Its aroma effectively repels nuisance pests in the yard, making it invaluable to any homeowner looking to minimize pest damage and maintain a healthy, beautiful yard. One caveat? You have to bruise or crush its leaves to release the pest-repelling chemicals. This may cause skin irritation in sensitive people, so exercise caution and use gloves if unsure.

Thyme has a low-growing habit and produces tiny lavender, white, or pink flowers that can add impressive charm to herb gardens or borders. It can also be used as a slow-growing, attractive groundcover if you want to cut down on lawn maintenance.

FAQ about bug-repellent flowers for your yard

Where should I plant bug-repellent flowers in the yard?

These flowers are most effective when strategically placed in areas where insects are likely to gather and cause damage, such as near outdoor seating areas, entryways, or garden plants that are most vulnerable to pest attacks.

Are bug-repellent flowers safe for pets and children?

Most bug-repellent flowers are pet- and child-friendly when grown and handled correctly. That said, it’s wise to check the safety of each plant before planting, especially in spots where pets or children may come into contact with them.

Can bug-repellent flowers help deter pests indoors as well?

Several of the plants we mention can deter pests indoors, especially when grown in pots near windows or entryways. These include lavender, rosemary, geraniums, and marigolds. However, their effectiveness may suffer indoors, so don’t be discouraged if you don’t immediately see results. Perseverance is key.

Why is companion planting beneficial?

When you combine different species of flowers in your garden, you mimic the natural environment and allow the plants to benefit from each other. This also attracts beneficial insects and microorganisms that contribute to a well-balanced ecosystem.

Let a pro maintain a beautiful garden

Bug-repellent flowers can be your go-to solution for keeping pests at bay in your yard. From lively marigolds to fragrant lavender and chrysanthemums, these flowers can make pest control seem easy.

If you’re unsure how to start or maintain a bug-repellent garden, a local gardening pro can lend a helping hand. Whether it’s designing your landscape, selecting the right plants for your yard, or providing regular maintenance, they can help you create a bug-free oasis.

Main Photo Credit: Jean-Pol GRANDMONT | Wikimedia Commons | CC BY-SA 3.0