Do you want to put a stop to itchy fleas but aren\u2019t a big fan of pesticides? Many plants have natural flea-repellent powers that can send those pests packing. <\/p>
Planting a few of these in key spots around your yard is a great step in preventing fleas. Keep in mind that they won\u2019t solve a serious flea infestation and are most effective alongside other preventative measures.<\/p>
The first step to treating a pest problem is to understand the pest itself. What is it about your lawn that would attract fleas<\/a> in the first place?<\/p> Fleas like to hang out in spots with:<\/strong><\/p> That means overgrown grass, trees, and shade structures like patios and playground equipment can be breeding grounds for fleas. Anything that attracts rodents and other wild animals also can harbor fleas. That includes holes in your home\u2019s foundation, roof, or crawl spaces.<\/p> All these plants have natural ways of making your yard unpleasant for fleas. Most of them are safe for pets but check the description to make sure you\u2019re not planting something toxic to your canine and feline pals. The concentrated essential oils of any plant should be used with care around animals.<\/p> Mi<\/a>nt plants may smell great to us, but fleas don\u2019t like their strong scent. Are you a novice gardener, or do you have a track record of killing easy-to-grow plants? Mint is a great choice for you. It spreads quickly and with little help as long as it gets enough water. It likes at least six hours of sunlight a day and soil that stays a little moist. Clip the flowers that come at the end of summer if you want their oils to stay concentrated. <\/p> Pro Tip: <\/strong>You might want to put this one in a container because it can invade the space of other plants. Try a pot that\u2019s at least 12 inches deep and up to 24 inches wide.<\/p> Catnip<\/a> is a member of the mint family and is commonly used as an insect repellent. Its active component triggers a chemical response for fleas (and mosquitoes) that makes them feel pain or itchiness. With catnip, fleas are the ones scratching. And not to mention, cats love it. <\/p> This is a fairly easy plant to grow in your backyard, just don\u2019t overwater it. It\u2019s drought-tolerant and can die from sitting in waterlogged soil. If your soil struggles to drain, try mixing some of the top layer with a bit of sand or plant this in a container with rocks at the bottom.<\/p> Rosemary<\/a>, another familiar-smelling herb, is as great at flavoring a dish as it is at warding off ticks and fleas. Rosemary\u2019s a great choice if you live on the coast because it tolerates salt. <\/p> Rosemary is native to the Mediterranean, so it thrives in warm and dry environments. If you plant it in a container, choose a terracotta pot (for extra porosity) with rocks at the bottom for drainage. Mixing regular potting soil with sand also improves drainage. <\/p> Citronella usually comes to mind when we think of insect repellent because it\u2019s often the main ingredient in anti-bug candles and sprays. Make sure not to buy a \u201cmosquito plant\u201d (sometimes called citronella) \u2014 this is a member of the geranium family and doesn\u2019t produce citronella oils. Real citronella looks less like a fern and more like grass.<\/p> The best time to plant citronella is in the spring after the last frost. To make sure it grows quickly, mix a few inches of compost or other organic material in with your soil before planting.<\/p> Keep in mind, citronella is toxic to dogs and cats<\/strong>. It can cause vomiting if ingested even in small amounts and can cause skin irritation. Avoid this plant if you\u2019re a pet owner.<\/p> Chrysanthemums<\/a> are famous for their stunning fall display, but did you know they\u2019re also famously repulsive for fleas? These beautiful flowers (also known as mums) contain a secret anti-flea weapon: pyrethrum. Pyrethrum is commonly used in pesticides to kill fleas, but it has a repellent effect, too. <\/p> Mums have a shallow root system, which means they need to be watered frequently. Add a layer of mulch 3-6 inches from the base to help keep the soil moist. To encourage growth and resiliency, pinch blooms about an inch from the branch tips two to three times during the growing season.<\/p> Like citronella, chrysanthemums are toxic to pets. <\/strong>If you\u2019ve got a furry friend, try one of the other plants on this list instead.<\/p> This isn\u2019t something you can grow in a flower garden, but it is a natural material that has a lot of flea-deterrent power. Although no scientific study has proven this true, a lot of landscapers swear by cedarwood<\/a> as a repellent for fleas. <\/p> How do you use cedarwood? <\/strong>It comes in wood chips that you can sprinkle around key spots on your property. Concentrate them in shady areas that tend to stay moist. Don\u2019t worry about getting them in your grass; your mower will grind them into a powder that\u2019s just as effective. <\/p> Marigolds<\/a> are a garden favorite for good reason. Not only are their yellow and orange, pom-pom shaped flowers a stunning addition to a garden, they also have a natural ability to repel invasive pests like fleas and ticks. They\u2019ll keep your other plants safe, too by repelling cabbage maggots, white flies, and aphids.<\/p> Although marigolds will grow in USDA Hardiness Zones 2-11, they have longer blooming seasons in Zones 10 and 11. You can prolong blooms in any area by deadheading spent flowers. They need five to six hours of sunlight per day for good development (more if you live in a colder climate and less if you live in a warmer climate).<\/p> Native to southeast Asia, lemongrass<\/a> is an easygoing herb that enjoys a more tropical climate. It grows as clumped stalks, similar to a spider plant. This bright green plant has a pleasant, citrusy smell (and great taste) that fleas can\u2019t stand.<\/p> Lemongrass is a great replacement for border shrubs or other ornamental grasses that can house fleas. It spreads easily and can grow as wide as 4 feet. It\u2019ll provide an attractive perimeter marker without inviting fleas. Make sure it has plenty of sun, and be prepared to bring it inside for the winter if you live in Zone 9 or below.<\/p> Though it smells like spearmint, pennyroyal is not a part of the mint family. This perennial grows in weedy stalks topped with fluffy lavender flowers. The plant itself repels fleas, so put it somewhere around the perimeter of your lawn. It tolerates a bit of shade but appreciates several hours of sunlight a day.<\/p> Avoid this plant if you have kids or curious pets. Pennyroyal contains a compound that is toxic to the liver and can harm you if ingested. It\u2019s perfectly safe, however, to rub topically on your skin.<\/p> Basil<\/a> isn\u2019t just a key ingredient in Italian dishes. It\u2019s also a flea-fighting superhero. You\u2019ll recognize this multi-talented herb by its shiny, round, dark green leaves. It\u2019s safe for pets<\/a>, but fleas don\u2019t like basil\u2019s essential oils. Sprinkle the leaves around flea-ridden areas or crush the leaves and apply it topically to your skin.<\/p> Basil likes to get enough sunlight. To determine how much to water it, just touch the soil. If it\u2019s dry, it\u2019s time to water. Focus on the base of the plant and try to avoid spilling water on the leaves. Basil grows well in a container, so consider putting it on your windowsill to stop fleas before they leap inside.<\/p> Now that you know what plants to look for, you need to know where to put them. You don\u2019t need to cover your whole yard in pennyroyal for it to turn fleas away from your yard. <\/p> To figure out where to plant your new perennials, you have to know flea behaviors. We know they usually find their way onto your property via wild animals and that they like to hang out in shady spots. With that in mind, focus your planting on the following areas.<\/p> Not only are these places usually at least partially shaded, they also contain entrances into your home. Potted plants add beauty to your outdoor living space and defend against fleas cozying up on your couch.<\/p> This is a great spot to plant flea-repelling plants because it\u2019s often where rodents and wild animals sneak into your house. Making them crawl through a patch of citronella is the perfect opportunity to send fleas running.<\/p> Around dog runs, under trees, and all Fido\u2019s favorite spots to snooze could use some repellent power. Fleas love to make themselves at home in your pet\u2019s coat, so putting plants that repel fleas in your dog\u2019s favorite hangouts discourages the pests from sticking around.<\/p> Fleas are most active during the warmer months, but they exist year-round<\/a>. <\/p> <\/div> Clear debris in your outdoor area, seal holes to your home, maintain your lawn, and keep food and trash carefully contained. These are great steps to prevent fleas<\/a>. <\/p> <\/div> 10 of the best plants to deter fleas<\/span><\/h2>
1. Mint<\/span><\/h3>
2. Catnip<\/span><\/h3>
3. Rosemary<\/span><\/h3>
4. Citronella<\/span><\/h3>
5. Chrysanthemums <\/span><\/h3>
6. Cedarwood<\/span><\/h3>
7. Marigolds<\/span><\/h3>
8. Lemongrass<\/span><\/h3>
9. Pennyroyal<\/span><\/h3>
10. Basil<\/span><\/h3>
Where to put flea repellent plants<\/span><\/h2>
Front porch or back patio<\/span><\/h3>
Around your home\u2019s foundation<\/span><\/h3>
Wherever your pet likes to hang out<\/span><\/h3>
FAQ about fleas<\/span><\/h2>