Colorful infographic featuring 20 bug-repelling plants that naturally help discourage mosquitoes, flies, gnats, ants, moths, aphids, beetles, fleas, ticks, and other common garden pests.

20 Plants That Naturally Help Repel Mosquitoes, Flies, Gnats, Ants & Other Garden Pests

The Complete Guide to Natural Bug-Repelling Plants for Your Yard, Patio & Garden

Nothing can ruin time spent outdoors faster than mosquitoes buzzing around your face, flies invading your patio, or gnats hovering over your favorite flowers. While no plant can completely eliminate insects, many species produce natural oils and fragrances that help discourage certain pests from lingering nearby.

Whether you're creating a relaxing backyard retreat, planting around your patio, or simply looking for beautiful flowers that provide an added benefit, these plants are excellent additions to almost any landscape.

Below are 20 of the best plants that gardeners use to naturally help repel mosquitoes, flies, gnats, ants, moths, beetles, aphids, fleas, and other unwanted insects.

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1. Lavender

One of the best-known natural insect-repelling plants.

Helps discourage:

  • Mosquitoes
  • Flies
  • Moths
  • Fleas

Lavender contains fragrant oils that many insects dislike while pollinators such as bees continue visiting the flowers.

2. Marigolds

Marigolds have been planted beside vegetables for generations.

They may help discourage:

  • Whiteflies
  • Aphids
  • Mosquitoes
  • Squash bugs
  • Tomato hornworms (to a limited extent)

Their bright flowers also attract beneficial insects.

3. Basil

Fresh basil smells wonderful to us—but many insects disagree.

Often helps discourage:

  • Mosquitoes
  • House flies
  • Thrips

Perfect for patios and outdoor dining areas.

4. Rosemary

This Mediterranean herb releases aromatic oils that insects generally avoid.

May discourage:

  • Mosquitoes
  • Cabbage moths
  • Bean beetles
  • Carrot flies

5. Mint

Mint spreads aggressively but is excellent in containers.

Helps discourage:

  • Ants
  • Mosquitoes
  • Fleas
  • Flies

6. Catnip

Studies have shown catnip contains nepetalactone, a compound that can repel mosquitoes under certain conditions.

May discourage:

  • Mosquitoes
  • Aphids
  • Squash bugs

7. Lemon Balm

Part of the mint family.

Its citrus scent may help discourage:

  • Mosquitoes
  • Gnats
  • Flies

8. Citronella Grass

The famous mosquito-repelling scent comes from citronella oil.

May discourage:

  • Mosquitoes
  • Gnats

9. Bee Balm (Monarda)

Beautiful flowers for pollinators while the foliage has a fragrant aroma.

May discourage:

  • Mosquitoes
  • Some flies

10. Chrysanthemums

One of the most impressive insect-repelling plants.

They naturally contain pyrethrins, compounds used in many commercial insecticides.

May discourage:

  • Ants
  • Fleas
  • Ticks
  • Roaches
  • Japanese beetles
  • Spider mites

11. Sage

Wonderful around outdoor seating areas.

Often used to discourage:

  • Mosquitoes
  • Flies

Some gardeners even burn dried sage outdoors during evenings.

12. Garlic

Besides producing delicious bulbs, garlic may discourage:

  • Aphids
  • Spider mites
  • Japanese beetles

Many gardeners plant garlic throughout vegetable gardens.

13. Chives

Chives are another member of the onion family.

May discourage:

  • Aphids
  • Japanese beetles

14. Lemongrass

Not identical to citronella grass, but rich in citrus oils.

May discourage:

  • Mosquitoes
  • Gnats

15. Petunias

Petunias aren't just beautiful—they're often called nature's pesticide because they can help reduce feeding by certain insects.

May help discourage:

  • Aphids
  • Tomato hornworms
  • Leafhoppers
  • Squash bugs
  • Asparagus beetles

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16. Nasturtiums

Excellent companion plants.

Often help distract or discourage:

  • Aphids
  • Whiteflies
  • Squash bugs

17. Geraniums

Many scented geraniums release fragrances that mosquitoes dislike.

May discourage:

  • Mosquitoes
  • Leafhoppers

18. Alliums

Large ornamental onions may discourage:

  • Aphids
  • Slugs
  • Cabbage worms

Their flowers are also excellent for pollinators.

19. Wormwood

A very aromatic perennial.

May discourage:

  • Moths
  • Fleas
  • Flies

Avoid planting too close to some vegetables because it can inhibit growth.

20. Tansy

Traditionally planted near homes and gardens.

May discourage:

  • Ants
  • Flies
  • Mosquitoes
  • Cucumber beetles

Use caution, as tansy can spread and parts of the plant are toxic if ingested.

What Bugs Can These Plants Help Discourage?

Depending on the species, these plants may help reduce activity from:

  • Mosquitoes
  • House flies
  • Gnats
  • Fungus gnats
  • Whiteflies
  • Aphids
  • Fleas
  • Ants
  • Moths
  • Ticks
  • Spider mites
  • Japanese beetles
  • Leafhoppers
  • Squash bugs
  • Cucumber beetles
  • Bean beetles
  • Carrot flies
  • Tomato hornworms
  • Cabbage moths
  • Roaches (mainly chrysanthemums)

Remember that no plant creates an invisible barrier that completely prevents insects from entering your yard. These plants are best viewed as one part of an integrated pest management approach that also includes removing standing water, maintaining healthy plants, and encouraging beneficial insects.

Build a More Bug-Friendly (and People-Friendly) Garden

Combining several fragrant herbs and flowering plants around patios, decks, walkways, vegetable gardens, and outdoor seating areas can create a landscape that's both beautiful and more enjoyable during the growing season. Even better, many of these plants provide nectar and pollen for bees, butterflies, and other beneficial pollinators while helping discourage certain pests.

If you're starting a new garden, consider mixing herbs, flowers, and vegetables together. Companion planting not only creates visual interest but can also support healthier plants and a more balanced garden ecosystem.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Do bug-repelling plants really work?

Many contain natural aromatic compounds that insects find unpleasant. They can help reduce insect activity nearby, but they won't completely eliminate mosquitoes or other pests.

Which plant is best for mosquitoes?

Citronella grass, lavender, catnip, basil, lemon balm, and scented geraniums are among the most commonly recommended plants for discouraging mosquitoes.

Are petunias good companion plants?

Yes. Petunias are often used near vegetables because they may help discourage aphids, leafhoppers, tomato hornworms, asparagus beetles, and other chewing insects.

Can I grow these plants in containers?

Absolutely. Many, including basil, lavender, rosemary, mint, citronella grass, geraniums, and petunias, perform well in pots and containers, making them excellent choices for patios and decks.

Do I still need insect repellent?

If mosquitoes are abundant, yes. Bug-repelling plants can complement other mosquito-control measures, but they generally won't replace repellents or physical barriers.

Which flowers attract beneficial insects while discouraging some pests?

Marigolds, bee balm, chrysanthemums, petunias, nasturtiums, and alliums all provide garden benefits by attracting pollinators or beneficial insects while helping discourage certain pest species.

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