Having bugs in and around the home is a pain. So how can we minimize these bugs without exposing ourselves to chemicals. Here are 10 plants that repel unwanted insects. There is evidence that these plants in a concentrated form can deter insects. I don’t know of any studies that have determined the amount of actual plants you would need. The essential oils of these plants have also been known to deter pests as well. Put it in a spray bottle with vinegar and clean with it if you have pests in the house.
Citronella or Lemon Grass
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Lemon grass contains citronella oil. This is known to repel all sorts of insects but specifically mosquitoes. Note: it also might repel cats. Citronella essential oil can be used in a diy mosquito repellent. During outdoor bbq try burning a wick soaked in citronella oil to ward off mosquitoes. (1) You can also use lemon grass or other lemon herbs like lemon thyme and lemon balm to keep insects at bay and in cooking.
Catnip
Catnip repels ants, flea beetles, aphids, the japanese beetle, squash bugs, weevil, the colorado potatoe beetle, cabbage looper, and cockroaches. Indoors this would be especially appealing for cockroaches. It works best when small amounts of the plant are placed in areas that pests have been seen. You can also make a spray by simmering some of the plant in water and using the water to spray afterwards.(2)
Marigolds
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Specifically the mexican marigold repels insects and rabbits.
Lavender
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Lavender repels moths, fleas, flies, and mosquitoes. This grows best in sunny dry areas.
Peppermint
Peppermint is a great all around bug repellent. It is one of the most versatile plants that repel unwanted insects. It is used in organic commercial pest control or in mosquito repellents. It is excellent for repelling mosquitoes.
Basil
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Basil repels flies and mosquitoes. Not only does basil repel insects but have it in a pot in your house or outside and you have fresh basil all year long.
Oregano
Here is another household herb that is great at repeling insects too. Oregano repels many different types of pests. Here is another reason to get your indoor herb garden started.
Scented Geranium
Place a pot of scented geranium near windows and doors in your house. This will help keep the insects from coming in from the outside. Although many varieties help deter bugs this Pelargonium citrosum Vanieenii will work for sure.
Chamomile
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Use chamomile to repel most flying insects and then use it in some relaxing tea.
Garlic
Garlic repels many insects including aphids, Japanese beetle, carrot fly, codling moth, snails, root maggots, cabbage looper, Mexican bean beetle, and the peach tree borer. Ok, yeah that’s not really house pests but garlic is also a great to eat!
Grow these plants that repel unwanted insects around your house, use them in a tincture and spray them around, or use their essential oils and you can naturally minimize the bugs in your life. If you haven’t noticed either many of these are herbs that we would find in our spice cupboard. Starting an herb garden that you can harvest year round gives you fresh herbs and a natural bug repellent.
Sources
1.http://www.colostate.edu/Depts/CoopExt/4DMG/Pests/mosquit.htm
2. http://homeguides.sfgate.com/indoor-pestrepellent-plants-73394.html
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Should plant as many types of herbs as possible but most of the above stated herbs are difficult to find here in Malaysia.