10 Plants & Herbs that Help Keep the Pests Away

Updated on April 22, 2019 by Keith Critchley

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Summer is just around the corner in Pennsylvania. It’s the favorite season for many people because of the warm weather, ability to spend time outdoors, have barbecues with friends, and more. But it can also be a frustrating season if you are struggling with pest control around your yard.

There are really effective lawncare services for controlling mosquitos, ticks, rodents and other pests. These treatment applications have a wide range of benefits. They are specifically formulated to:

• Protect you and your family from mosquitos and other pests.
• Protect your pets from parasites.
• Protect your lawn and garden from pest damage.
• Protect your home from rodents.

But there are also some things you can do to naturally keep bugs and pests at bay. Consider choosing plants and herbs for your garden and landscaping which will help deter pesky insects from bothering you and your yard.

Here are 10 common varieties of plants and herbs which you can add around your property this summer to keep the annoying insects away.

5 Plants that Are Natural Pest Deterrents

1. Citronella grass
2. Lemongrass
3. Marigolds
4. Chrysanthemums
5. Petunias

1. Citronella grass

You probably already rely on citronella candles, garden torches, burning oils and incense to fight off the mosquitos during the summer. Citronella is also a natural ingredient in many mosquito repellant sprays and creams. But you may not know about the benefits of citronella grass. Mosquitos avoid the scent of this tall, tropical grass variety. Make your outdoor party or garden patio more pleasant by planting citronella grass around the yard. When planted under the windows or near the door, citronella grass can also deter other flying insects from entering your home as well.

2. Lemongrass

This variety of decorative grass is similar, but not to be confused with citronella grass. Lemongrass thrives in heat and can grow up to 4 feet in height in just one season. As part of the Cymbopogon plant family, it also contains citronella oil, this tall grass is a natural mosquito repellant. This hardy variety can also be put to good use in the kitchen, adding a zesty flavor to many dishes.

3. Marigolds

Marigold flowers have a strong scent that mosquitoes, plant lice, aphids and rabbits will avoid. In fact, they have long been utilized by fruit and vegetable farmers to naturally keep pests from eating their crop. Marigolds are hearty annual plants which are easy to grow in a flower bed or planter. They require a good amount of sun and can thrive alongside many other flower varieties.

4. Chrysanthemums

Also known as mums, these common garden plants can help you keep roaches, ants, beetles, ticks, lice, fleas and mites away from your home. Chrysanthemums are part of the Pyrethrum genus. Extracts from mums, and other flowers in this category, can actually kill many of these insects. In fact, it’s a common ingredient in many residential insecticide products.

5. Petunias

These bright annual flowers can help protect your vegetable garden. Petunias repel aphids, tomato worms, squash bugs and some types of beetles. They let off a light licorice smell which some insects detest, although it can attract caterpillars and slugs. Decorative hanging baskets can be both a beautiful and strategic addition to your lawncare regimen this season. They bloom throughout the summer with full sun and weekly watering.

5 Herbs that Are Natural Pest Deterrents

1. Mint
2. Basil
3. Lavender
4. Chives
5. Rosemary

1. Mint

This aromatic herb is great for naturally repelling mosquitos. We recommend planting it in vases because this plant grows and spreads fast. It can quickly invade your lawn and become difficult to weed out of the grass. Once it’s planted in pots, the mint can then be strategically situated around your deck or patio. Plus, mint makes a great garnish for iced tea and fresh summer dishes.

2. Basil

Here is another aromatic herb which mosquitoes and flies don’t like. Adding basil to your potters can help keep these insects away. Additionally, fresh basil is delicious for all kinds of recipes, marinades and sauces, like pesto.

3. Lavender

This herb is actually part of the mint family of plant varieties. Lavender has been used for centuries, by many different cultures around the world, as a natural perfume for the house and linens. Most people appreciate the scent of lavender, but many insects dislike it. Planting lavender in sunny spots of your garden or around your deck to repel moths, fleas, flies and mosquitos.

4. Chives

Aphids, as well as certain types of beetles and flies, will turn the other way when they encounter chives in your herb garden.

5. Rosemary

The strong smell of rosemary can naturally drive flies and mosquitoes away from your property. It grows best in hot, dry weather, either in pots or directly in the garden bed. Not only is it an effective pest repellant, but it looks great as a flowering bush and tastes great in a wide variety of recipes.

If you’re looking for other herb varieties to help fight invasive pest problems, there are other options that may be better suited to your climate. Try thyme, lemon thyme or bay leaves, for example.

Make Outdoor Living More Comfortable this Season – Lang’s Lawn Care

Summer is the time for grilling, garden parties and fun get-togethers. If you want to fully enjoy your deck or patio area without swatting away the mosquitoes, call Lang’s Lawn Care. Let us take care of the pests so that you and your family can comfortably spend more time outdoors. Call us today at (610) 647-6001 or request a quote online.