Best Plants That Repel Bugs for Your Garden

Let’s paint a picture: You’ve finally created your perfect green corner—lush tomatoes, fragrant herbs, and a few proud blooms. Then, one morning, you spot it: tiny bite marks, sticky residue, or worse, an actual army of aphids throwing a rave on your basil. Nightmare fuel, right?

The good news? Nature has its own built-in bug bouncers. Yes, plants that repel bugs really do exist—and many might already be familiar faces in your garden. Basil, some lavender, or marigolds can all help keep pests from getting too comfortable. 

How to Keep Bugs Away From Plants?

Before we jump into specific plants, let’s talk strategy. Good pest management isn’t about drowning your garden in chemicals (which often backfires by killing the good bugs, too). Instead, think about creating a place where pests just don’t feel welcome.

To keep your green space thriving:

Here’s another excellent pointer from an expert:

Include cover crops that will create a habitat for the good insects that you want in your garden. Letting it go to flower really does this well. I’ve used buckwheat as a mid-summer cover crop, and I’ve been amazed at the beneficial insects it has attracted. Crimson clover is also a good cover crop for this purpose. If the good guys have a place to live, they will feast on the bad pests.

• Jill McSheehy
• The Beginner’s Garden Podcast

Now, let’s set expectations: no plant is a full-force insect SWAT team. But when strategically chosen and paired, certain species can seriously lower your pest problem. 

🔍 This is also where PlantIn can become your new garden BFF. Our Pest Identifier feature helps spot problems early, and the care reminders keep your leafy warriors healthy enough to fend off invaders.

How Do Bug Repellent Plants Work?

Nature is pretty clever. Plants can’t run from their enemies, so they’ve developed chemical defenses. The magic behind bug-repelling plants is actually pretty simple—they make compounds that bugs absolutely hate.

Many protective species contain natural oils that work just like bug spray. These might smell amazing to us (like lavender or mint), but to bugs, they’re totally offensive. Some mask the scent of tasty leaves nearby, while others actively irritate insects’ senses.

Some varieties take a different approach, making substances that mess with the bugs’ ability to grow or reproduce. Others produce compounds that are straight-up toxic to certain pests when eaten.

What’s really cool is how targeted these natural defenses are. Unlike harsh chemicals that kill everything, many plant defenses aim at specific pest types while leaving helpful insects alone. And get this—greenies often increase their protective compounds when they’re being attacked.

Best Plants to Keep Bugs Away From Your Garden

Here’s where things get exciting. Below are tried-and-true plants that repel bugs without harsh chemicals.

Vegetables

Who says vegetable gardens can’t be both productive and protected? These edible champions ward off pests while delivering delicious harvests.

Garlic

This pungent bulb doesn’t just keep vampires away—its sulfur compounds repel a wide range of garden pests. Plant it near roses and fruit trees for maximum benefit.

Repels: Aphids, mosquitoes, cabbage loopers, Japanese beetles 

Loves: Full sun, well-drained soil, moderate watering 

⚠️ Warning signs: Yellowing tips and soft bulbs could indicate overwatering or fungal issues.

Onions

Strong-smelling and universally disliked by pests. 

Repels: Aphids, carrot flies

Loves: Full sun, well-draining soil

⚠️ Warning signs: Droopy tops, mushy bulbs = overwatering or fungal rot.

Radishes

Fast-growing and easy to tuck between other plants, radishes confuse pests with their spicy scent. 

Repels: Cucumber beetles, squash bugs, flea beetles 

Loves: Cool weather, regular watering, loose soil

⚠️ Warning signs: Stunted growth or woody texture could signal inconsistent watering or hot temperatures.

Herbs

Herbs that repel bugs are quite the multitaskers—they season your food, smell amazing, AND keep pests away.

Basil

This pizza and pasta favorite doubles as excellent pest protection.

Repels: Mosquitoes, houseflies 

Loves: Moist, well-draining soil; partial sun 

⚠️ Warning signs: Brown spots? It could be fungal leaf spot.

Mint

With its vigorous growth and strong scent, mint creates a border that many insects refuse to cross. (Just keep it contained in pots to prevent it from taking over!)

Repels: Ants, mosquitoes, fleas, cabbage moths 

Loves: Partial shade, rich soil, consistent moisture 

⚠️ Warning signs: Rusty spots on leaves could indicate mint rust; yellowing might mean root rot from excessive water.

Rosemary

It smells like roast chicken. Bugs hate it. Win-win. 

Repels: Mosquitoes, carrot flies 

Loves: Dry, well-draining soil; full sun 

⚠️ Warning signs: Blackened stems? Check for root rot.

Flowers

Beautiful blooms that do double duty? Yes, please! These flowers that keep bugs away add both color and protection.

Nasturtiums

These edible blooms serve as “rap crops,” attracting aphids away from your vegetables. 

Repels: Squash bugs, cucumber beetles, whiteflies 

Loves: Full to partial sun, lean soil, moderate moisture 

⚠️ Warning signs: Pale leaves or few flowers suggest they might need less fertilizer or more sunshine.

Marigolds

Their roots release chemicals that repel nematodes and other underground pests. 

Repels: Nematodes, whiteflies, tomato hornworms 

Loves: Full sun, moderate water, well-draining soil 

⚠️ Warning signs: Grayish powder on leaves or stunted blooms might indicate powdery mildew or nutrient issues.

Lavender

Soothing to humans, horrifying to moths.  

Repels: Fleas, moths, flies 

Loves: Sandy soil, full sun, low water 

⚠️ Warning signs: Leggy stems? It probably needs more sunlight.

Plants That Keep Bugs Away Indoors

Some pests sneak into your home like tiny burglars. Fortunately, certain houseplants aren’t just pretty—they’re pest police.

Lemon Balm

This citrusy herb contains high levels of citronellal—similar to citronella but with a more pleasant lemon scent that humans enjoy and bugs avoid. It grows easily indoors near a bright window and can be harvested for tea or cooking. 

Repels: Mosquitoes, gnats, flies 

Loves: Bright indirect light, evenly moist soil, good air circulation 

⚠️ Warning signs: Blackened stems or yellowing leaves could signal stem rot or insufficient light conditions.

Snake Plant

Snake Plants are not only nearly indestructible, but they also contain saponins that naturally repel many common household pests.

Repels: Mosquitoes, flies, cockroaches 

Loves: Bright indirect light, infrequent watering, well-draining soil 

⚠️ Warning signs: Brown spots or soft, mushy leaves could indicate overwatering or scale insects.

Bay Laurel

Besides spicing up your soup, it also deters many household pests. 

Repels: Flies, moths 

Loves: Well-draining soil, partial sunlight 

⚠️ Warning signs: Leaf spotting may indicate a fungal infection.

Common Garden Bugs and What Repels Them

Different pests have different plant nemeses. Let’s match up the common troublemakers with their botanical kryptonite.

Fly Repellent Plants

Nobody enjoys flies buzzing around their outdoor meal or garden party.

• Basil
• Lavender
• Bay laurel
• Tansy
• Venus flytrap (yes, it actually works!)

Want a comprehensive strategy? Check out our dedicated guide on plants that repel flies for an in-depth approach.

Plants That Deter Ants

While some ants benefit gardens, many species can farm aphids or create problematic nests.

• Mint
• Tansy
• Pennyroyal
• Sage
• Catnip

Plants That Repel Roaches

Few insects trigger disgust like cockroaches, especially near homes.

• Catnip
• Chrysanthemums
• Lavender
• Rosemary
• Bay leaves

Strategic placement of these plants near entry points or problem areas can discourage these resilient pests.

Plants That Keep Gnats Away

Those tiny flying nuisances that seem to appear from nowhere? Combat them with these plants that repel gnats:

• Lemon thyme
• Citronella grass
• Lavender
• Rosemary
• Marigolds

For indoor protection, try keeping small pots of these plants on windowsills and near fruit bowls.

Solutions for Beetles

They chew. A lot. Stop them with:

• Garlic
• Onion
• Nasturtium
• Rue

No-See-Ums

These tiny biting midges can ruin outdoor activities. Fortunately, there are certain plants that can help in repelling pests like no-see-ums.

• Lemon balm
• Lavender
• Rosemary
• Pennyroyal
• Marigolds

Plants That Repel Mosquitoes

These bloodsuckers hate:

• Citronella
• Lemongrass
• Lavender
• Marigold

Want more ideas? Our guide on mosquito repelling plants has you covered.

Companion Planting for Pest Control

Strategic plant pairings create natural protection without chemicals. Companion planting as a concept is simple—certain species grow better together and protect each other. The classic example is the “Three Sisters” method developed by Native Americans—corn provides a structure for beans to climb, beans fix nitrogen in the soil, and squash shades the ground, preventing weeds and some pests. Pretty clever, right?

Some greenies work better as a team. Nasturtiums attract aphids away from your veggies, basically taking one for the team. Marigolds protect tomatoes from those pesky nematodes. And herbs that keep bugs away, like basil, partner perfectly with tomatoes, making them taste better while keeping hornworms away.

Companion planting works on multiple levels—some species repel pests through scent, others attract beneficial insects that prey on the bad guys, and some simply mask the scent of their neighbors to confuse hungry critters.

Here are a few companion combos you can try:

Natural Bug Deterrent Recommendations

Plants do a great job, but they’re not your only option. If pests still show up, try these proven natural insect repellents:

• Neem oil spray
• Diatomaceous earth (sounds fancy, but it’s just fossilized algae ground into powder)
• Essential oil diffusers (indoor use only)
• Homemade garlic or chili sprays
• Beer traps for slugs

Always spot-test natural solutions first. Plant placement also makes a big difference. For example, mixing herbs that repel bugs throughout veggie beds confuses pests looking for their favorite meals. And remember to double-check using PlantIn’s pest diagnosis tool. It can help you confirm the type of bug you’re dealing with and suggest tailored treatments.

FAQ

What Smells Do Bugs Hate the Most?

Most bugs absolutely can’t stand strong smells like mint, citronella, eucalyptus, and lavender. Different pests have different aversions—mosquitoes run from citronella and lemongrass, while ants avoid peppermint and cinnamon.

Does Basil Repel Bugs?

You bet it does! Basil’s potent essential oils make it one of the best bug-deterrent plants around. It works especially well against flies, mosquitoes, and asparagus beetles.

What Do Bugs Hate?

They generally hate strong smells, tastes, and textures that interfere with their ability to find food or mates. Most insects avoid essential oils (especially mint, citrus, and eucalyptus), diatomaceous earth (which damages their outer shell), and places with beneficial predators.

Do Mums Attract Bugs?

Actually, it’s the opposite! Chrysanthemums are among the best flowers that deter bugs. They naturally contain pyrethrin, a compound so effective that it’s been copied for commercial insecticides.

What Is a Natural Bug Repellent?

Plant oils like citronella, neem, and peppermint act as natural bug deterrents without harsh chemicals.

Do Snake Plants Attract Bugs?

Snake plants don't attract bugs—they're actually pretty resistant to pests thanks to their tough, waxy leaves. However, overwatering can cause fungus gnats in soggy soil. Keep things on the dry side, and your snake plant will stay pest-free.

🔍 Whether you’re growing tomatoes or tulips or just trying to enjoy a gnat-free living room, planting smart is your secret weapon. And if you’re not sure where to start, PlantIn has your back. Use it to identify what’s eating your greens, set watering reminders, and learn which plants will help defend your space naturally.

Have you tried using any of these bug-repelling plants for your garden? Share your favorite garden combos in the comments! We’d love to hear what has worked best for your pest challenges. 🪲