If you’re tired of battling garden pests with harsh chemicals, you’re not alone. Many gardeners today are looking for natural ways to control pests while keeping their outdoor spaces safe for pets, pollinators, and people. The good news? Some plants naturally repel insects, acting as living pest control solutions in your garden.
These plants use their scent, oils, or chemical compounds to discourage harmful insects while often attracting beneficial ones. Here’s a guide to the best outdoor plants for natural pest control—perfect for eco-friendly gardening.
Lavender
Pests repelled: Mosquitoes, flies, moths, and fleas
Why it works: Lavender’s strong fragrance contains linalool, a compound that many insects hate.
How to use it:
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Plant near outdoor seating areas to repel mosquitoes.
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Place it along garden borders for a natural insect barrier.
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Dried lavender can also be placed indoors to deter moths.
Bonus: Attracts bees and butterflies while repelling unwanted bugs.
Basil
Pests repelled: Mosquitoes, flies, aphids, and thrips
Why it works: Basil gives off a pungent aroma that masks the scent of nearby plants, confusing pests.
How to use it:
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Grow in pots near doorways, windows, or patios.
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Interplant with tomatoes or peppers to protect against aphids and whiteflies.
Bonus: You get fresh herbs for cooking while deterring pests naturally.
Marigolds
Pests repelled: Aphids, nematodes, whiteflies, and mosquitoes
Why it works: Marigolds contain pyrethrin, a natural insecticide used in many commercial bug sprays.
How to use it:
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Plant in vegetable gardens or along borders.
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Especially effective when grown near tomatoes, beans, and squash.
Bonus: Easy to grow and adds bright color to your garden.
Mint
Pests repelled: Ants, aphids, cabbage moths, and mosquitoes
Why it works: Mint’s strong menthol scent is unpleasant to many bugs.
How to use it:
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Grow in containers to prevent it from spreading aggressively.
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Place pots near outdoor areas or plant near crops as a protective edge.
Bonus: You can harvest mint for teas and cooking.
Lemongrass
Pests repelled: Mosquitoes
Why it works: Lemongrass contains citronella oil, which is widely known for repelling mosquitoes.
How to use it:
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Grow in pots or garden beds near patios and entryways.
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Crush a few leaves and rub on your skin for light, natural protection.
Bonus: Adds tropical appeal to your garden.
Chrysanthemums
Pests repelled: Roaches, ants, ticks, lice, fleas, and bedbugs
Why it works: They contain pyrethrin, a powerful natural insect repellent and neurotoxin for insects.
How to use it:
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Plant in flower beds or containers around the home.
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Use dried flowers in sachets indoors to repel household bugs.
Caution: Pyrethrin can also affect beneficial insects—use wisely.
Nasturtiums
Pests repelled: Aphids, whiteflies, squash bugs, and beetles
Why it works: Nasturtiums act as a trap crop, attracting pests away from vegetables.
How to use it:
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Plant around vegetable beds to protect more delicate plants.
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Particularly useful near cucumbers, tomatoes, and squash.
Bonus: Flowers and leaves are edible and add a peppery flavor to salads.
Rosemary
Pests repelled: Cabbage moths, carrot flies, mosquitoes
Why it works: Rosemary’s strong scent and natural oils confuse and deter pests.
How to use it:
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Plant near carrots, beans, or brassicas (like broccoli).
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Place pots near sitting areas or doorways.
Bonus: A hardy herb that thrives in sunny locations and can be harvested year-round.
Petunias
Pests repelled: Aphids, tomato hornworms, leafhoppers, and asparagus beetles
Why it works: Petunias exude a sticky substance that traps and deters insects.
How to use it:
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Plant near vegetable beds or as edging.
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Works especially well with tomatoes and peppers.
Bonus: Blooms throughout the summer with minimal care.
Catnip
Pests repelled: Mosquitoes, aphids, squash bugs, ants, and Japanese beetles
Why it works: Catnip contains nepetalactone, which is more effective than DEET against mosquitoes.
How to use it:
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Grow in pots to control its spread.
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Place near seating areas or at garden edges.
Note: It may attract neighborhood cats!
Conclusion
Natural pest control isn’t just better for the environment—it also helps create a healthier, more balanced garden. By using plants like lavender, basil, mint, and marigolds, you can reduce your reliance on synthetic pesticides while promoting pollinator activity and biodiversity.
With the right mix of these outdoor plants, your garden will be more resilient, beautiful, and eco-friendly—and much less appealing to harmful insects.
