May 13th

By Mutt Mulligan

5 plants that repel insects

Warmer, longer days bring lots of opportunities to be outdoors with your family and friends. But unwanted guests – mosquitoes and other bugs – often tag along, too.

5 plants that repel insects

When you’re selecting the plantings for your yard this summer, consider these five options that repel insects, naturally.

• Marigolds: This bright, hardy annual flowering plant is not only pretty, it’s also good at pest control. Marigolds contain Pyrethrum, an ingredient found in many insect repellents.
• Citronella: You may have heard of citronella candles, but did you know that citronella is actually a plant? The beautiful clumping grass emits a strong odor that bugs don’t like.
• Lavender: Lavender is a pretty purple plant that has a soothing effect on humans, but mosquitoes are not a fan.
• Basil: This tasty herb pulls double-duty as cook’s best friend and an insects worst enemy. Try the lemon or cinnamon varieties for best pest preventative.
• Geranium: This flowering beauty is not only a great choice for pots and hanging baskets, it also keeps bugs at bay.

To see which plants will thrive best in your climate, check out TurfMutt’s interactive Ecosystems Map.