What Plants Do Bugs Hate?

So, you’ve been inundated with bugs all summer long and you are just about totally fed up with them.

You may be wondering if there is anything you can do to help repel them, or worrying that they are just an inevitable part of being sat outside... not to mention the havoc different bugs can wreak on your beautiful garden. 

Luckily for you, there might just be something you can do! In this article, we are going to be exploring some of the best plants you can use to help repel bugs.

Bugs, whilst they love many plants, actually hate the smell and appearance of some plants. You can use this to your benefit and plant some flowers, herbs, and shrubs to keep those pesky pests away.

What plants do bugs hate?

From lavender to petunias, and from basil to rosemary, there are lots of plants that bugs hate. Using plants in your garden that are known to repel bugs is the best way to safely and naturally deter them.

Whether you have been plagued by flies buzzing around your food whilst you are dining al fresco or munched on by mosquitos as you try to garden, or even if your prize plants have become the favorite meal of a bunch of pesky bugs, there are is a light at the end of the tunnel.

The secret is to find out what really ticks those bugs off. There are lots of plants that are universally hated by bugs, and some that are hated by specific types. Work out what bugs are causing issues in your garden and then put in some of their most hated plants.

If you are being plagued by mosquitoes and flies, for example, you should consider planting basil, lavender, lemongrass, and tea tree plants. If aphids, leafhoppers, and beetles are more of a concern you could try planting petunias, nasturtiums, and sage.

Usually, the compounds that repel bugs are found in the scent of the particular plant. Plants release different chemicals that can repel bugs, and these chemicals are likely released in their scent. notice how a lot of the plants we have listed are known for their strong aromas? Well, that is precisely what the bugs hate so much.

The best part about these plants is that even though they will repel pesky pests, they will attract the more desirable butterflies and the wonderful pollinators that are so vital to our ecosystems - bees!

Does peppermint keep bugs away?

Yes! We are pleased to be able to tell you that peppermint does indeed keep bugs away! Peppermint is a plant that is despised by many of the pesky bugs that plague our garden...and skin...and food all summer long! They are a particularly fierce enemy of the mosquito.

So, if you are finding yourself being munched on by these flying bullies, we highly recommend that you plant some peppermint in your garden. Not only does it look and smell wonderful, but it will also deter these pests.

Peppermint is also a great option to help deter ants, spiders, beetles, fleas, and flies. All of the insects that people usually complain about will be repelled by this minty fresh plant. They are also thought to be great plants for deterring mice!

What’s more, you will be able to use the peppermint leaves for yourself, for example, to make tea, add to cocktails, and garnish desserts.

You can also dry out some peppermint and keep it in your kitchen and other places in the house to keep flies and mosquitos out of your home!

Another tip is to make an essence or oil from your peppermint and apply it to your clothes and hair. This will help to repel mosquitos and stop them from biting you.

Does planting garlic keep bugs away?

Yes, planting garlic keeps bugs away! We are happy to share with you the fact that garlic is indeed the perfect bug repellent. You all know how strong the odor of garlic is, right? Well, as it turns out, this odor is even stronger to certain types of bugs and is enough to make them take flight away from your garden.

Garlic is particularly good at repelling ants, aphids, mosquitos, and beetles. All four of these bugs can wreak havoc on your garden, and some of them can even be a bother to us (we all know how awful mosquito bites are, right?).

Planting some garlic in your garden can help deter these pesky critters from even entering your luscious lawn.

Of course, there is a second benefit of planting garlic in your garden, and that is the fact that you will be able to use it for yourself.

Make sure you harvest your garlic when it is ready so you can use it to make sauces, flavor marinades, and even add it to your favorite roasts and salads.

Many people also recommend using your homegrown garlic to make garlic water. This is where you put some peeled garlic into a spray bottle of water. You can then spray areas of your garden that have been plagued by these bugs.

Do marigolds keep bugs away?

Marigolds are indeed great at helping to keep bugs away! They are not hated by all bugs but certainly will help to deter some of the peskiest of pests. For example, the mortal enemy of all gardeners is the mosquito, and it just so happens that mosquitos hate marigolds!

As well as repelling mosquitos, marigolds also have a very strong odor that can deter greenflies and blackflies. These different types of flies can really damage some of your favorite plants, and so anything you can do to get rid of them is helpful!

One other positive about planting marigolds is that they look beautiful, and are a great option if you don’t want to grow herbs and veggies. What’s more, bees love them, so you can attract everyone’s favorite pollinator whilst keeping away pesky bugs!