Skip to Content

How To Repel Insects By Growing Herbs

Looking for an all-natural away to repel insects?

Then growing a few herbs in your garden patio or porch just might be the answer.

Nothing can spoil a beautiful day or an evening outdoors like a few pesky mosquitoes.

Or for that matter, flies, gnats and even ticks!

repel insects

But believe it or not, many herbs have incredible built-in pest repelling qualities that help keep insects at bay.

Even better, herbs are easy to grow from seed in pots, containers, or right in the landscape.

And in today’s gardening article – we highlight six of the best! We have included seed links with each herb listed as well.

6 Great Herbs To Grow That Help To Repel Insects

#1 Rosemary

Rosemary is a wonderfully fragrant herb that works extremely well in repelling ticks, mosquitoes, and flies.

Rosemary can be grown in the landscape as a perennial. Or, grown in pots that can be brought inside during the winter months.

repel insects
Rosemary can be growing directly in the landscape or in pots.

A few planted pots on the patio or porch are the perfect remedy to keep those pesky flies and mosquitoes away.

Rosemary can also be dried and hung in a small bouquet in the kitchen for the same effect.

Planted as a perennial in the landscape, it can help keep tick populations searching for other space too. Seed Link : Rosemary Seed

#2 Basil

Basil is not a just an incredible culinary herb. It is also one of the best all-natural fly and mosquito repellents around.

repel insects

Grown in small containers or pot, it’s fragrant leaves and blooms are despised by flies.

Outdoors, small potted plants make the perfect centerpiece for summer outdoor eating spaces.

Basil is also wonderful to plant in the garden.

It is well-known to protect growing tomatoes from invading pests. And to boot, when grown nearby, it is said to improve their flavor!

Seed Link : Basil Seed

#3 Lemon Balm

Looking for an all-natural pest repellent for your skin. Then lemon balm is the answer.

Lemon balm is a perennial plant that is a member of the mint family. It grows well from seed.

The leaves of lemon balm can be crushed and then rubbed on arms and legs to keep mosquitoes away.

repel pest
The fragrant and pest repelling leaves of lemon balm.

Simply cut back each fall and the plant will respond with new growth. It also can be grown easily in pots and containers.

Seed Link : Lemon Balm seeds

#4 Lavender

Lavender is perfect for repelling moths, mosquitoes and fleas.

When grown at the edge of gardens and flowerbeds, it provides a living pest barrier.

repel pests
The beauty of lavender blooms.

In addition, leaves can also be soaked in water to create an all-natural bug repellent.

To make, crush or blend the leaves in a container of water. Next, simply let the mixture steep overnight.

Then strain and pour into a pump bottle and you are ready to go!

It can be sprayed on arms and legs to help keep mosquitoes away. Seed Link : Lavender Seed

#5 Catnip

Catnip has always been known to attract cats. But is also excellent at repelling mosquitoes.

repel pests
Everyone knows that cats love catnip. But did you know that it is a wonderful repellent for mosquitoes too?

The leaves of catnip can be crushed and steeped in water for 10 to 20 minutes. It creates a very powerful mosquito repellent.

Of course, cats may find you a bit more attractive in the process!

Catnip is a perennial that can be grown easily in the landscape. It also grows well in pots and containers. Seed Link : Catnip Seed

#6 Peppermint

Peppermint serves a dual purpose when it comes to insect control.

Not only does it help to repel insects, it also relieves itching and burning skin from bug bites.

repel pests
It is always a good idea to grow any member of the mint family in pots. They have aggressive root systems that can take over bed space.

Simply crush a few leaves of peppermint and rub on bites. It will instantly soothe the skin from burning and itching.

Although a perennial, mint should be grown in containers.

The roots are extremely aggressive. Potting is an excellent way to keep the plant from overtaking bed space. Seed Link : Peppermint Seed

This Is My Garden is a website dedicated to spreading the love and knowledge of gardening around the world. We publish two new garden articles each week. This article may contain affiliate links.