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Plants: A Natural Bug Repellant.

“Home is where your plants live.”


Many plants have natural insect-repelling properties that can help to keep bugs away from your home and garden. These plants produce essential oils or other compounds that have a strong scent that bugs find unpleasant. Some of these plants also have physical features, such as fuzzy leaves or sticky stems, that make them difficult for bugs to land on or crawl on.

Here are a few popular bug-repelling plants:


  • Basil: Basil is a fragrant herb that is effective at repelling mosquitoes, flies, and other pests. It can be grown in pots or in the ground, and it is also a great addition to your kitchen garden. Basil contains citronella oil, which is a natural insect repellent.

  • Catnip: Catnip is a perennial herb that is known for its calming effects on cats, but it is also a natural insect repellent. It is effective at repelling mosquitoes, flies, and aphids. Catnip contains nepetalactone, which is a compound that is toxic to insects.

Lavender: Lavender is a beautiful and fragrant flower that is known for its calming properties. It is also a natural insect repellent, and it is effective at repelling mosquitoes,flies, and moths. Lavender contains linalool and camphor, which are compounds that are toxic to insects.

  • Marigolds: Marigolds are a popular garden flower that is known for its bright orange and yellow blooms. They are also a natural insect repellent, and they are effective at repelling mosquitoes, flies, and other pests. Marigolds contain pyrethrin, which is a natural insecticide.

  • Mint: Mint is a fragrant herb that is known for its refreshing taste. It also is a natural insect repellent, and it is effective at repelling mosquitoes, flies, and other pests. Mint contains menthol, which is a compound that is toxic to insects.

  • Rosemary: Rosemary is a fragrant herb that is known for its culinary uses. It is also a natural insect repellent, and it is effective at repelling mosquitoes, flies, and moths. Rosemary contains camphor and cineole, which are compounds that are toxic to insects.

  • Thyme: Thyme is a fragrant herb that is known for its culinary uses. It is also a natural insect repellent, and it is effective at repelling mosquitoes, flies, and other pests. Thyme contains thymol, which is a compound that is toxic to insects.

These are just a few of the many plants that can help to keep bugs away. By planting these plants in your home and garden, you can create a natural pest control barrier that will help to keep your property free of bugs.


In addition to the plants listed above, here are a few more bug-repelling plants that you might want to consider:

  • Citronella grass: Citronella grass is a tall, grassy plant that is native to Southeast Asia. It is a popular ingredient in insect repellents, and it is effective at repelling mosquitoes, flies, and other pests.

  • Garlic: Garlic is a pungent herb that is effective at repelling mosquitoes, flies, and other pests. It can be planted in the ground or in pots, and it is also a great addition to your kitchen garden.

  • Lemongrass: Lemongrass is a tall, grassy plant that is native to Southeast Asia. It is a popular ingredient in insect repellents, and it is effective at repelling mosquitoes, flies, and other pests.

  • Peppermint: Peppermint is a fragrant herb that is effective at repelling mosquitoes, flies, and other pests. It can be planted in the ground or in pots, and it is also a great addition to your kitchen garden.

  • Tea tree oil: Tea tree oil is a natural essential oil that is effective at repelling mosquitoes, flies, and other pests. It can be used in a diffuser or applied directly to the skin.

By using these bug-repelling plants, you can create a natural and effective way to keep bugs away from your home and garden.


As advocates of green living, we at The ZEN Succulent would love to hear your stories about how indoor plants have influenced your life. Share your experiences in the comments below or tag us on social media with your indoor garden photos. Let’s spread the word about the healing power of plants.