Herbs That Repel

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🌿 Herbs That Repel

The easiest and most practical way to manage unwanted bugs is to use herbs. These herbs can be grown around garden beds, in containers, and used in sprays.
Here's how to use herbs and what bugs they repel:

1. Basil

  • Repels: Mosquitoes, aphids, whiteflies

  • Use: Plant around tomatoes and peppers; crush leaves for a natural spray.

2. Catnip

  • Repels: Mosquitoes, ticks, aphids

  • Use: Grows easily but can be invasive; makes a strong bug repellent spray.

3. Mint (Peppermint, Spearmint)

  • Repels: Mosquitoes, aphids, ants

  • Use: Grow in containers (invasive); use oil-infused water spray.

4. Lavender

  • Repels: Mosquitoes, whiteflies, ticks, moths

  • Use: Border planting or dried bundles in garden corners.

5. Lemongrass (contains citronella)

  • Repels: Mosquitoes

  • Use: Grow in warm climates or pots; leaves can be crushed for topical rub.

6. Rosemary

  • Repels: Mosquitoes, cabbage moths, flies

  • Use: Burn dried rosemary as a natural mosquito repellent at dusk.

7. Thyme (especially Lemon Thyme)

  • Repels: Mosquitoes, whiteflies

  • Use: Ground cover or infused oil spray.

8. Garlic & Chives

  • Repels: Aphids, Japanese beetles

  • Use: Interplant with vegetables; garlic spray is an effective aphid control.

Besides growing your own natural pest control, many of these herbs are also excellent to use in your cooking.

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Charlotte