10 Herbs That Keep Bugs Away Naturally

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Are you tired of dealing with pesky bugs invading your space? Fortunately, there are many natural remedies that can help repel them without the use of harmful chemicals. In this article, we will discuss ten herbs that are effective at keeping away insects.

Why use natural insect repellents?

While commercial insect repellents may be effective, they often contain harmful chemicals such as DEET. Exposure to these chemicals has been linked to health problems, especially in children. Additionally, they can harm the environment, including beneficial insects such as bees and butterflies.

Using natural insect repellents is a safer and eco-friendly alternative. Not only does it keep you and the environment safe from harmful chemicals, but also it saves money since natural methods are usually less expensive.

How do herbs repel bugs?

Herbs contain chemical compounds that are unappealing to insects. These compounds include essential oils which act as natural insecticides, and volatile compounds that mask the human scent, making it difficult for insects to locate humans.

List of 10 herbs that keep bugs away naturally

1. Lavender
2. Citronella
3. Peppermint
4. Lemon Balm
5. Basil
6. Garlic
7. Thyme
8. Catnip
9. Rosemary
10. Chrysanthemum

Lavender

Lavender is not just a beautiful flowering plant; it’s also an effective bug repellent. The essential oil of lavender contains properties that are deadly to insects but safe for humans.

Lavender essential oil as a mosquito repellent

To make a homemade mosquito repellent, mix 5 drops of lavender essential oil with 1 tablespoon of carrier oil such as coconut or olive oil. Apply it to your skin before going outside.

Lavender sachets to deter moths

Place dried lavender flowers in a small pouch and place them in your closet or drawers. The scent of lavender is known to repel moths and keep your clothes smelling fresh.

Citronella

Citronella is commonly used in candles, torches, and sprays to ward off mosquitoes and other insects.

Citronella candles as a natural insect repellent

Lighting citronella candles can help keep bugs away from outdoor areas where you might be spending time. Be sure to place the candles at least three feet away from anyone sitting outside.

Citronella grass in the garden to control mosquitoes

Planting citronella grass around your home or garden helps repel mosquitoes naturally. You can either plant them in pots or directly in the ground.

Peppermint

Peppermint is a natural deterrent for ants, spiders, and other crawling insects. Its strong scent masks the pheromones that attract insects.

Peppermint oil spray to repel ants and spiders

Using peppermint oil spray is an effective way to keep ants and spiders out of your home. Mix 10-15 drops of peppermint essential oil with water in a spray bottle and apply it wherever you see insects.

Peppermint leaves in the garden to deter aphids and other insects

If insects are destroying your garden, save your plants by planting some peppermint. It repels pests without harming your plants. You can also make a tea from peppermint leaves and use it as a spray to keep away aphids, beetles, and other insects.

Lemon Balm

Lemon Balm or Melissa Officinalis is an herb that belongs to the mint family. It's known for its lemony fragrance and has been used to repel mosquitos and biting flies.

Lemon balm sprays to ward off mosquitoes

You can make a natural mosquito repellent by combining lemon balm with apple cider vinegar. Let the mixture steep in a jar for two weeks before straining out the herbs. Dilute the mixture with water and apply it to your skin.

Lemon balm tea to repel biting flies

Drinking lemon balm tea can help repel biting flies that are attracted to human sweat.

Basil

Basil not only has delicious culinary uses; it’s also effective at keeping away mosquitoes and flies.

Basil oil as a natural insect repellent

Making basil essential oil is easy. Place fresh basil leaves in a jar, and pour carrier oil such as grapeseed or almond oil over them. Let the mixture steep for a week before straining it. Apply it to your skin or diffuse it in your room.

Basil plants in the garden to keep away mosquitoes and flies

Planting basil in your garden or placing some pots around your outdoor living spaces will help repel mosquitoes and flies from bothering you.

Garlic

Garlic is not just good for adding flavor to dishes; it's also effective at repelling pests from your garden and home.

Garlic oil spray for vegetable gardens to keep pests away

Blend garlic with water and apply it as a spray on your plants to repel aphids, caterpillars, and other insects that eat the plant leaves.

Garlic capsules as a supplement to ward off mosquitoes

Eating garlic capsules can help repel mosquitoes. When you ingest garlic, your skin gives off an odor that deters mosquitoes from biting.

Thyme

Thyme is a herb commonly used in cooking and has antifungal and anti-bacterial properties. It's effective at repelling insects like mosquitoes and cabbage worms.

Thyme-infused oil as a natural bug repellent

Mix thyme with a carrier oil such as jojoba or sweet almond oil and let it steep for two weeks. The resulting mixture can be applied to your skin or clothing to repel mosquitoes.

Thyme plants in the garden to control mosquitoes and cabbage worms

Planting thyme in your garden helps control mosquitoes and repel cabbage worms.

Catnip

Most cats love catnip, but did you know that it's also useful in repelling insects?

Catnip oil as a natural insect repellent

Catnip essential oil contains nepetalactone, which is highly effective at keeping away mosquitoes, ants, and aphids. A few drops of catnip oil mixed with water can work as an insecticide spray.

Catnip plants in the garden to keep away mosquitoes, ants, and aphids

Planting catnip around your house repels mosquitoes, ants, and aphids, and it's a fun activity for your feline friends to enjoy.

Rosemary

Rosemary is a herb that has a minty-camphor scent and is effective at repelling mosquitoes, fleas, and ticks.

Rosemary essential oil to repel mosquitoes, fleas, and ticks

In a small spray bottle, add 10-15 drops of rosemary essential oil with water. Shake well and apply it to your skin or clothing as needed to repel mosquitoes, fleas, and ticks.

Rosemary plants in the garden for pest control

Rosemary plants in your garden surroundings help repel mosquitoes, beetles, and other insects.

Chrysanthemum

Chrysanthemum contains pyrethrins, which are natural insecticides used to control insects like mosquitoes, flies, fleas, ticks, and cockroaches.

Pyrethrin from chrysanthemum flowers as a natural insecticide

Extracting pyrethrins from chrysanthemum flowers is easy if you steep the dried flowers in hot water or use rubbing alcohol as a solvent.

Chrysanthemum plants in the garden for outdoor bug control

Plant chrysanthemums around your garden and home exteriors to prevent insect infestations.

Using herbs to keep bugs away is an effective way to protect both yourself and the environment. There are multiple benefits to switching to natural bug repellents rather than chemical ones, including safety, eco-friendliness, and cost-effectiveness.

FAQ

What pests do herbs repel?

Herbs can repel a wide range of insects, including mosquitos, flies, ants, aphids, caterpillars, beetles, fleas, and ticks.

How do I use herbs as insect repellents for myself?

Herbs can be used in various ways like as essential oils, tea sprays, sachets, or grown in your home gardens.

Can I use these herbs for indoor pest control as well?

Yes, some of these herbs like peppermint, lavender or rosemary can also work indoors to repel insects such as ants, spiders or flies.

Are there any risks associated with using natural insect repellent herbs?

Natural insect repellent herbs are generally safe; however, they can cause allergic reactions or skin irritation to some people. Do a patch test before usage.

Do these herbs work on all types of bugs and insects?

No, different herbs work better on specific pests. Also, the effectiveness may vary based on the plant’s freshness or location of usage.

Can I grow any of these herbs indoors?

Most of these herbs can be grown indoors in containers or small pots depending on available light and space.

Are essential oils from these herbs safe to apply directly to skin?

Essential oils derived from herbs should be diluted with carrier oils to avoid skin irritation or burns.

What are some other natural ways to keep bugs away?

Some other natural remedies include using garlic or vinegar solutions, planting marigolds or wormwood, and keeping your home clean and dry.

Are natural insect repellent herbs safe for pets and children?

Most natural insect repellent herbs are safe for pets and children, but it's best to consult your veterinarian or pediatrician before use.

How can I make my own herbal bug spray?

Combine the desired herb(s) with distilled water and/or apple cider vinegar in a spray bottle, let it sit for a few days or overnight, then strain out the herbs and apply as needed. Carrier oils can also be added to make it more effective.