12 top plants that keep spiders, mosquitoes, ants, and flies away from your home

August 13, 2025 by admin

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## 🌿 3. **Basil**

**Repels:** Flies and mosquitoes
**Why it works:** The essential oils in basil are toxic to mosquitoes.

**How to use it:** Grow on sunny windowsills or near entryways; you can also use fresh leaves in cooking!

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## 🌿 4. **Lemongrass (Citronella)**

**Repels:** Mosquitoes
**Why it works:** This plant contains **citronella oil**, a well-known natural mosquito repellent.

**How to use it:** Plant in large pots or garden beds near seating areas or doorways.

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## 🌿 5. **Rosemary**

**Repels:** Mosquitoes and flies
**Why it works:** The woody scent confuses mosquitoes and flying pests.

**How to use it:** Add to herb gardens or dry sprigs for indoor use. Burning rosemary also helps drive bugs away.

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## 🌿 6. **Chrysanthemums**

**Repels:** Ants, roaches, spiders, ticks, and more
**Why it works:** They contain **pyrethrum**, a natural insecticide used in many commercial bug sprays.

**How to use it:** Grow in flower beds or containers near your home’s perimeter.

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## 🌿 7. **Marigolds**

**Repels:** Mosquitoes, aphids, whiteflies, and more
**Why it works:** They release a scent that bugs hate and also deter harmful garden insects.

**How to use it:** Place in pots near doors or around vegetable gardens to protect crops.

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## 🌿 8. **Lemon Balm**

**Repels:** Mosquitoes and gnats
**Why it works:** Contains citronellal and has a pleasant lemon scent that mosquitoes can’t stand.

**How to use it:** Grow in containers or crush leaves and rub on skin (test for allergies first!).

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## 🌿 9. **Bay Laurel (Bay Leaves)**

**Repels:** Flies, ants, and moths
**Why it works:** The strong scent keeps bugs away and also preserves pantry staples.

**How to use it:** Grow in a sunny pot indoors, or place dried bay leaves in cupboards and under appliances.

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## 🌿 10. **Eucalyptus**

**Repels:** Flies, mosquitoes, and spiders
**Why it works:** Contains natural oils that interfere with insects’ ability to track scent.

**How to use it:** Grow in containers or hang dried eucalyptus near doorways and windows.

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## 🌿 11. **Catnip**

**Repels:** Mosquitoes, ants, and cockroaches
**Why it works:** Contains **nepetalactone**, which is more effective than DEET in some studies!

**How to use it:** Grow it outside to keep bugs at bay — just be prepared for visits from neighborhood cats!

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## 🌿 12. **Geraniums (especially citronella-scented)**

**Repels:** Mosquitoes and flies
**Why it works:** Strong citrus-like scent deters bugs, especially flying pests.

**How to use it:** Plant in hanging baskets or porch containers for added color and pest control.

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## 🌼 Bonus Tips

* Place these plants near **entryways, patios, windows, and doorways** to maximize their effectiveness.
* Regularly **trim or crush the leaves** to release their oils and keep the scent strong.
* Combine multiple varieties for **better protection** and a beautiful, fragrant garden.

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## Final Thoughts

You don’t have to rely on sprays or harsh chemicals to keep your home bug-free. These **12 pest-repelling plants** are a natural, low-maintenance way to fight insects while enhancing your home’s beauty and scent.

So whether you’re planting a garden or just adding pots to your balcony, these plants offer a powerful (and pretty!) line of defense.

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Would you like a printable guide or layout ideas for a pest-repellent garden corner?