Hi Amy,

I know what you mean. Summer is here and so are the mosquitoes, gnats, and no-see ums. I don’t like spraying myself  or any of my grand kids with sticky, smelly, insect repellent every time we go outdoors so I put insect repellent plants around my porch and small pool  area.

Here’s a list of my favorite insect repelling plants; it includes both flowering plants and herbs. The oils in them act as natural insect repellents. These plants are inexpensive and easy to find. I keep them in pots, like light weight “smart pots” so they can be moved around easily or plant them around my vegetable and flower gardens to protect my plants.

Basil: Repels mosquitoes and flies

Citronella Grass: repels insects

Lavender: Repels flies and mosquitoes.

Lemon thyme: Repels mosquitoes.

Marigolds The scent from marigolds repels AphidsSee a picture, learn to identify, and read about Aphid houseplant pests in the Glossary of Houseplant411.com., mosquitoes, and sometimes even rabbits

Mums: These flowering plants contain pyrethrum. Pyrethrum is used in insecticides and in aerosol insect bombs. Mums repel ants, Japanese beetles, lice, fleas, ticks, bedbugs, spider mitesLearn how to identify and treat Spider Mites on plants. This sucking plant pest causes yellow blotchy leaves with a red haze and a gritty feel to them..

Peppermint: Great minty aroma and it repels mosquitoes.

Petunias: These pretty plants repel AphidsSee a picture, learn to identify, and read about Aphid houseplant pests in the Glossary of Houseplant411.com. that can destroy flowers and vegetables.

Rosemary: Place pots of this flowering plant in the direct sun. The plant repels insects and the leaves can be used in cooking.