Herbs That Both Attract & Repel Insects

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I use herbs that both attract and repel insects in my garden space. This is because I am very reluctant to spray chemicals in my yard. I want to keep my outdoor spaces natural, and that means keeping all that is natural healthy.

Not many plants in my garden look healthy right now, except for the herbs I planted. Insects have eaten the leaves of many of my flowering potted plants on my patio.

I have been planting herbs for years and wouldn’t consider having a garden without them. Depending on the plant, herbs can be aromatic or pungent. Many herbs produce lemon-scented oil in their leaves that helps repel leaf-eating insects.

One of these herbs is the citronella plant, like the one you see in the above photo. It is sometimes referred to as “the mosquito plant.” It is actually a scented geranium.

I adore scented geranium plants and have had many varieties. I’ve grown chocolate, lemon, and rose geranium plants, as well as many others I’ve come across in the places I’ve lived.

Citronella can be classified as both a medicinal and fragrant herb to you and me. But insects, luckily, don’t feel the same! They truly dislike this plant because of its strong scent.

There are also reasons to use herbs because we want to attract insects to our garden. I’ve almost always had an herb garden in my outdoor space.

Herbs that Attract Insects:

Certain herbs naturally attract “good” bugs. These are pollinators, ladybugs, and parasitic wasps. These bugs protect your garden by eating harmful pests.

Other herbs you can plant to attract beneficial bugs and pollinators include:

• Dill & Fennel: These feathery herbs feature small, accessible blooms that are irresistible to ladybugs, lacewings, and tachinid flies, which feed on destructive pests like aphids and caterpillars. Fennel is a host plant for the swallowtail butterfly.
• Cilantro: Excellent for attracting predatory insects early in the spring when other plants are not yet blooming.
• Yarrow: This perennial herb attracts the widest variety of beneficial insects. (I miss the big clump of yarrow I had to leave behind at my old apartment.)
• Thyme & Oregano: Their tiny flowers are favorites for adult hoverflies and parasitic wasps, while also creating the perfect shady ground cover for helpful beetles.
• Borage: This self-seeding annual, also known as the bee plant, is often included in pollinator gardens. Bees can’t seem to get enough of its nectar.
• Comfrey: One of the most useful perennial herbs. Creams made from comfrey may help soothe sore muscles, back pain, and joint stiffness from osteoarthritis.
• Anise Hyssop: Many beneficial insects find anise hyssop’s long-blooming flowers irresistible, but they repel other insects. This is why it’s often planted between vegetables. This herb can also tolerate shade.

Mountain mint, in particular, is highly ranked for drawing a diversity of beneficial insects.

Then there are herbs that do the opposite. They repel insects.

Herbs that Repel Insects:

• Garlic
• Basil
• Mint
• Sage
• Lemongrass

Garlic is a common companion plant because it takes up little space in your garden. It will help deter fungus gnats, spider mites, and cabbage loppers.

Basil: You may want to consider planting basil in your tomato garden. It tastes wonderful in pasta sauce and will help deter fungus gnats, spider mites, and cabbage loppers.

Mint: Spearmint and peppermint are known for repelling flies, fleas, and spiders. However, mints can be invasive, so you might want to plant them in pots.

Sage: It would be wise to plant sage near your cabbage plants. Sage also has a powerful repellent effect on moths and some butterflies.

Lemongrass: The perennial lemongrass plant contains citronella and thus helps to repel mosquitoes. That alone would make it a popular plant for your yard. Lemongrass leaves also have many uses in the kitchen.

Once minced or pounded, lemongrass can be added to marinades or used as a garnish for grilled meats. It will give your meat a sweet, citrusy flavor.

Finding a Balance:

A healthy garden isn’t about eliminating every insect. It’s about creating balance. Some insects pollinate flowers, improve the soil, and keep harmful pests under control. But others can damage plants or spread disease.

A thriving garden depends on insects that work to keep plants healthy and productive. But not every insect is a welcome guest.

The goal is to welcome the beneficial visitors and gently discourage the destructive ones. Instead of aiming for a bug-free garden, strive for a balanced one.

Plant nectar-rich flowers such as coneflowers, yarrow, dill, fennel, and native wildflowers to attract beneficial insects.

Use natural methods to discourage destructive pests. This can include companion planting, row covers, hand-picking insects, maintaining healthy soil, and encouraging birds and beneficial predators.

A balanced garden is alive with activity. By welcoming helpful insects while managing harmful ones, you’ll create a healthier, more productive garden that flourishes season after season.