Best 5 Plants That Repel Insects and Rodents

Are you facing big issues with insects and rodents? There are a number of plants that many people plant to repel insects and rodents. These plants can help you keep these pests out of your home or garden forever!

Some of the most effective plants that repel insects and rodents are citronella, basil, mint, alliums and rosemary. These plants all have strong smells that repel insects and rodents. You can grow them in your garden or keep them in pots around your home.

If you have a problem with insects or rodents, try planting some of these plants in your home. You may be surprised at how well they work at keeping your home pest-free.

So, if you are wondering how these plants repel insects and rodents, stay tuned until the end of the article to find all the information you need!

What damages are caused to plants by insects? 

Insects are small creatures that are often found in flowers, trees, vegetables and fruits, and most of the time they cause a lot of harm to them. 

They can carry diseases and parasites, which can be harmful to animals, plants and even humans. They can also damage crops and property. In some cases, insects can even be deadly.

There are many different types of insects, and each one can cause different types of harm. Some of the most common types of insects that cause damage to all of these above are mosquitoes, termites, and beetles. 

So these are the most common and the main damages that insects or pests provoke to plants:

• There are some “boring” insects like beetles and flies which enjoy boring into the fruit/vegetable and eating it.
• Insects with mouthparts like leafhoppers eat plant tissues because it is their main food. 
• Some other insects like thrips can scrape the surface of the leaves or other flower parts. 

There are a variety of ways to control insects, but it can be difficult to eliminate them. Insecticides can kill insects, but they can also be harmful to humans and the environment. 

Some insects are also resistant to insecticides, but we are going to tell you some more effective and organic ways to solve this problem.

However, don’t worry about it because we got your back. Below, you can find the best plants that repel insects and rodents to keep them away from your garden or home forever!

Best Plants That Repel Insects and Rodents

Many plants can help you repel insects from your home. Some of the best plants to use for this purpose include citronella, lemon balm, catnip, and garlic. These plants release scents that insects do not like, which will help keep them away from your home. 

You can also use these plants to make insect-repellent sprays. Just combine the plants with water and vinegar in a spray bottle and you’re all set.

In addition to using plants to repel insects, you can also take other preventative measures to keep them away from your home. 

Be sure to seal up any cracks or openings in your home, as insects can enter through these tiny spaces. You should also keep your home clean and free of food debris, as this can attract insects.

So, the best way to face pests is to grow plants that repel them in order to keep them away and some of the best plants are:

Citronella

Citronella is a type of grass which you can grow in your yard at home. This grass produces a unique smell that mosquitos, flies and ticks hate and that’s why citronella repels these insects.

Citronella can also be used as oil known as citronella oil, which can be used for candles and this is another great way to repel mosquitos if you want to avoid the process of growing citronella at home. This oil is affordable and you can buy it through grocery shops or online shops like Amazon and eBay.

If you are interested in growing citronella at home, make sure to plant them somewhere that there is pretty much sunlight and the soil should be well-drained and moist.

Basil

Basil is an extremely effective plant against certain pests called flea beetles (and cabbage webworms, which are not insects but it is good to know). It also contains four different volatile compounds that may deter mosquitoes and these are estragole, citronellal, limonene, and nerolidol.

You can also make your own mosquito repellent from fresh basil. Simply, add 6 ounces of fresh basil leaves to a pint glass and pour over four ounces of boiling water. Cap the jar and leave it there for the next four hours. Next, strain the liquid into a spray bottle and that’s it.

If you are interested in growing your own Basil make sure that you need full sun exposure and well-draining, moist soil for the plants.

Mint

Mint is another great plant to repel insects and that’s why makes it to our list. Mint isn’t simply exceptional for cooking. Its oils are demonstrated to repel many insects like mosquitoes, fleas, ants, ticks, mice and moths. 

Mint is a plant which requires a lot of space because it spreads aggressively,  so you may need to place your plants one by one with enough space between each plant. The aroma which is found in the leaves also exists in the stems and flowers. 

Without too much effort, you can extract the plant’s oils and combine them with apple cider vinegar and any vodka (even the cheapest one) or witch hazel to make your mosquito repellent. 

You can buy some mint plants or just get some cuttings from a friend to grow your own mint garden. Also, have in mind that this plant requires full sun and slightly acidic soil. 

Rosemary

Rosemary is a popular herb that is used in many different dishes. But did you know that rosemary can also be used as a pest repellent?

Rosemary is effective at repelling a variety of pests, including mosquitos, ants, and even rodents. So if you’re looking for a natural way to keep pests away, rosemary may be worth a try.

There are a few different ways you can use rosemary as a pest repellent. You can grow rosemary plants in your garden or around your home, or you can make a rosemary-infused spray to use around your windows and doors. Moreover, you can even try boiling rosemary leaves in water and then using the water as a mopping solution.

See also: The Best Flowers for Aquaponics (Picks & What to Avoid)

Alliums

If you’re looking for a natural way to keep pests out of your garden, you may want to try planting some alliums. Alliums are a type of onion that can repel a variety of common pests, including aphids, carrot root flies, and cabbage white butterflies. 

Alliums are known for their pungent smell and their ability to repel pests. In fact, many gardeners plant alliums near their plants which are fruits or vegetable plants to keep pests away from them.

Alliums contain a compound called allicin, which is what gives them their signature smell. Allicin is also a natural repellant for many pests, including mosquitoes, rabbits, and deer. So if you’re looking for a natural way to keep pests out of your garden, consider planting some alliums!

FAQ

What plants deter rats and mice?

Rats and mice are pests that can cause a lot of damage to your home and gardens. They can also carry diseases, which can be harmful to your health. If you’re looking for a way to deter rats and mice, you may be wondering if any plants can help to solve this problem.

Some plants that have been known to deter rats and mice include citronella grass, lavender, peppermint, rosemary and thyme. Many of these are also keeping away several other insects and rodents.

These plants have strong scents that rats and mice find unpleasant. By planting these around your home, you can help to keep these pests away.

What plants keep animals away?

There are a variety of plants that have been shown to keep animals away. Some of the most common include:

• Lemongrass: Lemongrass is a type of grass that is native to Asia. It has a strong citrus smell that is repulsive to many animals.
• Lavender: Lavender is a popular herbal plant that is known for its calming properties. It also has a strong scent that is disliked by many animals.
• Peppermint: Peppermint is a type of mint that has a strong minty smell. This smell is unpleasant to many animals and can keep them away.

These are just a few of the many plants that can keep animals away. If you are looking for a plant to deter animals from your property, be sure to do your research to find one that will be effective for your specific needs.

See also: Best plants to grow indoor

Conclusion

Summing up, there are a ton of organic and affordable ways to solve the situation of pests that cause problems. Also, you don’t need to spend a ton of money buying insecticides to kill them. As we mentioned above, one of the best ways to achieve it, is to grow some plants like citronella, basil, rosemary, mint and alliums to help repel them easy and effective. If you found