Trees, plants, and flowers add beauty to your yard, while also cleaning the air around your property. However, insect infestations may harm your foliage and diminish the health of your lawn and garden. Below is more information about how to repel common pests by incorporating certain vegetables, herbs, and flowers.

How to Naturally Repel Bugs

1. Lemongrass

This type of grass contains citronella, which is one of the primary repellents used to keep mosquitoes at bay. In fact, it’s often utilized in candles and sprays that are meant to repel mosquitoes. 

Plant lemongrass in a larger planter, as it can grow up to 6 feet. Make sure it’s easily movable so you can bring this repellent to different areas that need pest control. Additionally, plant this grass along walkways and near the patio or deck.   

2. Garlic 

Garlic is a natural pesticide. This plant has a strong scent that keeps aphids, slugs, root maggots, and mosquitos at bay. It requires full to partial sun and will flourish throughout the year, even when temperatures plummet. 

3. Rosemary 

Rosemary has a fresh and piney aroma that smells pleasant to humans but wards off mosquitoes, bean beetles, cabbage loopers, and carrot flies. It is heat tolerant and needs about six hours of direct sunlight per day. You can also harvest this herb and include it in your cooking for a natural, delicious taste.

4. Citronella 

Citronella geranium has a scent that is similar to lemons, and it repels mosquitoes and stable flies. It requires full to partial sun, and you must water it several times a week. Once you add it to your landscaping, you can break off citronella leaves, crush them, and rub their oils on your skin as a natural insect repellent.

The next time you need beautiful and bug-repelling plants and flowers for your garden, browse the nursery at Northgate Greenhouses. This greenhouse provides perennials, succulents, vegetables, hanging baskets, and much more for the gardening needs of Cincinnati, OH, residents. Call (513) 729-1134 to ask about seasonal plants in stock, and visit the website to learn more about their products.