7 Natural Bug Repellent Plants for Your Deck & Patio
Spending time outdoors, whether it’s on your deck, patio, or garden, is one of the joys of warmer weather. However, that enjoyment doesn’t last very long when you have to swat away mosquitoes, flies, and other pesky insects. Luckily, nature provides a range of plants that beautify your space and act as natural bug repellents. So, what plant keeps bugs away?
We have gathered some effective options to tackle this issue.
The Power of Plants to Repel Bugs
When designing your outdoor space, whether installing a new patio, enhancing your deck, or revamping your garden, considering the plants you use can significantly impact keeping bugs at bay. Some plants naturally produce oils and scents that repel common insects like mosquitoes, flies, and ants. Making these plants part of your outdoor space enhances the aesthetics and helps you relax without constant buzzing and biting.
In this guide, we’ll cover the most effective plants that keep bugs away, including lavender, citronella grass, and basil, and answer the important question: Does lavender repel bugs? You’ll also learn how these plants can be easily integrated into your deck or patio design for an all-natural defense against insects.
Top 7 Plants to Keep Bugs Away
1. Lavender
Lavender is not only known for its beauty and fragrance, but its effectiveness in repelling insects makes it the most picked plant for the outdoor space. You may be wondering, does lavender repel bugs? The answer is yes! Lavender’s strong scent, which is pleasant to humans, is disliked by mosquitoes, flies, and fleas. This makes lavender an excellent choice for areas where you gather outdoors, like near a seating area on your patio or around the edges of your deck.
Apart from repelling insects, lavender attracts pollinators like bees and butterflies, which benefit any garden.
Pro tip: Plant lavender in pots or along garden borders where you spend the most time outside. Its calming scent will keep bugs away and enhance your outdoor experience.
2. Citronella Grass
Citronella is well-known for its mosquito-repelling properties. Often used in candles and sprays, citronella grass is more effective in its natural form. This tall, fragrant grass emits a lemony scent that mosquitoes despise, making it one of the best plants to keep bugs away from your deck or patio.
You can create a natural barrier of citronella around your outdoor living space and combine it with other bug-repelling plants for maximum protection.
3. Basil
Basil leaves are just more than making pesto. Basil is one of the most effective bug-repelling plants that naturally deter flies and mosquitoes, making it a valuable addition to outdoor dining areas. You can plant basil in containers on your patio or directly in the garden. Its dual purpose of providing fresh herbs for cooking while keeping bugs away makes it a must-have for any outdoor space.
4. Marigolds
Need plants with vibrant colors that also work as a bug-repellant? Marigolds should be your choice. Known for their vibrant colors, marigolds are another plant that keeps bugs away. These cheerful flowers produce a scent that repels mosquitoes and other flying insects. Marigolds are also effective at deterring aphids, making them an excellent choice for vegetable gardens. Their versatility and bright colors can add a beautiful pop to your deck or patio area while keeping it bug-free.
5. Peppermint
The strong scent of peppermint is great for keeping bugs away. Ants, mosquitoes, spiders, and flies are all deterred by peppermint’s aroma. Plant it in pots around your deck or patio, or use it as ground cover near seating areas. Remember that peppermint spreads quickly, so it’s best to contain it in a pot unless you want it to take over your garden.
6. Rosemary
Rosemary is another excellent herb that does double duty as a bug repellent. Its strong fragrance helps deter mosquitoes, cabbage moths, and other insects. Rosemary can be grown in pots or directly in the ground, and like basil, it’s also handy to have on hand for cooking. Plant it in sunny areas around your outdoor living space for its beauty and bug-repelling properties.
7. Lemongrass
Similar to citronella, lemongrass is highly effective at keeping mosquitoes away. Its tall, graceful appearance makes it a beautiful addition to any outdoor space, and its citronella oil content helps create a mosquito-free environment. You can plant lemongrass along walkways, your patio, or near outdoor seating areas for optimal protection.
Why Choose Plants to Repel Bugs?
Choosing plants that deter bugs is a natural, eco-friendly solution for keeping outdoor spaces comfortable. Many bug repellents on the market are made with chemicals that may not be safe for long-term use, especially around pets or children. In contrast, plants offer a safer, more sustainable option.
By strategically planting plants to keep bugs away, you can enhance the aesthetics of your outdoor space while creating an invisible barrier that keeps insects at bay. These plants provide fragrance, beauty, and herbs for your kitchen and protect your outdoor living areas, allowing you to enjoy your time outside without being swarmed by insects.
How to Incorporate Bug-Repelling Plants into Your Deck or Patio
At Atlas General Contractors, we specialize in creating outdoor spaces that are both beautiful and functional. Whether you want to redesign your patio, upgrade your deck, or install a new garden, we can help you incorporate these natural bug repellents into your design.
Imagine lounging on your deck surrounded by lavender, citronella, and marigolds, free from the worry of mosquitoes or flies. Or picture hosting a barbecue on your patio, with basil and rosemary planted strategically to keep insects at bay. These plants add color and texture to your outdoor living areas and make the space more enjoyable and livable.
Transform Your Outdoor Space with Atlas General Contractors
We serve various locations across Virginia, including McLean, Herndon, Annandale, Reston, Falls Church, Great Falls, Arlington, Alexandria City, Oakton, and Vienna. Our team can help design and build the perfect outdoor space, whether a deck, patio, or garden, and incorporate plants that keep bugs away for a naturally protected environment.
If you’re ready to create an outdoor space to relax and entertain without being bothered by bugs, Contact Us today for a free consultation!
Call us at 703-656-1500
Email us at info@atlasgc.org
Final Thoughts
Incorporating plants that deter bugs into your outdoor design is an effective and natural way to keep insects from ruining your time outdoors. From the soothing scent of lavender to the mosquito-repelling power of citronella, these plants are a beautiful and functional addition to any deck or patio. With the right combination of plants, you can create an outdoor space that is both aesthetically pleasing and bug-free.