Tired of those tiny biting flies that seem to appear from nowhere? You might be dealing with no-see-ums, also called biting midges. Finding plants that repel no see ums is a natural and pleasant way to reclaim your outdoor space. These botanical guardians offer a chemical-free line of defense, adding beauty and fragrance to your garden while keeping the pests at bay.
This guide will show you which plants work best and how to use them effectively around your patio, porch, or garden.
Plants That Repel No See Ums
The idea of using plants for pest control is called companion planting. Many aromatic herbs and flowers produce essential oils and scents that insects find unpleasant. For no-see-ums, strong fragrances from leaves, flowers, or oils are often the key. By strategically placing these plants, you create a living barrier.
Here are the most effective plants to consider for your natural repellent strategy.
Top Herbs to Deter Biting Insects
Herbs are fantastic because they’re useful in your kitchen and your pest control plan. They are typically easy to grow in pots or garden beds.
* Lemon Grass: This is a powerhouse. It contains citronella oil, a well-known mosquito and no-see-um deterrent. It’s a tropical grass that grows in tall clumps.
* Rosemary: Its strong, pine-like scent is lovely to us but repels many insects. Rosemary thrives in sunny, well-drained spots and can be pruned into attractive shapes.
* Peppermint & Spearmint: The potent menthol aroma is highly effective. Be careful—these mints spread aggressively. It’s best to grow them in containers to prevent them from taking over your garden.
* Basil: The strong scent of basil, especially varieties like lemon basil or cinnamon basil, can help keep bugs away. You get a double benefit: fresh pesto and fewer bites.
* Lavender: Its beautiful purple flowers and calming scent are beloved by people but disliked by many flying pests. Lavender needs lots of sun and good drainage.
Best Flowers and Ornamental Plants
Don’t underestimate the power of decorative plants. They can make your borders and flower beds both beautiful and functional.
* Marigolds: These cheerful flowers contain pyrethrum, a compound used in many natural insect repellents. Plant them around seating areas or vegetable gardens.
Geraniums (Scented): Specifically, look for lemon-scented or citronella geraniums (Pelargonium citrosum). When you brush against their leaves, they release a strong citronella-like fragrance.
* Catnip: Studies show the essential oil in catnip (nepetalactone) is very effective at repelling mosquitoes and likely no-see-ums too. Just be prepared for feline visitors if you have outdoor cats!
* Alliums: Plants like garlic, chives, and ornamental alliums give off a sulfurous scent that bugs avoid. Planting them through out your garden can help protect other plants too.
Shrubs and Larger Plants for Perimeter Defense
For larger areas, consider these bigger plants to form a protective hedge or screen.
* Wormwood (Artemisia): This silvery-leafed shrub has a very bitter scent and contains absinthin, which insects steer clear of. It’s a perennial that adds nice texture to the garden.
* Citronella Grass (Cymbopogon nardus): Different from lemon grass, this is the plant used to make commercial citronella oil. It’s a large clumping grass that needs warm weather and full sun.
* Eucalyptus: The strong, camphorous smell of eucalyptus leaves is a potent repellent. In warmer climates, it can grow into a tree; in cooler areas, you can grow it in pots and bring it indoors for winter.
How to Use These Plants for Maximum Effect
Simply planting them isn’t always enough. To get the best results, you need to think about placement and how to release their scents.
Strategic Placement Around Your Yard
Think about where you spend time and where bugs might enter.
* Create Borders: Plant repellent herbs and flowers around the perimeter of your patio, deck, or along walkways.
* Use Containers: Group pots of rosemary, lavender, and scented geraniums near doorways, windows, and seating areas. This allows you to move them as needed for gatherings.
* Wind Considerations: Plant upwind of your sitting area. The breeze will carry the protective scents toward you, creating a natural aromatic shield.
* Problem Zones: Place plants near standing water sources (like rain barrels), compost bins, or other areas that might attract bugs.
Releasing the Repellent Oils
The plants’ oils need to be released into the air to work well. Here are three easy ways to do that:
1. The Brushing Method: Gently brush your hands over the leaves of herbs like rosemary, mint, or basil when you’re sitting outside. This crushes the leaves slightly and releases their oils.
2. Make a Simple Rub: Pick a few leaves of mint or lemon balm, crush them in your hands, and lightly rub the scent on your skin (check for skin sensitivity first).
3. Use Clippings: During an outdoor meal, place fresh cuttings of the herbs in a vase on the table. The cut stems will release fragrance.
Important Limitations and Extra Tips
It’s good to have realistic expectations. A few plants on a large patio won’t create a 100% force field. They work best in contained, smaller areas.
For added protection, especially in heavily infested areas, combine your plants with these tactics:
* Use Fans: No-see-ums are weak fliers. A strong fan on your patio will blow them away and disrupt they’re ability to land on you.
* Eliminate Breeding Sites: No-see-ums breed in moist soil, sand, and organic matter. Reduce standing water and keep your garden debris tidy.
* Apply Topical Oils: You can make a simple spray by steeping crushed repellent plant leaves in witch hazel or vodka, then spraying it on your clothes (do a fabric test first).
* Time Your Activities: No-see-ums are most active at dawn and dusk. Plan your gardening or relaxing outside for other times of day if possible.
By combining these smart planting strategies with a few practical habits, you can significantly reduce the nuisance of no-see-ums and enjoy your garden more.
FAQ: Natural No-See-Um Repellents
What smells do no-see-ums hate the most?
No-see-ums strongly dislike the scents of citronella, peppermint, eucalyptus, lavender, and garlic. These are the primary aromas given off by the most effective repellent plants.
Can I just plant these around my house to keep them away?
While planting them will help, especially near entry points and seating areas, it may not completely eliminate them. For best results, use the plants as part of a larger plan that includes fans and removing standing water.
What is the fastest-growing plant to repel no-see-ums?
Many herbs, like basil and mint, grow very quickly from seedlings. Marigolds also sprout and flower fast, providing relatively quick coverage for your garden beds.
Do I need to crush the leaves for the plants to work?
The plants always emit some scent, but actively crushing or brushing the leaves releases much more of the essential oils into the air immediately around you, boosting their repellent effect.
Are these plants safe for pets?
Many are, but some, like wormwood and certain essential oils, can be problematic if ingested in large quantities. Always research pet safety for specific plants if your animals like to chew on greenery. Lemon grass, for example, is generally safe, while concentrated citronella oil is not.
Starting a garden with these plants is a rewarding project. You’ll create a lovely, fragrant oasis that also helps you enjoy the outdoors with fewer itchy bites. Remember, consistency is key—the more plants you have and the better you place them, the more relief you’ll likely experience.