If you’ve ever spent an evening outside only to be covered in itchy, tiny bites, you know the frustration of no see ums. Finding plants that repel no see ums can be a natural and pleasant way to reclaim your outdoor space. These nearly invisible pests, also called biting midges or punkies, can ruin a perfect garden party or a quiet moment on the patio. The good news is that you don’t need to rely solely on harsh chemicals. By strategically placing certain aromatic plants, you can create a more comfortable environment for you and your family.
This approach is about working with nature, not against it. Many herbs and flowers produce essential oils and scents that these tiny bugs find unpleasant. While not a 100% force field, these plants significantly reduce the pest population and make your yard less inviting to them. Let’s look at how you can use these green allies effectively.
Plants That Repel No See Ums
The core of your natural defense strategy starts with choosing the right plants. These are not obscure or difficult species; many are common herbs and flowers you might already grow for cooking or beauty. Their secret lies in their strong fragrances, which come from oils like citronellal, linalool, and thymol. These are the same compounds found in many natural insect repellents.
You’ll want to plant these in high-traffic areas. Think around seating areas, along walkways, near doorways, and by windows. Crushing a leaf now and then to release more scent can give you an extra boost when you’re about to sit down outside. Here are the most effective plants to consider for your garden.
Top Herbs for Repelling Tiny Biters
Herbs are fantastic because they serve a double purpose: pest management and kitchen use. They are typically easy to grow and thrive in sunny spots with well-drained soil.
* Lemon Grass (Cymbopogon citratus): This is the source of citronella oil. It’s a tall, grassy plant that creates a visual barrier and a fragrant one. Plant it in large pots or in the ground in a sunny location. It’s not winter-hardy in cold climates, so it’s often grown as an annual or brought indoors.
* Rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis): Its strong, pine-like scent is wonderful for cooking but deters many insects. Rosemary loves full sun and dry soil. You can grow it as a shrub in warm climates or in pots that you can move around your patio. Pruning it into a small hedge near a seating area is very effective.
Peppermint & Spearmint (Mentha spp.): The potent menthol in these plants is a known insect deterrent. A word of caution: mint is incredibly invasive. Always plant it in containers or pots sunk into the ground to prevent it from taking over your entire garden bed.
* Basil (Ocimum basilicum): Especially varieties like lemon basil or cinnamon basil, emit a strong aroma that bugs dislike. It’s an annual herb, so you’ll need to replant it each year, but it grows quickly from seed or starter plants. Keep it pinched back to encourage bushy growth.
* Lavender (Lavandula): While humans love its calming scent, no see ums and mosquitoes do not. Lavender needs full sun and excellent drainage. It’s a perennial that comes back year after year, providing beautiful purple flowers and protection.
Beautiful Flowers That Double as Protectors
Don’t want a garden of just herbs? Incorporate these flowering plants. They add vibrant color and fragrance to your landscape while working hard to keep pests at bay.
* Marigolds (Tagetes): These cheerful annuals contain pyrethrum, a compound used in many insect repellents. Plant them in borders around your patio or in pots near entryways. Their scent is strong and effective.
* Geraniums (Pelargonium citrosum): Often sold as “mosquito plants” or citronella geraniums, these have a lemony scent when their leaves are brushed. They are perfect for hanging baskets or patio containers where people will gently disturb them.
* Catnip (Nepeta cataria): Studies have shown that catnip can be even more effective than DEET for some insects. Be warned: if you have neighborhood cats, they may be attracted to your garden. It’s a perennial that can spread, so manage it accordingly.
* Floss Flower (Ageratum houstonianum): This cute, fluffy annual flower produces coumarin, a chemical that insects find repulsive. It’s a great bedding plant for adding splashes of blue, pink, or white to your garden borders.
Strategic Shrubs and Larger Plants
For larger-scale protection, consider adding these shrubs or trees to your landscape design. They provide structure and can protect a wider area.
* 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 can grow several feet tall. It’s ideal for planting along a property edge or in a sunny corner.
* Eucalyptus (Eucalyptus spp.): The strong, camphor-like scent of eucalyptus leaves is a powerful repellent. In warm climates, it grows into a large tree. In cooler areas, you can grow it in a pot and prune it to a manageable size, or use cuttings of the branches.
* Bay Laurel (Laurus nobilis): This culinary shrub, used for its bay leaves, has aromatic leaves that pests avoid. It can be grown in the ground in mild climates or in a container that you move indoors in winter.
How to Design Your No See Um-Repellent Garden
Simply buying these plants isn’t enough. Where and how you place them makes a big difference in their effectiveness. Think of creating layered zones of protection around the areas where you spend time.
Creating Protective Zones
Start with the area you want to protect most, like a patio or deck.
1. The Immediate Zone: This is right where you sit. Use potted plants on the patio surface. Herbs in pots like rosemary, basil, and mint are perfect here. You can easily move them around and crush a leaf as needed.
2. The Intermediate Zone: This is the garden bed surrounding your patio or lining the walkway to your door. Plant perennial shrubs like lavender and rosemary here, along with annuals like marigolds and floss flower. This creates a fragrant barrier.
3. The Perimeter Zone: This is the outer edge of your yard or garden. Use larger plants like citronella grass, eucalyptus (if climate-appropriate), or dense hedges of other aromatic plants. This helps intercept pests before they reach your living spaces.
Companion Planting for Enhanced Effect
Grouping different repellent plants together can create a stronger combined scent profile. This method, called companion planting, confuses and repels pests more effectively than a single plant type.
* Plant marigolds at the base of your rosemary shrub.
* Surround a seating area with a mix of lavender, geraniums, and lemon grass in containers.
* Interplant basil with your flower bed annuals.
Essential Care Tips for Maximum Potency
A healthy, thriving plant produces more of the essential oils that repel insects. Stressed or poorly cared for plants will be much less effective.
* Sunlight: Most of these plants require full sun (at least 6-8 hours daily) to produce their strong oils.
* Soil and Drainage: Well-drained soil is crucial. Waterlogged roots will weaken or kill many herbs like lavender and rosemary. If your soil is heavy clay, amend it with compost or use raised beds.
* Pruning and Harvesting: Regularly pruning and harvesting your herbs encourages new, tender growth that is often more fragrant. Don’t be afraid to use your herbs in cooking—it’s good for the plant and for you!
* Watering: Water deeply but infrequently to encourage strong root growth. Always check the soil moisture before watering.
Beyond Plants: Integrated Pest Management
While plants are a powerful tool, they work best as part of a broader strategy. This is called Integrated Pest Management (IPM), which uses multiple methods for the best results.
Environmental Controls
No see ums breed in moist, organic matter. Reducing their breeding sites is critical.
* Eliminate standing water in gutters, old tires, pot saucers, and bird baths.
* Keep your lawn mowed and trim back dense vegetation where adult midges like to rest.
* Ensure your yard has good air circulation; prune trees and shrubs to reduce damp, still areas.
Physical Barriers
Sometimes, you need a direct physical block.
* Install fine-mesh screening (16 mesh or finer) on porches, patios, and windows. Standard mosquito screening is often too loose to stop no see ums.
* Use fans on your patio. No see ums are weak fliers, and a strong breeze will keep them away from you.
* Wear protective, light-colored clothing with long sleeves and pants during peak biting times (dawn and dusk).
Using Plant-Based Oils
You can boost your plants’ power by making your own sprays.
Simple DIY Repellent Spray:
1. Steep a handful of strong-scented leaves (like peppermint, rosemary, or catnip) in boiling water for several hours.
2. Strain the cooled liquid into a spray bottle.
3. Add a tablespoon of witch hazel or vodka as a preservative.
4. Shake well before spraying on clothing (do a fabric test first) or around seating areas. Reapply every few hours.
Remember, natural sprays need more frequent application than chemical formulas.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Even with the best intentions, a few errors can reduce your success. Here’s what to watch out for.
* Planting Too Sparingly: One small pot of lavender won’t protect a whole yard. You need a critical mass of plants to release enough scent.
* Ignoring Breeding Sites: If you have a pond or constantly wet area, your plants will be overwhelmed by new bugs. Address the water source first.
* Neglecting Plant Health: A struggling plant won’t help you. Pay attention to sunlight, water, and soil needs.
* Expecting Perfection: Natural methods reduce populations but rarely eliminate every single pest. The goal is a manageable, comfortable outdoor space, not a sterile one.
Seasonal Considerations
Your strategy will change slightly with the seasons, especially if you live in a region with cold winters.
* Spring: This is the prime planting time. Get your herbs and annual flowers in the ground after the last frost. Start pruning and shaping perennial plants.
* Summer: Maintain your plants with regular watering and harvesting. This is when they are most active and fragrant. Move container plants to where you need them most.
* Fall: In cold climates, bring non-hardy potted plants like lemon grass and citronella geraniums indoors to a sunny window. You can also take cuttings from herbs like rosemary to root indoors.
* Winter: Plan for next year. Look at what worked and what didn’t. Order seeds for the coming spring, focusing on the most effective plants from your experience.
FAQ Section
What smells do no see ums hate the most?
No see ums strongly dislike the scents of citronella, peppermint, eucalyptus, lavender, and geranium. These are the primary oils found in the most effective repellent plants.
What is the number one plant to keep gnats away?
For a combination of effectiveness and ease of growing, lemon grass and marigolds are top contenders. Lemon grass is a direct source of citronella, while marigolds are easy annuals that contain natural pyrethrins.
Do any plants actually repel biting midges?
Yes, many plants do repel them through the essential oils they emit. However, it’s important to manage expectations. They work best as a deterrent within their immediate vicinity and as part of a broader pest control plan that includes eliminating standing water.
How do I stop no see ums from biting me at night?
For nighttime protection, rely on physical barriers. Ensure your windows and porch screens have a fine enough mesh (at least 16 mesh). Using a fan at night can also disrupt their flight. Planting strong-scented herbs like rosemary and lavender under bedroom windows may offer some additional deterrence.
Creating a garden filled with plants that repel no see ums is a rewarding project. It makes your outdoor living areas more enjoyable and adds beauty and utility to your landscape. It takes a little planning and consistent care, but the result—a peaceful, bite-free yard—is well worth the effort. Start with a few pots of rosemary and marigolds near your favorite chair, and gradually build your natural defense system from there. Your future itch-free evenings will thank you.