Does Cilantro Keep Bugs Away

If you’re looking for a natural way to protect your garden, you might be asking: does cilantro keep bugs away? This common herb is often mentioned as a natural pest control solution, and the answer is more interesting than a simple yes or no. Let’s look at how cilantro works in the garden, both as a plant and as a homemade spray.

Cilantro, the leafy part of the Coriandrum sativum plant, has a strong, distinctive scent. This aroma comes from natural compounds called aldehydes. Many insects rely heavily on their sense of smell to find food and host plants. The potent smell of cilantro can mask the scents of your other plants, confusing pests and making your garden less inviting. So, while cilantro isn’t a magical force field, it can act as a helpful deterrent.

Which Pests Does Cilantro Repel?

Gardeners and some studies suggest that cilantro is most effective against certain types of insects. It’s not a cure-all, but it can help with specific problems.

Aphids: These soft-bodied bugs seem to avoid the smell of cilantro. Planting it near susceptible veggies like lettuce or kale can offer some protection.
Potato Beetles: The Colorado potato beetle can be a real nuisance. Cilantro interplanted with potatoes may help reduce infestations.
Spider Mites: The strong scent is believed to deter these tiny, sap-sucking pests from settling on nearby plants.
Some Caterpillars: Certain cabbage family pests may be less likely to munch on plants grown near cilantro.

It’s important to remember that results can vary. Cilantro likely works best as part of a broader pest management strategy, not a standalone fix.

How to Use Cilantro as a Companion Plant

This is the simplest method. You simply plant cilantro strategically among your other crops. The goal is to place it close enough so its scent can benefit its neighbors.

Plant Near Vulnerable Vegetables: Good companions include tomatoes, potatoes, spinach, and members of the cabbage family (like broccoli and kale).
Let Some Bolts: When cilantro bolts (goes to seed), it produces pretty white flowers that attract beneficial insects like hoverflies and parasitic wasps. These insects prey on common pests, giving you a double layer of protection.
Succession Plant: Cilantro has a short growing season. Sow new seeds every 3-4 weeks to maintain a steady supply of the repellant plants throughout the summer.

Creating a Cilantro Pest-Repellent Spray

If you don’t have space to plant cilantro everywhere, or if you have an active infestation, a homemade spray can be very effective. Here’s how to make one.

Harvest a large bunch of fresh cilantro leaves and stems (about 2 cups packed).
Chop the cilantro roughly to help release its oils.
Boil 4 cups of water and pour it over the chopped cilantro in a heat-proof bowl.
Let the mixture steep until it cools completely, for at least 4 hours or overnight.
Strain the liquid into a spray bottle, squeezing the cilantro pulp to get all the potent juice out.
Add a few drops of mild dish soap (this helps the spray stick to plant leaves). Gently shake to mix.

How to Apply the Spray Correctly

To get the best results from your cilantro spray, follow these steps. Proper application is key for it to work well.

Test First: Spray a small, inconspicuous part of a plant and wait 24 hours to check for any damage, like leaf burn.
Timing is Everything: Spray early in the morning or late in the evening. This avoids quick evaporation by the sun and protects pollinating insects who are less active then.
Cover All Areas: Thoroughly spray the tops and undersides of leaves, where pests love to hide. Don’t forget the stems.
Reapply Regularly: The spray works on contact and its scent fades. Reapply every 3-5 days, and always after a heavy rain, for ongoing protection.

Limitations and Considerations

Cilantro is a helpful tool, but it’s not perfect. Understanding its limits will help you use it successfully.

Not a Strong Repellent for All Bugs: It has little to no effect on larger pests like slugs, rabbits, or deer. It also may not work against every type of beetle or fly.
Effectiveness Varies: The concentration of repellant oils in cilantro can vary based on soil, weather, and the specific plant variety.
Bolting Changes the Plant: Once cilantro flowers and goes to seed (becoming coriander), its leaf production and pest-repelling scent may diminish. The flowers, however, are great for beneficials.
Best Used With Other Methods: For the best results, combine cilantro with other natural strategies. This includes planting a diversity of herbs, using physical barriers like row covers, and encouraging a healthy population of birds and beneficial insects in your garden.

Other Herbs That Help With Pest Control

Cilantro works well with other aromatic herbs to create a more resilient garden. Consider adding these plants too.

Basil: Repels flies, mosquitoes, and aphids. Excellent planted near tomatoes.
Rosemary: Its strong scent deters carrot flies, cabbage moths, and some beetles.
Lavender: Repels moths, fleas, and flies. Attracts pollinators beautifully.
Mint: Very effective against ants, aphids, and even mice. (Best planted in containers, as it can be invasive).
Dill: Attracts beneficial wasps that prey on caterpillars and aphids.

By mixing these herbs throughout your vegetable beds, you create a fragrant, confusing environment for pests and a haven for helpful insects.

Starting Your Cilantro for Pest Control

Growing cilantro is straightforward. It prefers cooler weather, so it’s ideal for spring and fall gardens.

Choose a spot that gets full sun to light shade.
Sow seeds directly in the garden soil, about 1/4 inch deep and 2 inches apart.
Keep the soil consistently moist until seedlings are established.
Thin seedlings to 4-6 inches apart so plants have room to grow bushy.
Harvest leaves regularly by cutting the outer stems first to encourage more growth.

If your cilantro starts to grow tall and produce a central flower stalk, that’s bolting. You can let it flower for the beneficial insects or pull it and plant new seeds in its place.

FAQ: Your Cilantro Pest Control Questions

Does cilantro keep mosquitoes away?

While the plant itself may offer minimal protection, a cilantro-based spray applied to your skin (after a patch test!) could provide short-term repellency due to its strong scent. It is not as reliable or long-lasting as proven options like citronella or lemon eucalyptus oil.

Can I use dried cilantro to make a pest spray?

Fresh cilantro is much more effective. Dried herbs have lost most of their volatile oils, which contain the active repellant compounds. For the best results, always use fresh leaves and stems.

Is coriander seed as effective as the leaves?

Coriander seeds have a different, warmer aroma and are not typically used in the same way for pest control. The fresh leaves (cilantro) contain the highest concentration of the specific aldehydes that confuse and deter common garden pests.

How often should I replant cilantro in my garden beds?

Since cilantro is fast-growing and bolts quickly in heat, practice succession planting. Sow new seeds every 3 to 4 weeks from early spring until late summer for a continuous supply. This ensures you always have some plants at the ideal leafy stage for pest repellent.

What should I avoid planting near cilantro?

Cilantro is generally compatible with most plants. However, some gardeners find it can inhibit the seed germination of fennel. It’s best to plant these two herbs in separate areas of the garden just to be safe.

Using cilantro as a natural pest control solution is a smart, low-cost way to experiment in your garden. By interplanting it among your vegetables or using a simple homemade spray, you can harness its natural properties to deter unwanted insects. Remember, the key to a healthy garden is balance. Combine cilantro with other companion plants, good gardening practices, and a tolerance for a few bugs, and you’ll be well on your way to a thriving, more resilient harvest. The evidence from many gardeners shows it can make a noticeable difference.