🌿 Natural Bug Repellents You Can Grow – Safe, Simple & Local

Bug bites can turn a peaceful evening into a scratchy, uncomfortable mess. The good news? You don’t need chemical sprays or a huge backyard to keep pests away. With a little creativity and hydroponics, you can grow powerful, natural bug repellents right inside your home.

We grow all of our plants indoors using hydroponic systems, and they thrive beautifully—no soil, no mess, just clean, efficient growth. Below are some of our favorite bug-repelling plants, along with easy, safe ways to use them.

🌱 Bug-Repelling All-Stars from Our Plants

1. Peppermint & Mint (Mentha spp.)

Repels: Mosquitoes, ants, flies, spiders

How to Use:

• Rub fresh crushed leaves directly onto skin
• Plant near windows, doors, and outdoor sitting areas
• Make a simple spray: steep leaves in hot water, let cool, strain, and bottle

2. Lemon Balm (Melissa officinalis)

Repels: Mosquitoes and gnats

How to Use:

• Crush fresh leaves and rub on skin
• Infuse leaves in hot water to make a calming spray
• Grow in containers to control spreading

3. True Lavender / Lavender (Lavandula spp.)

Repels: Mosquitoes, fleas, flies, moths

How to Use:

• Dry flowers for sachets in drawers or by windows
• Make a floral spray infusion for skin or fabric
• Rub crushed flowers or leaves on pulse points

4. Basil & Holy Basil (Ocimum spp.)

Repels: Flies, mosquitoes

How to Use:

• Rub fresh leaves on exposed skin
• Plant near doors or patios
• Steep into a basil tea and spray on clothing or outdoor gear

5. Wild Bergamot / Bee Balm (Monarda fistulosa & M. didyma)

Repels: Mosquitoes

How to Use:

• Rub crushed leaves or flowers on skin
• Create a plant border around seating areas
• Dry flowers for use in sachets

6. Sage (Salvia officinalis)

Repels: Mosquitoes, flies

How to Use:

• Burn dried sage bundles outdoors
• Rub fresh leaves directly onto skin
• Make a sage tea wash for quick application

7. Garlic (Allium sativum)

Repels: Mosquitoes, aphids, fleas, mites

How to Use:

• Plant throughout your garden to protect neighboring plants
• Crush cloves with water to make a strong garden spray
• Rub on socks or clothing edges to help repel ticks

8. Calendula (Calendula officinalis) – Pacific Beauty Mix

Repels: Aphids, whiteflies, beetles

How to Use:

• Plant among vegetables and flowers to deter garden pests
• Dry petals for use in skin-soothing salves or teas

🌼 Other Plants with Gentle or Indirect Bug-Repelling Uses

• Chamomile – Calms irritated skin after bites
• Goldenrod – Attracts beneficial insects that control pests
• Mullein – Soothes skin and respiratory irritation
• Echinacea, Plantain, Lamb’s Quarters, Dandelion, Chicory – Great for skin and immunity but not direct repellents
• St. John’s Wort – Useful in infused oil for minor skin irritations or bug bites

🧪 Simple DIY Herbal Bug Repellent Spray (No Witch Hazel Needed)

What You’ll Need:

• Fresh or dried peppermint, lemon balm, and lavender
• 1–2 cups boiling water
• Clean spray bottle

Steps:

1. Add a generous handful of herbs to a heat-safe jar or bowl
2. Pour boiling water over herbs and cover
3. Let steep until completely cool (30–60 mins)
4. Strain and pour into a spray bottle
5. Store in the fridge and shake before each use

Use within 3–5 days for freshness. For a stronger scent, you can add a few crushed herbs directly to the bottle.

💡 Tips for Best Results

• Reapply natural sprays every 1–2 hours, especially after sweating
• Crush leaves just before using to release more oils
• Combine different plants in your garden for broader protection
• Test any rubs or sprays on a small patch of skin first

⚠️ Safety & Side Effects

While these plants are natural, they aren’t risk-free. Everyone’s skin is different, so it’s important to take a few precautions:

• Patch Test First: Apply a small amount of any herb-infused product to your inner arm. Wait 24 hours to check for irritation.
• Avoid Eyes, Mouth, & Broken Skin: Essential oils and natural compounds can be harsh on sensitive areas.
• Peppermint & Mint: May cause a cooling sensation or irritation in sensitive individuals.
• Lemon Balm: Can interfere with thyroid function if overused internally.
• Lavender: May not be suitable during pregnancy or for people with hormone-sensitive conditions.
• Holy Basil: Could affect blood sugar—use cautiously if you’re diabetic.
• Bee Balm (Monarda): Related to mint—some may experience irritation.
• Sage: Not for use on open wounds; avoid internal use during pregnancy.
• Garlic: Strong—can cause skin irritation or burning if used in excess.
• St. John’s Wort: Can increase sun sensitivity; best applied at night or under clothing.

When in doubt, check with a healthcare provider or herbalist—especially if you have underlying conditions, are pregnant, or are using other topical medications.

🌎 Grow Your Own Protection

By planting just a few of these natural bug-fighters, you can create your own green defense system. Whether you’re lounging in the backyard or heading on a hike, your homegrown herbs can help keep you and your loved ones bite-free—gently, simply, and naturally.