🌿 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.

Brewing Wellness:

Cultivating Health and Hope Through Tea with the Not Just A Food Program

At the heart of the ILFJL Collective's efforts lies a deep understanding that true support extends beyond simply providing food. Health and well-being are integral to the journey of recovery and empowerment for everyone we serve. Recognizing this, the Not Just A Food Program is cultivating a unique initiative centered around the power of herbal teas, offering not just flavor, but also potential health and wellness benefits to those within our programs.

We believe that access to nourishment that supports overall well-being should not be a luxury. While many community food programs focus on addressing immediate hunger with readily available produce (often seasonal) and shelf-stable items, a consistent and balanced intake of essential vitamins and minerals is crucial for long-term health. Sadly, some readily accessible and affordable food options can inadvertently contribute to deteriorating health conditions.

Our approach within the Not Just A Food Program aims to create pathways for individuals who actively choose to work towards improved health. By providing education and the means to cultivate their own wellness, even in small spaces and year-round, we are fostering a sense of agency and self-care.

One exciting aspect of this initiative is the provision of free plants, carefully selected for their potential health benefits when brewed as teas. Our current selection offers a diverse range of flavors and properties. We strongly encourage everyone to embark on their own journey of discovery, learning about each plant and understanding its potential effects. It is also paramount to consult with a healthcare professional regarding the interaction of herbal infusions with any existing medications or health conditions. While some doctors may have limited familiarity with herbal remedies, seeking guidance from a trained herbalist can be invaluable in achieving personalized health and wellness goals.

To make this accessible to all within our programs, we utilize innovative growing methods, including hydroponics and small-space gardening techniques, allowing us to cultivate a variety of plants year-round, even in limited environments. Our commitment to sustainability extends to producing our own seeds, ensuring quality and reducing costs for future plantings. This self-sufficiency is a cornerstone of our vision for long-term growth and expanded support for those most in need. Furthermore, we actively seek opportunities to repurpose recycled materials in our growing efforts, minimizing our environmental impact.

Recognizing that not everyone has the knowledge or capacity to grow their own plants, we are developing ways for individuals to participate and contribute regardless of their experience. We envision a community where those who are able to cultivate these beneficial herbs can not only enhance their own well-being but also share their harvest with others within our programs who may be unable to grow for themselves. All it takes is a willingness to learn and embrace new possibilities – the very foundation upon which our own growing expertise has been built.

We are excited about the potential of this initiative to foster a growing network of support, where individuals improve their own health and wellness while simultaneously contributing to the well-being of others. This creates a powerful win-win scenario for our community, cultivating not only physical health but also deeper connections rooted in love and compassion. Together, we believe we can achieve remarkable results, fostering a community where care and well-being are accessible to all.

Keep an eye out for more updates from our 'Growing Plants to Support the Not Just A Food Program' initiative. We're continuously expanding our growing options, adding more and more plants to our efforts. This project, which began with growing options for my own personal health and recovery following a major stroke and open-heart surgery, has now evolved into a mission to share knowledge and provide diverse nutritional resources for all. This is more than just a program; it's an embodiment of LIFE - Love Is For Everyone. It's not simply a belief but a way of living, a continuous journey of learning and exploring the multifaceted meaning of love for all