Gnats can be a nuisance, so it is no wonder why people are looking for plants that repel gnats.
If you’re looking for a natural way to keep those pesky insects away, look no further! This post will explore 11 of the best plants that repel gnats.
These plants not only help keep gnats at bay but also add a decorative touch to any outdoor space.
Read on to learn more about these plants that repel gnats and how to use them to your advantage.
1. Basil
Basil is one of the most popular herbs worldwide and has been used for centuries for its culinary and medicinal properties.
However, many people don’t know it’s also one of the best plants that repel gnats.
The strong scent of basil does not please these pesky insects, and they’ll stay away from any area where basil is planted.
Basil is an excellent natural gnat repellent and easy to grow in containers or on the ground, making it a great addition to any garden or outdoor living space.
So, next time you plan your garden or need a quick solution to keep gnats at bay, consider planting basil.
2. Marigolds
Marigolds are beautiful and colorful flowers that also have insect-repelling properties.
These bright blooms can help keep gnats away from your garden or patio.
The scent of marigolds is particularly unappealing to gnats, and planting them near doors or windows can keep these pests from invading your home.
You can quickly grow marigolds in pots or directly in your garden soil. They prefer full sun and well-draining soil; they can bloom all summer with water and care.
Plus, they add a cheerful pop of color to your outdoor space.
Another benefit of marigolds is that they are also known to repel mosquitoes and other harmful insects.
So, they will not only keep pesky gnats at bay but also help protect you from potentially dangerous insect bites.
To get the most out of marigolds, consider planting them where gnats are most likely to congregate.
This could be near a pond or in a damp area of your yard.
Marigolds also make great companion plants for vegetable gardens as they can help deter insects that can damage crops.
So, if you want to keep gnats and other pesky insects out of your outdoor space, try planting marigolds.
Not only are they easy to grow, but they also add a cheerful touch to your garden or patio.
3. Lemon Thyme
Lemon thyme is not only a flavorful herb that can add zest to your meals, but it’s also one of the plants that repel gnats.
Gnats are not fans of the lemon scent that the herb emits, making it a perfect plant to keep them away. To plant lemon thyme, ensure it gets enough sunlight and the soil is well-drained.
You can use it as a border plant in your garden or even in containers on your patio.
Lemon thyme has other benefits besides keeping gnats away, such as aiding digestion and boosting the immune system.
To use lemon thyme to repel gnats, you can crush the leaves, rub them on your skin, or add them to your essential oil diffuser.
This way, you’ll keep the gnats at bay and smell great. Incorporating lemon thyme into your garden or home can be a great way to flavor your cooking while keeping gnats away.
So why give it a try and see how it works for you?
4. Garlic
Garlic is known for its pungent smell and ability to repel more than just vampires.
It’s one of the most potent plants that repel gnats, thanks to its sulfur compounds that emit a strong odor that gnats detest.
The scent of garlic can also be overpowering for humans, but that’s why it’s an excellent choice for keeping gnats away.
Planting garlic in your garden or containers can help you control gnats and other pests in the surrounding area. Garlic is easy to grow and can be harvested in your kitchen.
You can crush garlic cloves and place them in small jars to disperse around your home, patio, or porch to create an invisible barrier against gnats and other pesky insects.
You can also make your garlic spray by boiling garlic in water, letting it cool, and then spraying the solution onto your plants.
This is a natural and effective way to deter gnats and other insects from ruining your beautiful plants.
Additionally, garlic can repel other insects, such as mosquitoes and aphids, making it a must-have plant in any garden.
5. Chrysanthemums
Another popular choice for repelling gnats is chrysanthemums.
These bright and colorful flowers add beauty to any garden and contain a natural insecticide called pyrethrin.
Pyrethrin kills many insects, including gnats, without harming other beneficial insects like bees and butterflies.
You can grow chrysanthemums in your garden or containers. They prefer full sun and well-draining soil.
Remember that the flower heads must be deadheaded regularly to encourage new growth and blooms.
Chrysanthemums are also great for repelling common garden pests like aphids and spider mites.
With their insect-fighting properties and attractive appearance, chrysanthemums are a must-have plant for any garden.
6. Lavender
Lavender is a beautiful, fragrant plant known for its calming effects. However, did you know it’s also one of the plants that repel gnats?
This popular herb not only adds color and aroma to your garden but also helps to keep pesky insects away.
The strong scent of lavender has a calming effect on humans, but it’s quite the opposite for gnats. The aroma is highly unpleasant for these flying pests, so they’ll avoid it at all costs.
Simply plant lavender in your garden or keep a pot of it indoors, and you’ll enjoy a gnat-free environment.
Another great thing about lavender is that it attracts pollinators like bees and butterflies, which help to keep your garden healthy.
So, you will repel gnats and encourage other beneficial insects to visit your garden.
When planting lavender, it’s best to choose an area with plenty of sunlight and well-draining soil.
This hardy plant is relatively low maintenance and can thrive in various climates, making it an excellent choice for many gardeners.
So, if you’re looking for plants that repel gnats, lavender is worth considering.
With its beautiful blooms and natural pest-repelling properties, this herb will be a welcome addition to any garden or home.
7. Lemongrass
Lemongrass is also great for adding flavor to your Thai or Vietnamese dishes. This plant also serves as a natural insect repellent, including gnats.
Lemongrass is rich in citronella, which helps repel insects, including mosquitoes and gnats.
To take advantage of lemongrass’s gnat-repelling abilities, you can grow it in pots and place it around your garden, patio, or deck.
You can also make a lemongrass oil spray by boiling chopped lemongrass in water, letting it cool, and then straining the liquid into a spray bottle.
Spritz the solution onto your skin or around your outdoor areas to keep gnats at bay.
Aside from its insect-repelling properties, lemongrass also has many health benefits.
It is known to relieve anxiety, reduce inflammation, and promote digestion.
So, adding lemongrass to your garden helps keep those pesky gnats away and provides various health benefits.
8. Cape Sundew
Cape sundew is a unique and exciting plant that also falls under the plant category that repels gnats.
Native to South Africa, this plant is an attractive addition to your garden and has insect-repelling qualities that make it a valuable asset.
The leaves of the Cape sundew are covered in tiny hairs that exude a sticky substance.
This sticky substance catches and traps small insects, including gnats. Thus, this plant repels gnats and helps eliminate them.
Cape sundews prefer moist, acidic soils, making them ideal for areas with higher humidity levels.
They can be grown indoors and outdoors but require extra care and attention when grown inside.
While these plants that repel gnats may not be as well-known as others on this list, they are worth considering if you’re looking for a natural way to repel gnats and other small insects.
Plus, they’re a unique and visually appealing addition to any space.
9. Citronella grass
Citronella grass is another great plant to consider if you’re looking to repel gnats.
This plant is well-known for repelling various flying insects, including gnats.
Citronella grass has a strong, citrusy scent that gnats and other bugs don’t like, making it an effective deterrent.
Plant citronella grass in your garden or containers around your yard to repel gnats.
Citronella oil extracted from the plant’s leaves can also be used to make a natural insect repellent.
Mix a few drops of citronella oil with water in a spray bottle and spray it on your skin or clothing before heading outside.
One thing to remember when using citronella grass is that it is not a foolproof solution. While it can effectively repel gnats, it may only work for some.
Additionally, if you have a large infestation of gnats, you may need to use other methods to eliminate them besides citronella grass.
Citronella grass is a great plant to consider if you want to keep gnats away from your yard and outdoor spaces.
It’s easy to grow, smells excellent, and can be a natural and effective way to deter these pesky insects.
10. Dewy pine
Another excellent option for repelling gnats is the Dewy Pine. This evergreen plant is known for its strong, fresh aroma, which is highly effective in keeping pesky insects at bay.
Dewy Pine works well as a gnat repellent because of its natural properties.
The pine needles contain a resin that releases a pleasant scent for us but repels gnats and other insects.
These plants that repel gnats are also known for their antibacterial and antifungal properties, making them excellent for overall health and wellness.
Dewy Pine is a natural gnat repellent. It is recommended that you place it in areas where gnats are known to congregate.
This could include outdoor areas like porches and patios or even indoors near windows or doors.
You could also create a natural insect spray by boiling a handful of pine needles in water, straining the mixture, and adding it to a spray bottle with water.
Dewy Pine is an excellent option for those looking for a low-maintenance plant that will not only enhance the beauty of their surroundings but also repel pesky gnats. Give it a try and see for yourself!
11. Butterworts
Butterworts are carnivorous plants that thrive in boggy areas.
They may be an unconventional addition to your garden, but they’re great for repelling gnats.
Butterworts are known to trap small insects and gnats using their sticky leaves.
These plants work like a charm in reducing the gnat population around your garden.
Butterworts are low-maintenance plants that require little attention. They require well-draining soil and thrive in bright light or partial shade.
Butterworts also need a constant water supply, so keep the soil damp.
If you’re worried about your plants getting infested with gnats, butterworts are the way to go.
They’re easy to grow and require minimal care. However, because they’re carnivorous plants, don’t plant them near beneficial insects like bees or butterflies.
