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Warm weather means spending more time outside, whether you’re grilling in the backyard, gardening, or relaxing on the patio. Unfortunately, it’s also the time of year when ticks and fleas become much more active. These tiny pests can make your yard less enjoyable and may even hitch a ride indoors on your pets or clothing.
No plant can completely keep ticks and fleas out of your yard, but some produce strong scents or natural compounds that these pests tend to avoid. Planting a mix of these herbs and flowers can help make your landscape less appealing to unwanted visitors while adding color, fragrance, and fresh herbs you can actually use.
Here are 12 plants that may help make your yard less inviting to ticks and fleas.
Rosemary
Rosemary is valued for its flavorful leaves, but it’s also known for its strong woody fragrance. That scent may help discourage ticks and fleas from settling nearby. Plant it along walkways, near patios, or around outdoor seating areas where brushing against the leaves releases more of its aroma.
Related: Grow Better Eggplants With These Helpful Companion Plants
Lavender
Lavender is a favorite for its fragrant purple flowers and its ability to attract bees and butterflies. Ticks and fleas, though, tend to avoid its scent. It grows best in full sun and well-drained soil and also does well in containers placed near porches, decks, or entryways.
Eucalyptus
The fresh scent of eucalyptus comes from the natural oils found in its leaves. Those oils may help make the surrounding area less attractive to ticks and fleas. In colder climates, it’s often grown in large containers so it can be moved indoors before freezing weather arrives.
Related: Keep These Plants Away From Your Raspberry Patch
Basil
Basil is a useful herb to have close to the kitchen, but it can also earn its spot in the garden for another reason. Its fragrant leaves may help discourage certain insects, including ticks and fleas. Keep a few pots near doors, patios, or outdoor dining areas for easy access during cooking season.
Catnip
While many cats can’t resist catnip, ticks and fleas usually stay away from it. This fast-growing herb enjoys sunny locations and well-drained soil. Since it spreads easily, many gardeners prefer growing it in containers to keep it under control.
Related: 12 Backyard Plants That Help Attract Bluebirds Naturally
Garlic
Garlic is easy to grow and provides a harvest you can enjoy in the kitchen. Its strong smell may also help make nearby areas less appealing to ticks and fleas. It’s a practical addition to vegetable gardens and raised beds.
Lemongrass
Lemongrass contains citral, a naturally occurring compound often found in insect-repelling products. Its tall, arching leaves also add texture to the landscape. It grows well in sunny spots and looks especially attractive around patios and outdoor gathering areas.
Related: 9 Common Garden Plants That Can Cause Trouble for Eggplants
Rue
Rue is a hardy perennial with blue-green foliage and clusters of bright yellow flowers. Its strong scent may discourage ticks and fleas while still attracting beneficial pollinators like butterflies. It performs best in full sun with well-drained soil.
Thyme
Thyme is another herb that earns its place in the garden more than once. Its fragrant leaves may help discourage ticks and fleas, especially after they’re lightly brushed or crushed. Creeping varieties also make an attractive ground cover between stepping stones or along garden borders.
Marigold
Marigolds bring bright shades of yellow, orange, and gold to flower beds throughout the growing season. Their distinctive scent may help discourage ticks, fleas, and other common garden pests. They’re easy to grow from seed and continue blooming for months with minimal care.
Sage
Sage offers fragrant leaves that are useful in the kitchen while also helping make your yard less attractive to unwanted pests. It grows well in sunny locations with well-drained soil and returns year after year in many climates.
Peppermint
Peppermint has a fresh scent that many people enjoy, but ticks and fleas generally avoid. Since mint spreads aggressively once established, growing it in containers is usually the best choice. A few pots placed around patios, porches, or entryways can add fragrance while helping discourage pests.
