Nothing ruins a relaxing day in the garden like swarming pests. Before turning to chemical sprays, why not try a greener approach? Certain plants naturally ward off unwanted bugs while also attracting bees, butterflies, and other important pollinators. These dual-purpose plants make your garden healthier, more vibrant, and full of life. Whether you're growing veggies, herbs, or flowers, adding some options can help you reduce pests and increase pollination. Let’s explore some of the best plants that can do both jobs beautifully.
1. Lavender
Lavender’s soothing scent does more than calm the senses—it repels mosquitoes, moths, and even fleas. Meanwhile, its purple blooms are a favorite among bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds. This sun-loving, drought-tolerant herb also resists deer and requires minimal upkeep. It's ideal for planting near walkways or garden edges where its fragrance can be appreciated. You can use dried lavender indoors to keep pests away, too. With beauty and function combined, it’s a must-have in pollinator gardens.
2. Basil
Basil is more than a kitchen staple—it’s a natural bug repellent, especially effective against flies, mosquitoes, and aphids. When allowed to flower, basil's tiny white or purple blooms draw bees and other pollinators in droves. It thrives in warm, sunny weather and benefits from frequent harvesting. You’ll get both culinary use and pollinator benefits from one easy-to-grow herb. Just let a few plants go to seed while you harvest others. Basil pulls double duty beautifully in any vegetable garden.
3. Marigold
Marigolds are cheerful and hardworking garden companions. Their strong scent deters nematodes, whiteflies, and even rabbits, making them great near vegetable beds. At the same time, their bold orange and yellow flowers attract bees, butterflies, and beneficial insects like hoverflies. Marigolds bloom consistently from spring through fall, offering long-lasting color and protection. They're easy to grow in sunny spots and require little maintenance. Marigolds are a top choice for gardeners looking to brighten beds and fight pests naturally.
4. Mint
Mint’s sharp, refreshing aroma helps deter mosquitoes, ants, and flies in a natural way. Its tiny purple or white flowers are rich in nectar, attracting pollinators like bees and hoverflies. Mint is a vigorous grower, so it’s best kept in containers to prevent spreading. It prefers moist soil and partial to full sun. In addition to pest control, its leaves are great for teas, desserts, and refreshing drinks. With its multi-use appeal, mint is both functional and fragrant.
5. Bee Balm
Bee balm, also called Monarda, is a colorful native plant known for attracting bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds. Its spicy fragrance also helps repel mosquitoes, adding to its usefulness. The flowers come in bright shades of red, pink, and purple, lighting up the garden all summer. Bee balm prefers moist, well-drained soil and thrives in full sun. It also grows tall, making it a great backdrop plant. It’s a bold, beautiful addition to a pest-smart, pollinator-friendly garden.
6. Catnip
Catnip does more than entertain cats—it’s a powerful pest deterrent thanks to nepetalactone, a compound more effective than DEET at repelling mosquitoes. Bees and butterflies love its soft lavender blooms. Catnip grows easily in sun and average soil, spreading quickly if left unchecked. Many gardeners use it in borders or containers to control growth. It’s great for homemade teas, too. This multipurpose herb brings pollinators, keeps bugs away, and treats cats.
7. Fennel
Fennel is both ornamental and edible, with tall feathery foliage and umbrella-shaped yellow flowers. Its blooms attract pollinators and parasitic wasps, which help keep pest populations down. The plant’s strong scent helps deter aphids, slugs, and other common garden nuisances. Fennel loves full sun and well-drained soil and can reach impressive heights. It reseeds easily, making it a long-term ally in the garden. Plus, its seeds and leaves add flavor to your cooking.
8. Lemon Balm
Lemon balm releases a soft citrus scent that repels mosquitoes and gnats. At the same time, its nectar-rich white blooms attract bees and other pollinators. This member of the mint family is a quick grower, often spreading by underground runners, so containers help control it. It tolerates both sun and partial shade and prefers moist soil. Use the leaves in teas or skincare recipes. Lemon balm is calming, fragrant, and a garden-friendly multitasker.
9. Chives
Chives produce tall, grass-like leaves and round purple blooms that attract bees and butterflies. Their mild onion scent helps deter aphids, carrot flies, and Japanese beetles. A hardy perennial, chives thrive in sunny areas with well-drained soil and minimal care. You can eat both the green stalks and the edible flowers. Letting a few clumps bloom supports pollinators while still allowing for regular harvest. They're a flavorful and functional herb to keep on hand.
10. Nasturtium
Nasturtiums are colorful, low-growing plants that act as trap crops by luring aphids away from your vegetables. They also repel squash bugs and whiteflies, making them great companions for cucumbers and zucchini. Their vibrant, edible blooms draw pollinators like bees and butterflies. Nasturtiums prefer full sun and poor soil, thriving with little effort. Their round leaves and trailing vines add visual interest, especially in borders or containers. These plants offer beauty, protection, and a little something for your plate.
11. Rosemary
Rosemary’s strong pine-like aroma keeps cabbage moths, carrot flies, and mosquitoes at bay. Its small blue or white blooms appear in spring and are especially attractive to bees. This Mediterranean herb thrives in full sun and sandy, well-drained soil. In warmer climates, it’s evergreen and can even be shaped into low hedges. The leaves are widely used in cooking, adding to its appeal. Rosemary is a classic garden herb with modern pest-fighting power.
12. Dill
Dill is an airy, graceful herb with yellow umbels that attract bees, lacewings, and beneficial wasps. It repels aphids and spider mites, making it perfect for companion planting near cucumbers and tomatoes. Dill loves full sun and loose, well-drained soil, reseeding easily for continued growth. Swallowtail caterpillars also use it as a host plant, supporting their life cycle. Harvest young leaves for cooking, and let some plants flower for pollinators. It’s a beneficial herb from top to root.
13. Borage
Borage is a star in the garden for both its looks and usefulness. Its blue, star-shaped flowers are rich in nectar and attract a steady stream of bees. Meanwhile, it helps repel tomato hornworms and cabbage worms, making it ideal for planting near veggies. Borage grows quickly in full sun and reseeds itself easily. The edible flowers can be used to decorate salads or desserts. It’s low-maintenance, pollinator-friendly, and perfect for organic gardens.
14. Sage
Sage is a savory herb that is tough on pests and is beloved by pollinators. Its aromatic leaves help deter beetles, cabbage moths, and carrot flies. In summer, sage produces purple or pink blooms that draw in bees and hummingbirds. This drought-tolerant plant thrives in sunny, dry spots and requires little upkeep. Use the leaves in your cooking or let them flower freely. It’s a functional and beautiful herb for any pollinator patch.
15. Tansy
Tansy’s bold yellow button flowers bring color and pest protection to the garden. Its strong scent repels mosquitoes, ants, and flies, while the flowers support pollinators like bees and beneficial wasps. Tansy prefers full sun and well-drained soil but can be aggressive in some climates. Check local regulations before planting, as it can spread rapidly. Use it thoughtfully as a natural pest deterrent. It’s both eye-catching and effective.
16. Yarrow
Yarrow is a native wildflower that thrives in tough conditions while offering serious benefits. Its flat-topped blooms attract bees, butterflies, and ladybugs, which help control aphids and other pests. Yarrow’s fern-like leaves emit a scent that deters beetles and ants. It’s drought-tolerant and ideal for sunny, low-maintenance areas. Available in various soft colors, yarrow fits into ornamental beds or wildflower meadows. It’s a win-win for beauty and biodiversity.
17. Oregano
Oregano is a flavorful herb with a strong aroma that repels aphids, spider mites, and cabbage moths. When allowed to flower, it attracts bees and other beneficial insects. This hardy perennial thrives in full sun and dry, rocky soil. Harvest the leaves for cooking, or let the plant bloom to support pollinators. Oregano is great for herb spirals, raised beds, or borders. It’s as practical as it is pretty.
18. Petunias
Petunias offer more than curb appeal—their sticky leaves help trap aphids and leafhoppers. While they aren’t the strongest repellents, their presence supports garden balance. Their bright trumpet-shaped blooms are a favorite of bees and hummingbirds. Petunias thrive in sunny containers or hanging baskets and need regular deadheading. They’re annuals in most areas but can bloom non-stop in warm seasons. Add them where you want color and light pest control.
19. Thyme
Thyme is a tough little herb that deters cabbage worms, whiteflies, and cutworms with its intense scent. Its small blooms provide nectar for bees and other tiny pollinators. This ground cover thrives in full sun and poor soil, making it perfect for borders or rocky paths. Thyme can be harvested frequently without harming the plant. It’s also a culinary favorite, adding value to your kitchen. Compact and easygoing, thyme does it all.
20. Cosmos
Cosmos bring airy, delicate beauty to the garden while working hard behind the scenes. Their flowers attract bees, butterflies, and hoverflies, which help manage aphids and other pests. Cosmos grow easily from seed, love full sun, and thrive in poor soil. They reseed readily, making them a long-lasting addition. Plant them in masses for a cloud of color and motion. These annuals fill space with grace and purpose.
21. Calendula
Calendula, or pot marigold, is known for its healing properties and garden benefits. Its cheerful orange and yellow flowers attract bees and repel aphids, whiteflies, and beetles. Calendula thrives in cool weather and full sun, blooming throughout spring and fall. It’s often used in natural skin salves thanks to its anti-inflammatory qualities. Deadhead often encourages more blooms. Calendula adds a gentle touch to your garden while offering real pest control.
22. Parsley
Parsley isn’t just a garnish—it’s a pollinator powerhouse and pest fighter. It attracts hoverflies, parasitic wasps, and ladybugs, all of which help control aphids and other harmful insects. When allowed to flower, it also serves as a host for swallowtail caterpillars. Parsley grows well in sun or part shade and prefers moist, rich soil. Let some plants bolt at the end of the season to support pollinators. It's both practical and pollinator-approved.
Nature’s Dream Team for Your Garden
These powerhouse plants help manage garden pests and invite pollinators to thrive. From fragrant herbs to vibrant flowers, they’re nature’s way of keeping your garden balanced — without chemicals. Whether you're planting in raised beds, containers, or full landscapes, these picks offer beauty and biodiversity. Your plants will thank you. And with fewer pests and more helpful visitors, your garden will flourish naturally.
Say goodbye to sprays—these easy tips will help you fight pests the natural way: