11 nice-smelling scents garden pests hate – and how to use them

May 24, 2024

Did you know that the pests we find bothersome, indoors and out, can be deterred by scents that we love? Better still, the majority of these scents are natural and easy to introduce to our home and backyard. 

From floral essential oils you can put in a diffuser, and pretty you can pot, to natural insecticides that can replace chemical alternatives, there’s a wide range to choose from to tackle a whole host of bothersome insects. 

We talked to pest experts to discover which scents we love are hated by pests.

Scents common pests hate – and how to use them

From , to citrus reed diffusers and herbs, these nice-smelling scents can work wonders to deter garden pests. 

1. Citrus

Outdoor dining set up with wooden table, candles, lemons

(Image credit: Artisans of Devizes)

We’ve all heard of , but that’s not the only home maintenance task lemons are good for – this gorgeous smell can also work well to repel pests. 

Brett Bennett, director of operations at adds: ‘Many pests hate citrus scents. The strong lemon smell is popular for its mosquito-repellent properties. You can use citrus essential oils, and you can also find this scent in many candles or sprays.’ 

As well as lemon, leaving can also help warn off insects. The peels contain limonene, a natural chemical that is toxic to insects yet harmless to plants and animals.

Another option for deterring pests with gorgeous scents is to plant out citronella shrubs, which, Jeremy Yamaguchi, CEO of , says are amongst the and ‘are an excellent natural pest repellent. Many mosquito repellents, for example, actually contain oil from the citronella shrub, but you can easily grow these shrubs for a more effective, around-the-clock deterrent. 

If you want to try , you can buy and local plant nurseries.

Rocky Beninato, founder and licensed exterminator at also adds, ‘for spiders, ants, and silverfish, boil lemon or orange peels in water, then bottle and spray in areas where pests are seen. Citrus oil can also be combined with water and vinegar to create a cleaning solution.’

2. Lavender

Lavender being spooned into a drawstring bag

(Image credit: Julia Klintsova cia Getty Images)

is another yard-friendly way to deter pests and is one of the . It can be grown in borders or you can near your patio. 

‘The smell of lavender can be so potent that it masks the smell of other plants, deterring pests who may be seeking out desirable plants,’ explains Chrissie Handley, lawn care specialist at . ‘It targets mosquitoes, flies, and moths whilst attracting beneficial insects like butterflies and bees.’

And if pests are a problem in the home, too, you can , or buds and put them in sachets. These can be placed anywhere you want to deter pests, such as in drawers and closets, or under furniture.

3. Natural insecticides

garden dining table at dusk with portable lamps

(Image credit: Original BTC)

If you’re looking for a lovely-smelling store-bought pest control solution, think ‘natural insecticides,’ says Mark Crames, CEO and chief perfumer of . ‘They have recently become a popular DIY method for lawn care, both for their cost-effectiveness and environmentally friendly benefits. 

Using a natural alternative to harsh, chemical-based pesticides ensures that they’re not harmful to your plants and, as they biodegrade, reduce the risk of harmful chemical residue into the environment and ecosystem too. Plus, if they smell good that’s always a bonus.’

We like , which kills and repels bugs, including .

4. Cedar

Closet with grey doors

(Image credit: Roundhouse)

If you’re looking to , think: cedar. 

‘Cedar is a naturally strong scent that repels clothing moths, mice, pantry moths, silverfish, carpet beetles, and even cockroaches in some cases,’ says Rocky Beninato. ‘Cedar blocks or balls can be hung in closets, on hangers, in garment bags, or placed in dressers to deter moths, particularly as they tend to target clothing. Cedar chips can also be filled in sachets and placed in cupboards, pantries, or near entry points.’

You can buy – these are the best sellers.

5. Peppermint

Peppermint oil on a table

(Image credit: GettyImages)

‘Peppermint targets moths but it can also help to , , , centipedes, mice, mosquitoes, and it can help to ,’ says Rocky Beninato. 

‘You can in pots outdoors or soak cotton balls in peppermint oil and placing them in entry points, closets, or crawl spaces is an effective way to deter pests. You can also mix peppermint oil and water and use it as a spray around your home or garden.’ You can even use .

You can buy peppermint oil spray at Amazon – is the best buy.

6. Eucalyptus

detail image of a zinc countertop and sink with copper faucet, bowl with nuts, candle, chopping boards, eucalyptus and berries behind the faucet

(Image credit: The White Company)

‘Eucalyptus is another scent that can repel cockroaches, pantry moths, mosquitoes, and fruit flies in many cases,’ says Rocky Beninato. 

‘Similar to peppermint oil, eucalyptus can be mixed with water and used as a spray solution. Fresh and dried eucalyptus can also be kept in your home in a vase, next to your sink, or hung in your shower, providing beautiful decor, pleasant odors, and pest control all in one.’

.

7. Herbs

Rustic indoor potting bench style table with indoor herbs growing in pots

(Image credit: Future)

Herbs, such as basil, thyme, and rosemary are some of the and are amongst just some of the aromatic container plants that give off . 

Grow them indoors on windowsills or outdoors in containers around lounging and dining areas. 

8. Marigolds

French marigolds, also known as tagetes

(Image credit: iStock/Getty Images Plus)

In short: yes, but only if you choose the strong scented varieties, such as rather than modern varieties that don’t give off the pungent aroma that pests hate. 

won’t just keep pests away – they are also the perfect , protecting them from bugs that like to eat your crop.

Similarly, pests hate the smell of chrysanthemums and petunias.

9. Tea tree

Modern kitchen with arch doorway leading to pantry, kitchen island

(Image credit: Magnet)

‘Tea tree is another strong scent similar to peppermint that can help to , spiders, lice, and centipedes,’ says Rocky Beninato. ‘It is a popular essential oil for cleaning purposes and head lice removal, so you may already have it on hand. Combining it with vinegar and water effectively cleans surfaces where pests have been seen.’

You can buy . 

10. Bay leaves

Bay leaves being crushed with a mortar and pestle

(Image credit: Getty Images / Liudmila Chernetska)

‘Bay Leaves are good for keeping pantry moths, cockroaches, mice, earwigs, and silverfish at bay,’ advises Rocky Beninato. 

‘Inside the home, you can use dried bay leaves in your pantry to deter pantry moths or in your sink and bathtub to prevent silverfish. You can also crush bay leaves in satchels and hang or place them where pests may be hiding.’

11. Spices

Spices organized in kitchen cabinet

(Image credit: Neptune)

You can use . Those lovely-smelling spices that we love but pests hate include cinnamon (ants and silverfish), sugar-free vanilla extract (mosquitoes), and cloves (aphids).

FAQs

What perfume do bugs hate?

Bugs hate perfumes that contain citrus in particular. Think perfumes with extracts of lemon and orange, but also lemon verbena. Many insects also hate lavender and peppermint. Choosing room scents or diffusers with these and repel bugsall in one.


If you’re looking for a quick-to-find bug repellent that smells nice for your houseplants, dish soap is an excellent choice. Diluted in warm water to make a weak solution, and put into a spray bottle, it should be applied to both sides of the plant’s leaves and all around the stem. Repeat as necessary. It can be used on garden plants, too.

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