When your pet can’t stop scratching, there’s a chance that fleas are bugging them. One way to protect your furry family members from these pests is adding a few plants to your home and yard. Some plants naturally repel pests with their fragrances. We’ve made a list of plants that can help keep fleas away.
Rosemary
Rosemary likes warm and humid conditions. This plant has needle-like leaves and can produce blue flowers. It’s versatile and can be grown in raised garden beds, in-ground gardens, and containers, which is great for flea prevention. Plant in well-drained soil that contains organic matter for best results. Make sure it receives plenty of sunlight and there’s space between plants. It should be watered regularly, but let soil dry before watering again.
Thyme
While you may enjoy adding thyme to recipes, fleas prefer to avoid this herb. Thyme can be grown in containers indoors and outside as well as in the ground. It thrives in heat and needs sunlight. It should be planted in well-draining soil in the spring when chances of frost have passed. During the summer, thyme may produce white or pink flowers. Thyme should be watered when the soil becomes dry, but it’s a fairly drought tolerant plant.
Sage
Sage has grayish-green leaves and can sprout pink or purple flowers. It can be planted in the spring or fall. Place sage in areas where it will receive full sunlight and in soil that drains well. While it needs to be watered regularly, it can’t handle excess moisture. Too much water can lead to sage rotting. While it can be grown from seeds, it’s usually easier to add sage to garden as a small plant.
Oregano
This dark green herb is a staple in the kitchen, but it can also help prevent fleas. In the summer, pink and white flowers can bloom. Oregano thrives in sunny conditions and needs to receive full sunlight. It can be grown from seeds and should be placed in well-draining soil. When the soil feels dry to the touch, you can water it. Pruning oregano regularly will help keep it healthy.
Chives
Chives are members of the onion family. They do best when placed in areas where they will receive full sunlight. Chives grow well in the spring and fall when temperatures are cool. When left to grow, they will produce purple, white, and pink flowers. These flowers will release seeds that can cause the plant to spread quickly.
Lemon Balm
Lemon balm is known for its citrus scent. It’s a member of the mint family and can help deter flea activity. This plant has wrinkled-looking leaves and can produce yellowish-white flowers. It needs full sunlight. If grown indoors, it needs about 6 hours of sunlight each day. Lemon balm grows quickly, which is why it may be best to plant it in a container. Make sure soil has proper drainage to avoid excess moisture.
Lemongrass
Lemongrass has a citrusy fragrance that fleas and other pests can’t stand. This green grass thrives with light, moisture, and heat. It needs at least 6 hours of sunlight each day. This plant grows quickly and it can reach about 4 feet in width. It won’t survive when frost is present, so you’ll want to bring it inside during the winter.
Eucalyptus
Eucalyptus can be grown both indoors or outside. You can find eucalyptus as potted plants and shrubs, but there are also eucalyptus trees. It grows quickly in the right conditions. Plant it in moist soil with good drainage. It needs 8-10 hours of sunlight each day. It does best in warm temperatures and it can be planted in the spring or fall. While it can handle a little dryness, you don’t want it to go too long without water.
Chrysanthemums
These flowers can help keep fleas away during the fall. Chrysanthemums come in just about any color you could want. You can start them indoors in a container before transitioning them outside. They will rot if left in standing water, so make sure soil drains well. Ensure there’s good air circulation and consider adding mulch to aid in their growth.
Rue
Rue prefers to be in areas with low humidity and warm temperatures. It’s a fairly drought-tolerant plant, and it needs to be placed in well-draining soil. It thrives in full sunlight, but it can handle a little bit of shade. Yellow flowers will bloom in the summer. Pruning rue will help to promote new growth. Rue can be grown in containers or in gardens, just be sure to wear gloves when handling it.
Adding a few of these plants to your yard can help to deter flea activity. You can also use an insecticide spray formulated with plant essential oils. To help control fleas, you can use our Bed Bug & Flea Killer. For outdoor protection, our Yard Bug Spray kills pests and creates a residual protective barrier.