When fleas infest your yard, they can quickly become a problem for you and your furry family members. Adding flea-repelling plants to your yard can help to deter flea activity. These plants have fragrances that fleas don’t like, helping to keep fleas away. We’ve made a list of five plants that are known to repel fleas and other pesky insects as well.
1. Marigolds
Marigolds can add a pop of color to your garden and help to keep fleas away. This flower is a great companion plant in your garden because its scent can help to repel garden pests. Marigolds are also known to attract pollinators. To keep your marigolds healthy, you’ll want to make sure they receive 5-6 hours of sunlight per day. When watering marigolds, it’s best to water at the base of the plant and to allow the soil to dry between waterings.
2. Rosemary
Rosemary is a great addition to gardens. Not only does it help to repel fleas, but it can also help to deter tick activity too. This herb does well in warm, dry areas, needing 6-8 hours of sunlight per day. Rosemary is native to the Mediterranean region and does well on coasts. It’s best to plant rosemary in well-drained, sandy soil. Rosemary can be planted in the ground, but you can also grow it in containers. This is ideal in cooler areas to allow the plant to be taken inside in winter.
3. Lemongrass
Lemongrass has a citrusy fragrance that fleas and other pests don’t like. It works well in warm areas where it can receive about 6 hours of sunlight per day. Lemongrass also needs a lot of water, and it’s best to keep the soil moist. This grass can be grown in gardens, used in landscaping, or planted in containers that can be brought inside during winter months. Though lemongrass can help to protect your furry friends from fleas, you’ll want to keep your pets from eating this plant.
4. Mint
Mint has a strong fragrance that fleas and other pests tend to avoid. Mint grows best when planted in rich, well-drained soil. You’ll want to make sure your mint plant receives about 6 hours of sunlight per day. Mint should be watered when the top inch of soil becomes dry. This plant grows and spreads quickly, so it’s best to grow mint in pots or containers. This will help to keep the plant from overtaking your garden or yard.
5. Chrysanthemums
Chrysanthemums come in a variety of colors and are great for decorating your outdoor space in autumn. These flowers contain pyrethrum, which is known to help repel fleas and other pests. Mums need to be watered regularly so the soil remains damp, but you’ll want to avoid watering the leaves directly. Adding mulch can help to keep the soil moist. In warmer areas, mums can be left outdoors in winter. In colder regions, you’ll want to bring mums indoors.
Ensuring your yard is free of fleas will make it easier to enjoy your outdoor space with your pets. Adding a few of these flea-repelling plants can provide some protection against these pesky bugs. If fleas or other pests are bugging you, our Maggie’s Farm Simply Effective™ Pest Control products can help.