Dog-Safe Plants That Repel Mosquitoes and Bugs

When the weather starts to warm up, it’s usually a good thing for both you and Fido. More time is spent outside lounging, playing, and going on walks. The downside to this welcomed weather is the annoying pests that come with it, like mosquitos. And unfortunately, many of the pesticides that are effective at getting rid of these bugs happen to be highly toxic to your furry friend as well. Luckily there’s a solution that only takes a bit of planting and possible creative landscaping. With these dog-friendly plants, you can keep the bugs at bay without harming Fido.

Basil / Ocimum Basilicum

Basil is an extremely easy plant to grow, plus it has some additional tasty benefits. Fresh basil can be a delicious addition to some family recipes. Basil also naturally deters mosquitoes. Unlike many other insect-repelling plants, basil doesn’t need to be crushed to release a scent or oil that wards of mosquitoes. There are a variety of different basil plants you can choose from, which all naturally fend off pests by just growing. The most effective basil plants, however, are lemon and cinnamon basil.

Catnip / Nepeta Cataria

If you have any feline friends, then you know catnip makes them go crazy. Mosquitoes, on the other hand, can’t stand it. There have even been studies that showed, in some cases, catnip being more effective than the repellent brand DEET, a chemical-based bug repellent. Catnips is another easy to grow plant that you can start in pots strategically placed around your yard. Keep in mind, though, that while you’re keeping mosquitoes out – you could be inviting some neighborhood cats in.

Lavender / Lavandula Angustifolia

Lavender, for many, is a beautiful looking and smelling flower. While giving off a sweet-smelling aroma to you, the smell is awful to your neighborhood mosquitoes. You can plant Lavander bushes in the ground or pots around your yard or windowsill. Whether you put these plants inside or out, they’ll add color and calming fragrance to your environment.

Lemon Balm / Melissa Officinalis

Lemon Balm, or as others refer to it, horsemint, is yet again another easy-to-grow plant that also naturally wards of mosquitoes. This plant does well in both sunny and shaded areas, making it ideal for any spot in your home or around your yard. Lemon balm releases a scent similar to citronella, which mosquitoes can’t stand. Additionally, if you enjoy bees and butterflies, which are natural pollinators, lemon balm will attract them.

Peppermint / Mentha Piperita

Due to its strong mint aroma, many bugs, including mosquitoes, choose to steer clear of peppermint. It is important to keep in mind, however, that these plants tend to grow a bit aggressively. So you might want to plant them in pots or windowsills, instead of directly into the ground. Another reason you may want to keep them in potted plants is that many furry friends love the smell and taste of peppermint. So consequently, they tend to roll around in the plant, and in effect, killing it along with your defense against mosquitoes.

Rosemary / Rosmarinus Officinalis

Rosemary is another plant that is both popular in the kitchen while being unpleasant to fleas, mosquitoes, and other flying insects. With rosemary, you can either plant it in a pot or plant it around your garden to protect it from insects. Plus, you’ll be attracting beautiful butterflies in the process.

Since many products that keep annoying pests like mosquitoes away are also extremely toxic to your canine companion – you have to get creative sometimes. Luckily though, your alternative to toxic chemicals is growing plants that can be beneficial to your garden and kitchen as well.