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First published 28th May 2021

This is a summary of plants with a reputation for pest control, presented without opinion or proof. That part will come with time!

Anise (Pimpinella anisum) is said to repel:

  • aphids
  • cabbage worms (caterpillars of the cabbage moth and cabbage white butterfly)
  • fleas

Basil (Ocimum basilicum) is said to repel:

  • whiteflies
  • houseflies
  • fleas
  • mosquitoes
  • gnats
  • thrips

Borage (Borago officinalis) is said to repel:

  • cabbage worms (caterpillars of the cabbage moth and cabbage white butterfly)

Celery (Apium graveolens) is said to repel:

  • cabbage white butterfly

Coriander (Coriandrum sativum) is said to repel:

  • aphids
  • spider mites

Dill (Anethum graveolens) is said to repel:

  • aphids
  • spider mites
  • cabbage white butterfly

Fennel (Foeniculum vulgare) is said to repel:

  • aphids
  • fleas

French Marigold (Tagetes patula) is said to repel:

  • soil nematodes
  • whiteflies

Garlic (Allium sativum) is said to repel:

  • aphids
  • mosquitoes

Lavender (Lavandula spp.) is said to repel:

  • moths
  • mosquitoes
  • flies
  • fleas

Lemon balm (Melissa officinalis) is said to repel:

  • mosquitoes

Nasturtium (Tropaeolum majus) is said to repel:

  • aphids
  • whiteflies

Oregano (Origanum spp.) is said to repel:

  • cabbage white butterfly

Parsley (Petroselinum crispum) is said to repel:

  • aphids

Pennyroyal mint (Mentha pulegium) is said to repel:

  • ants

Peppermint (Mentha × piperita) is said to repel:

  • aphids
  • cabbage white butterfly
  • whiteflies

Rosemary (Salvia rosmarinus, formerly Rosmarinus officinalis) is said to repel:

  • cabbage white butterfly
  • cockroaches
  • mosquitoes
  • slugs
  • snails

Sage (Salvia officinalis) is said to repel:

  • cabbage worms (caterpillars of the cabbage moth and cabbage white butterfly)

Southernwood (Artemisia abrotanum) is said to repel:

  • fruit flies
  • mosquitoes

Thyme (Thymus vulgaris) is said to repel:

  • cabbage worms (caterpillars of the cabbage moth and cabbage white butterfly)
  • whiteflies

Wormwood (Artemisia absinthium) is said to repel:

  • aphids
  • cabbage white butterfly
  • other leaf-eating caterpillars
  • slugs
  • mice