These insect-repelling and insecticidal plants will help you get rid of pests without using harmful chemicals. See how they can help protect your other plants in this photo gallery.
The Wild Sunflower, a.k.a. Tithonia diversifolia, can ward off Diamondback moths and hoppers. Simply pound its leaves to extract juice then use it as spray. The recommended formula is 1-2 kgs. wild sunflower juice per liter of water.
The Sugar Apple or Atis in Filipino, with scientific name Annona squamosa, can target numerous pests such as Common Cutworms, Diamondback Moths, Cabbage Aphids, Sawtooth Grain Beetles, Hairy Caterpillars, Tobacco Caterpillars, Green Scales, Cotton Stainers, and White-backed Planthoppers. You can extract juice from the leaves, barks, and the fruit itself and use as spray, with a rate of 1 tbsp. of Atis juice with 1 liter of water.
The Custard Apple or Anonas, with scientific name Annona reticulata, can repel rice pests and fruit flies. Pulverize the seeds, disperse in water, and strain. Use as spray with a rate of 1 tbsp. pulverized apple seeds for 1 liter of water.
You can use any part of the tomato plant or Lycopersicum esculemtum for your chemical-free insecticide. Simply extract some tomato juice and use as spray, with a rate of 1 tbsp. of tomato juice for 1 liter of water. It will protect your plants from beetles, aphids, and caterpillars.
The Trumpet Lily or Lilium longiflorum can repel Diamondback moths, hoppers, and caterpillars. You can use its leaves and underdeveloped flowers to create an all-natural insecticide. Simply pound the leaves or flowers to extract juice. Use 24 tbsp. of Trumpet Lily juice per 16 liters of water.
Mentha or mint can protect against spiders, ants, and mosquitoes. And, you don't need to prepare a spray using it. All you need to do is plant it in your garden. Be vigilant though because they can spread rapidly.
If you have Chrysanthemum plants in your garden, their flowers will deter ants, Japanese beetles, roaches, bed bugs, ticks, silverfish, harlequin bugs, and lice.
The famous herb is not only a great ingredient in cooking, but it is also perfect for repelling mosquitoes and houseflies.
Humans may love the scent of lavender, but gnats and mosquitoes hate it. So, plant it near windows and doors to prevent them from entering your home.
Citronella grass or Cymbopogon nardus is effective in deterring mosquitoes and other flying insects, that's why it's a famous ingredient for mosquito repellents. Plant them near entry points in your home to keep insects from coming in uninvited.