🌿 9 Natural Tips to Keep Insects Away from Your Plants & Boost Growth

Unwanted pests like flies, mosquitoes, aphids, ticks, and gnats can wreak havoc on your plants—but harsh chemicals aren’t your only solution. These 9 simple, natural tips use ingredients you likely already have at home to repel insects and help your plants thrive.

Let’s explore these powerful homemade remedies to protect your garden while improving soil health and plant growth.

1️⃣ Borax and Honey Trap

🍯 Targets: Fleas, cockroaches, ants, termites

• Mix equal parts borax and honey to create a sticky, sweet bait.
• Place the mixture in small containers or lids around your garden, especially near insect trails or nests.
• ⚠️ Important: Keep away from children and pets. Borax can be toxic if ingested.

2️⃣ Vinegar and Peppermint Spray

🌿 Targets: Mosquitoes, aphids, larvae, bed bugs

• Fill a spray bottle with white or apple cider vinegar.
• Add a few drops of peppermint essential oil.
• Shake well and spray on leaves, soil, and around pots.
• This strong-smelling combo repels insects while being safe for plants.

3️⃣ Eggshell Fertilizer

🥚 Targets: Slugs, snails, and crawling insects

• Grind dried eggshells into a powder or crush them coarsely.
• Sprinkle around the base of plants to protect and fertilize.
• Eggshells enrich the soil with calcium and create a sharp barrier insects dislike.

4️⃣ Coffee Grounds

☕ Targets: Ants, slugs, and mosquitoes

• Scatter used coffee grounds in the garden or mix with mulch.
• The strong aroma repels pests and the grounds improve soil texture.

5️⃣ Tea Tree Oil Spray

🌱 Targets: Mosquitoes, fleas, and crawling bugs

• Mix a few drops of tea tree essential oil in water inside a spray bottle.
• Apply to garden corners, plant containers, and under leaves.
• Refresh weekly or after heavy rain for continued protection.

6️⃣ Epsom Salt Barrier

🧂 Targets: Termites, cockroaches, moths, and more

• Sprinkle Epsom salt around plant roots and pathways.
• It creates a barrier pests avoid and adds magnesium to the soil.
• Also great for soothing bites and stings on your skin!

7️⃣ Baking Soda and Eucalyptus Oil

🧼 Targets: Rodents, ants, and gnats

• Sprinkle a light layer of baking soda around plant beds.
• Add a few drops of lemon eucalyptus oil for added scent-based protection.
• Both deodorize and repel unwanted visitors.

8️⃣ Copper Coins

🪙 Targets: Fungus, mold, and insect infestations

• Insert clean copper coins around plant bases or in pots.
• Copper naturally inhibits fungi and deters insect breeding.

9️⃣ Coconut Water Booster

🥥 Targets: Soil pests, aphids, and boosts plant health

• Pour unsweetened coconut water directly onto the soil around new plants or seedlings.
• Its minerals and natural sugars encourage fast root growth while repelling pests.

💡 Quick Recap: Which Tip Is Best for You?

• For flying insects: Vinegar spray, tea tree oil, coconut water
• For crawling pests: Borax & honey, baking soda, Epsom salt
• For soil health: Eggshells, coffee grounds, copper coins

🔎 FAQs: Natural Pest Control for Gardeners

Q: How often should I apply these natural repellents?

A: Most sprays and powders should be reapplied every 5–7 days or after rain.

Q: Are these remedies safe for pets?

A: Most are, but avoid using borax and essential oils near animals unless supervised.

Q: Can I combine these ingredients?

A: Yes—some work even better when used together, like baking soda with citrus oils or coffee grounds with eggshells.

🔗 Related Articles

• 4 Homemade Natural Insect Sprays to Safely Banish Pests
• Organic Composting 101: Speed Up Decomposition & Reduce Waste
• How to Improve Garden Soil Naturally
• 12 Companion Plants That Protect Your Garden

🌼 Give Your Plants the Protection They Deserve

Nature provides all the tools you need to keep your garden insect-free. Try one or more of these tips today and enjoy vibrant plants, fewer pests, and a healthier environment without resorting to harmful chemicals.