9 Flea-Repelling Plants You'll Want To Have In Your Yard

If you have pets, you've likely been at war with fleas at some point and know firsthand how relentless they are. Fleas aren't just completely annoying; they can also carry bacteria and irritate your pets with their tiny but mighty bites. You don't have to turn to chemical sprays and noxious treatments to keep them away. Nature comes to the rescue with its own built-in defense system in the form of pretty blooms and fragrant herbs that naturally repel fleas with their scent and oils.

After you've done all the obvious, but often overlooked things that prevent fleas from flooding your yard, flea-repelling plants are a smart, low-maintenance way to create a more comfortable, pest-resistant yard — for both you and your precious pets. Most of these plants are herbs or flowering plants you might already have an affinity toward for their beauty, fragrance, or usefulness in the kitchen, like rosemary, mint, or lavender. These plants work quietly to discourage fleas (and sometimes other icky bugs like mosquitoes and ticks) from making your yard their favorite place to chill.

Whether you're starting a brand-new, fresh garden or just want to add a few new plants to your existing landscape, flea-repelling plants are a simple and effective way to protect your space and your pets from those pesky pests. Try these pretty, natural plants to help keep fleas from hitching a ride into your home.

Sage (Salvia) isn't just a savory herb. It's also a natural flea repellent with an earthy scent that repels fleas that thrives in USDA Hardiness Zones 5 through 10. Plant it along pathways, near patios, or by spots where your pet likes to hang out to create a protective barrier. Sage is a super-easy plant to take care of since it thrives in full sun and needs very little water once it has settled in. Just avoid the same mistakes everyone makes when growing the herb.

Lavender (Lavandula) is more than just a pretty face in the garden. And as much as humans can't get enough of the sweet lavender scent, fleas, well, not so much. That's because lavender contains linalool, which confuses gross bugs that cross its path. However, lavender remains gentle to pollinators, making it a great pick when you have pets or just want to enjoy your outdoor scape — free of fleas. The low-maintenance plant grows best in zones 5 through 9.

Rosemary (Salvia rosmarinus) pulls double duty in the garden as a flavorful herb and a natural flea repellent, with a strong, piney scent that helps keep not only fleas, but also mosquitoes and even ticks at bay. Tuck it into garden beds, place a few pots near outdoor seating areas, or line your walkways with it for a pest-deterring boost. Rosemary thrives in zones 8 through 10.

Marigold (Tagetes patula) blooms are cheerful and can add a big pop of color to your yard. And as pretty and showy as marigolds can be, they're equally great at keeping fleas away. Grown as annuals, marigolds act as a deterrent for other annoying pests, like mosquitoes, aphids, and nematodes, while still offering plenty of attraction for bees and butterflies.

Lemongrass (Cymbopogon citratus) is a tall, tropical-looking plant that gives off a fresh and citrusy scent. And it's that clean scent that does more than just boost your mood. It naturally contains citronella, which fleas absolutely can't stand. Whether lemongrass is a perennial or an annual depends on where you live, but the herb can grow relatively quickly in warm weather (zones 8 through 11) and sunny spots, while adding instant texture to your landscape.

Chamomile (Chamaemelum nobile) might be famous for its calming tea, but it also has gentle pest-repelling powers that make it a smart addition to your yard in zones 4 through 9, too. Its sweet scent helps make fleas think twice before hopping into your yard, especially when planted near walkways, pet beds, or garden borders. Chamomile is easy to grow in full sun and well-drained soil, and its dainty, daisy-like flowers add cuteness to your landscape.

Mint (Mentha) is a fast-growing, fragrant herb hardy in zones 4 through 9 that's great at keeping fleas away from your outdoor space. With its strong, refreshing scent, mint is pleasant for people but overwhelming to pests. The plant spreads quickly, so it's best to grow it in containers or confine it to beds to prevent it from taking over, unless you prefer it that way. Some species are invasive, so check to make sure it's safe to grow in your area. 

Wormwood (Artemisia vulgaris) plants have silvery leaves that have a strong, bitter aroma which naturally repels fleas, ticks, and moths — and can send wasps buzzing away from your yard as a bonus. Its feathery foliage brings texture and contrast to flower beds and forms ground cover consisting of dense mats. Wormwood is hardiest in sunny spots in zones 3 through 8 and doesn't need much water to thrive.

Catnip (Nepeta cataria) might be intoxicating and euphoric to felines, but fleas prefer avoiding it altogether. This mint family member has a compound called nepetalactone, which acts as a natural insect repellent. While your kitty may gleefully roll in it, fleas tend to stay far away. It thrives in zones 3 through 9 and is easy to grow in full sun and well-drained soil. Because it self-seeds, you'll get more plants without even trying.