The Flower You Should Plant Around Trees To Help Deter Boxelder Bugs

Boxelder bugs are known pests in many homes and gardens across the country. They feed on plants, enter homes in hoards, and can leave a staining residue on surfaces. Luckily, you don't have to live with tolerating their presence in your home and garden, even if you have their favorite trees in your yard. You may be happy to find that there are plenty of plants and popular herbs that will have boxelder bugs running from your house, but one in particular proves to be particularly effective around trees: chrysanthemums (Chrysanthemum x morifolium). 

These gorgeous, colorful flowers are known for being easy to care for and creating season-to-season interest in summer and fall gardens. But they have so much more value in your garden than long-lasting beauty. Chrysanthemums produce a potent, natural insecticide called pyrethrin that boxelder bugs hate. The compound is so effective against various pests that it is actually extracted from chrysanthemums for use in organic pest control sprays and other repellents. In fact, when we asked exterminators their favorite organic pesticides, pyrethrin was at the top of the list. 

It is also safe around children, pets, and other wildlife. However, sprays may have a negative impact on beneficial insects as well, which is why we recommend planting chrysanthemums around trees to naturally keep boxelder bugs away.

The chrysanthemum is a highly versatile flower that can be grown as an annual in almost any region or as a perennial in USDA zones 5 to 9. While you may have heard that they do best when growing in full sun, they can do just fine in partial shade. However, you probably won't be able to plant them directly under your trees. For best results when planting chrysanthemums for boxelder bug repellent, try following these guidelines.

First, you will want to plant your chrysanthemums in the spring from transplants. You can either start the seeds indoors six to eight weeks before the last frost or purchase seedlings from a garden center or nursery. Alternatively, you can grow your own chrysanthemums using clever cutting hacks. However you decide to start them, deciding on their placement is the key to growing healthy chrysanthemums that will effectively repel boxelder bugs and other pests. Select an area that is about 12 to 18 inches away from the base of the tree or the roots. The area should also get at least six hours of sun per day. 

If you don't have a space like that directly near your trees, you can plant them near your house to deter the bugs from entering your living space. Or, you could plant them in pots and move them near the trees once they've had enough sun each day. You can also make your own pesticide from the dried flowers and apply it directly to the tree trunk. Once you select your location, you will need to ensure the soil is rich, well-draining, and prepared with aged manure compost. Until they bloom, you will also need to make sure the area stays moist.