6 Easy-to-Grow Plants that Repel Fleas & Ticks (Safe for Pets)

Growing pest-repelling plants is just one of many sustainable ways of repelling fleas and ticks from your backyard. Here are six plants to consider in your shortlist.

Tick & Flea-Repelling Plants

Garden Sage
Sage is commonly used as a companion plant to repel annoying pests like fleas via their pungent odor. Sage is a perennial herb that grows well in sandy, loamy soil. It also thrives in full sun conditions. According to the ASPCA, sage is non-toxic to cats and dogs.

USDA Hardiness Zone: 5 – 8

Rosemary
Rosemary plants also prefer full sun and well-drained soil conditions. They can be grown in containers if you prefer to grow them indoors. Like sage, rosemary also has a strong odor that could repel a number of different pests.

USDA Hardiness Zone: 7 – 10

Sweet Basil
Basil is a versatile herb that can be used for companion planting purposes. The scent of basil leaves can be noticed from a good distance. They should be grown in locations that receive at least six to eight hours of sunlight.

USDA Hardiness Zone: 10 – 11

Venus Flytrap
Use nature’s very own death machine to control fleas and ticks. Venus Flytraps are moisture-loving plants that thrive in warm, bug-filled spaces. They will also need direct sunlight to grow strong.

USDA Hardiness Zone: 8 – 10

Thyme
Thyme is an easy-growing herb that thrives in full sun and well-drained soil conditions. They are versatile plants. You can grow them along the sidewalk, along a short wall, or in containers.

USDA Hardiness Zone: 4 – 9

Marigold
Marigolds are beautiful flowering plants that are reliable under a variety of growing conditions. They could help repel a wide variety of insects including ticks, whiteflies, and bad nematodes via their scented foliage.

USDA Hardiness Zone: 3 – 10

There are many other plants that can help repel pests like fleas and ticks but should not grown due to their toxicity to cats and dogs. These plants include:

Chrysanthemum: may cause vomiting and diarrhea

Chives: may cause weakness and high heart rate

Lavender: may cause nausea and vomiting

Lemongrass: may cause stomach upsets