7 Plants That Actually Keep Ticks Away

Ticks are stubborn, but they hate strong scents. That’s where certain plants come in handy. You’re not going to solve a tick problem with a flowerbed alone, but the right plants around walkways, patios, and play areas can help cut down on how many ticks want to hang out nearby. These actually make a difference.

Rosemary

Ticks can’t stand the strong, piney smell of rosemary. It’s not a magic fix, but planting it near entryways, decks, or walkways can help steer them elsewhere. Plus, it’s drought-tolerant and thrives in pots or garden beds.

Even better, it’s useful in the kitchen. If you’re growing it anyway, you might as well let it work double duty by keeping ticks at bay. Just make sure it gets plenty of sun—this one doesn’t do well in the shade.

Lemongrass

Lemongrass contains citronella, and ticks hate it. You’ll often see citronella used in candles and sprays, but growing the actual plant gives you a natural barrier around patios or play areas.

It grows fast, smells clean, and does best in full sun. In colder climates, it’ll need to be brought indoors or replanted each year, but during the summer, it’s an easy way to help make your yard less tick-friendly.

Garlic

Garlic isn’t only for cooking. When planted in your garden or around your property’s edge, it gives off sulfur compounds that ticks (and other bugs) avoid. It’s most effective when planted in bunches.

Even better, the smell seeps into the soil, acting like a low-level repellent around the clock. Bonus: you’ll always have homegrown garlic for recipes and it’s one of the easiest things to grow if you’ve got a little space.

Lavender

Lavender smells great to us but ticks want nothing to do with it. It’s one of the best-looking repellent plants you can grow, especially near porches, borders, and outdoor seating areas.

It likes well-drained soil and lots of sun. And once it’s established, it’s low maintenance. Plant it close to high-traffic spots where you want ticks to stay away. Bonus—bees love it, and mosquitoes hate it too.

Mint

Mint’s strong scent works against ticks, but it spreads like crazy—so keep it in containers unless you want it taking over. It’s perfect for lining walkways or keeping in pots on porches.

The menthol oils naturally repel bugs, and if you crush a few leaves, you can rub it on your shoes or pants before going outside. Plus, it’s handy for drinks and recipes, so it’s worth growing even without the tick benefit.

Sage

Sage is another strong-smelling herb ticks avoid. It’s drought-tolerant, easy to grow, and looks great in a garden or near the porch. You can also toss dried leaves into a fire pit for bug-repelling smoke.

Like rosemary and mint, sage pulls double duty—it works in the kitchen and keeps bugs away. It needs a sunny spot and good drainage, but once it’s growing, it doesn’t need much from you.

Chrysanthemums

Chrysanthemums contain pyrethrin, a natural insect repellent that’s often used in tick sprays. While the plant itself won’t wipe out a tick population, it can help discourage them from hanging around.

They’re great as borders or container plants, and they’ll bloom well into fall if you keep them trimmed. They work best when paired with regular yard maintenance and other tick-repelling plants nearby.

*This article was developed with AI-powered tools and has been carefully reviewed by our editors.