If you spend time outdoors, you know how frustrating ticks and fleas can be. These pests aren’t just annoying—they can also carry diseases that affect you, your family, and your pets. Finding natural ways to keep them away can make your backyard a safer and more enjoyable space.

One effective method is to use certain plants that naturally deter ticks and fleas, creating a protective barrier without harsh chemicals. Growing the right plants in your yard can help reduce the presence of these pests and allow you to enjoy your outdoor time with greater peace of mind.

Wormwood

Wormwood with tall, feathery wormwood plant surrounded by smaller herbs, mulched beds, and wooden fence in background
Image Credit: Adobe Stock.

Wormwood has dense, silver foliage that adds a lovely touch to your garden. Its strong scent helps keep ticks and fleas away from your yard.

You can also use wormwood leaves to make a natural spray. Just be careful, as the plant contains a mild toxin, so keep it out of reach of pets and children.

Citronella grass

Dense growth of Citronella Grass with long blade-like leaves growing closely together in natural setting
Image Credit: Mokkie – CC BY-SA 4.0/Wiki Commons.

Citronella grass is a popular choice for keeping ticks and fleas at bay in your yard. Its natural oils have a scent that these insects tend to avoid.

You can grow citronella grass in pots or garden beds near outdoor areas. It also adds a fresh lemony aroma to your space while helping protect your family from pests.

Garden sage

The image shows a close-up of sage leaves, their green color and velvety texture are clearly visible, the leaves are arranged in clusters, the background is blurred, the overall impression is that of a healthy, vibrant herb, typically used for culinary or medicinal purposes
Image Credit: Adobe Stock.

You can add garden sage to your backyard to help reduce ticks and fleas naturally. Its strong scent deters these pests, making your outdoor space more comfortable.

Sage is easy to grow and doesn’t need much care once established. Plant it near areas where you and your pets spend time to keep bugs at bay.

Rosemary

Close-up of rosemary plant with slender green needles and small light blue flowers blooming against a softly blurred background
Image Credits: Adobe Stock.

You can use rosemary in your garden to help keep ticks and fleas away. Its strong, natural scent works as a gentle deterrent for these pests.

Plant rosemary in sunny spots, and you can also sprinkle fresh sprigs around your yard for extra protection. It’s easy to grow and adds a lovely aroma to your space.

Marigold

A large marigold flower field with vibrant orange and yellow blooms arranged in rows. The foreground shows detailed pompom-shaped flowers, while more plantings stretch into the background. Dark green feathery foliage creates contrast beneath the colorful blossoms
Image Credit:GM Rajib/Pexels.

You can add marigolds to your garden to help deter ticks and fleas naturally. Their strong scent is unpleasant to these pests.

Marigolds are easy to grow and bring a bright splash of color to your yard. They also contain compounds used in some insect repellents.

Garlic

Hand holding freshly harvested garlic, roots and stems still attached, outdoor garden setting, blurred background, natural sunlight, homegrown organic produce, earthy and rustic appearance
Image Credit: Adobe Stock.

You can plant garlic in your garden to help keep ticks and fleas away. Its strong smell is unpleasant to many pests, including these insects.

Garlic also releases sulfur compounds that naturally repel bugs. It works well as a companion plant near vegetables or flowers you want to protect. Adding garlic to your backyard is an easy and natural way to reduce pests without chemicals.

Catnip

Close-up of a Catnip plant with small white and pink blossoms growing on a hairy green stem with serrated leaves
Image Credit: Cbaile19 – CC0/Wiki Commons.

You can grow catnip in your garden to help repel ticks and fleas. It contains nepetalactone, a natural compound that some insects find unpleasant.

Plant catnip in sunny spots or use it as ground cover to add a fragrant touch while helping keep pests away. Keep in mind, its effectiveness varies and may not work for all flea or tick problems.

Rue

Dense growth of wild yellow rue plants with small clustered flowers on tall stems against dark background
Image Credit: Agnieszka Kwiecień, Nova – CC BY-SA 4.0/Wiki Commons.

If you want a natural way to keep pests away, rue might help. Its fragrant leaves release a scent that insects dislike, making your yard less inviting to ticks and fleas.

You can plant rue near walkways or garden edges where you spend time. Just be careful, as rue can cause skin irritation for some people.

Pennyroyal

Purple Pennyroyal flowers growing in a meadow, with delicate blooms arranged in whorls along vertical stems
Image Credit: Adobe Stock.

You can plant pennyroyal to help keep fleas and ticks away from your yard. It produces a strong scent that confuses these pests and makes your outdoor space less inviting.

Pennyroyal grows quickly and spreads easily, making it a low-maintenance option. However, be cautious, as it can be toxic if ingested by pets or humans. Keep it out of reach.

Scented geraniums

Pink geranium flower with distinctive magenta stripes and curling stamens, shown in close-up against blurred green foliage background
Image Credit: Laitche – Public Domain/Wiki Commons.

You can use scented geraniums to naturally keep ticks and fleas away from your yard. Their strong fragrance is unpleasant to these pests, making your outdoor space less attractive to them. Plus, the leaves and flowers are safe enough to be edible, adding a little fresh touch to your garden.

Lavender

Close-up of lavender flowers with tall purple spikes in foreground, expansive lavender field stretching toward horizon in background
Image Credit: Pixabay/Pexels.

You can use lavender to help keep ticks and fleas away from your garden. Its strong, pleasant scent is disliked by these pests, making your outdoor space less inviting to them.

Lavender grows well in sunny spots and adds beauty and fragrance to your backyard. Planting it near seating areas can make your time outside more enjoyable and pest-free.

Eucalyptus

Eucalyptus branches with elongated green leaves covered in water droplets against a dark, blurred background
Image Credit: Adobe Stock.

You’ll find eucalyptus useful for keeping ticks and fleas away. Its strong minty and citrus scent is unpleasant to these pests.

Planting eucalyptus in your yard can add a natural barrier. The smell also freshens the air, making your outdoor space more enjoyable.

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As a mom of three busy boys, I know how chaotic life can get — but I’ve learned that it’s possible to create a beautiful, cozy home even with kids running around. That’s why I started Cultivated Comfort — to share practical tips, simple systems, and a little encouragement for parents like me who want to make their home feel warm, inviting, and effortlessly stylish. Whether it’s managing toy chaos, streamlining everyday routines, or finding little moments of calm, I’m here to help you simplify your space and create a sense of comfort.

But home is just part of the story. I’m also passionate about seeing the world and creating beautiful meals to share with the people I love. Through Cultivated Comfort, I share my journey of balancing motherhood with building a home that feels rich and peaceful — and finding joy in exploring new places and flavors along the way.

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