Best Insect Repellents for Gardeners: Protect Your Plants and Yourself
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Last updated: February 15, 2026
Gardening is a rewarding hobby that can help you connect with nature and enjoy the outdoors. However, it also comes with its fair share of challenges, including dealing with pesky insects that can ruin your plants and soil. That’s why insect repellents are a must-have for gardeners who want to protect their hard work from being destroyed.
When it comes to choosing the best insect repellent for gardeners, there are a few critical things to keep in mind. Firstly, you’ll want to consider the type of insects you’re dealing with. Different insects require specific types of repellents, so it’s essential to choose a product that targets the pests you’re dealing with.
Secondly, you’ll want to think about the ingredients in the repellent. Some products contain harsh chemicals that can be harmful to the environment or your health, while others use natural ingredients that are safer and gentler. It’s crucial to choose a product that aligns with your values and preferences.
In this article, we’ve researched and tested various insect repellents to identify the best options for gardeners. Whether you’re dealing with aphids, mosquitoes, or other pests, we’ve got you covered. Our goal is to help you find a product that is effective, safe, and easy to use, so you can enjoy your garden without any unwanted visitors.
Best Insect Repellents for Gardeners
As gardeners, we know that spending time outdoors is essential for maintaining a healthy and thriving garden. However, with the great outdoors comes pesky insects that can ruin our gardening experience. That’s why we’ve compiled a list of the best insect repellents for gardeners. These products have been tested and proven to keep insects at bay, so you can focus on tending to your garden without any interruptions.
Our top pick
- The all-natural formula is safe for the skin and the environment.
- The fragrance of lavender, lemon, and peppermint is refreshing and pleasant.
- The 8-ounce bottle is a great value for the price.
Cons
- The effectiveness of the product may vary depending on the type and concentration of insects in the area.
- The spray bottle may leak or clog if not used properly.
- Some users may find the fragrance too strong or overpowering.
Overall, we think that LARRY’S BUG AWAY is a great product that offers a safe and effective alternative to traditional insect repellents. However, the effectiveness of the product may vary depending on the type and concentration of insects in the area, so it may not be suitable for all situations. All things considered, it’s the standout choice in this category.
Best runner-up
- The all-natural formula is made from cedarwood and cinnamon oils sourced entirely within the United States, making it an effective and high-quality solution for pest control.
- The spray is safe for people and pets, so you can use it indoors and outdoors with peace of mind.
- It offers a wide-ranging effectiveness that can repel a broad spectrum of pests, including ants, fleas, flies, aphids, and spiders.
Cons
- The price is a bit expensive compared to other insect repellents on the market.
- The scent of cinnamon might be too strong for some people.
- The spray doesn’t actually kill pests, but it does effectively deter them from entering specific areas.
Overall, we recommend GreenGro Insect & Pest Repellent Spray for anyone looking for an effective and safe all-natural insect repellent. The spray is versatile and can be used in homes, gardens, greenhouses, warehouses, RVs, and even cars. Among the options we tested, this one stood out for good reason.
Best budget option
- Kills listed insects fast, protecting your edibles against aphids, caterpillars, mealybugs, spider mites, and other listed pests.
- Curative control that cures powdery mildew.
- Can be used to protect edibles such as vegetables, fruit and nut trees, citrus, berries, herbs, and outdoor container-grown plants.
Cons
- The smell is not all that great.
- It can irritate your skin a little, so it’s recommended to wear gloves while using it.
- It doesn’t spray as much of a mist as expected, and so much is needed to coat the plant for the amount recommended in the directions.
Overall, we recommend BioAdvanced Organics Brand Tomato, Vegetable & Fruit Insect Control if you’re looking for an all-in-one solution to protect your edibles against insects, disease, and mites. The formula is easy to use, and we appreciate that it’s an organic gardening solution. If this matches what you’re looking for, you won’t be disappointed.
Best premium choice
- Kills listed pests on contact, making it highly effective
- Fast-acting formula ensures that insects are eliminated quickly
- Can be used on a variety of vegetables, making it versatile
Cons
- May not be effective against all types of insects
- Some users may find the scent to be overpowering
- Can be harmful to beneficial insects, such as bees and butterflies
Overall, the BioAdvanced Tomato & Vegetable Insect Killer is a great option for gardeners who want to protect their crops from harmful insects. However, it’s important to note that this product may not be effective against all types of insects. For what it sets out to do, it delivers impressively.
Also great
- Made with oil of lemon eucalyptus, which is a natural insect repellent.
- Repels mosquitoes for up to 6 hours, providing long-lasting protection.
- Has a refreshing scent that doesn’t leave your skin feeling sticky or greasy.
Cons
- Some users may find the scent too strong.
- May need to be reapplied after swimming or heavy sweating.
- Not effective against all types of insects.
We recently tried this insect repellent during a camping trip and were impressed with how well it worked. Overall, we would highly recommend the Repel Plant-Based Lemon Eucalyptus Insect Repellent to gardeners who want a natural, effective way to protect themselves from mosquitoes and other insects. We’re confident recommending it for the right buyer.
Also great
- Kills over 70 listed insects including Aphids, Caterpillars, Thrips, Tomato Hornworm, and Whiteflies
- Protects fruits and vegetables from insect damage, for outdoor use
- Rainproof in just 1 hour
Cons
- May not be effective against all types of insects
- Some users reported issues with the bottle that connects to the garden hose
- The concentrate may be a better value for larger areas
The spray was easy to apply and we noticed a significant decrease in the number of insects on our plants within a few days. One thing to keep in mind is that this product may not be effective against all types of insects. It’s right at home in an outdoor setting.
Also great
- Kills and repels insects, including spider mites, aphids, whiteflies, mealybugs, leaf rollers, and scale.
- Controls and prevents common plant diseases, including powdery mildew, downy mildew, blight, canker, black spot, and leaf spot.
- Safe for people, pets, and the planet, with active ingredients including thyme oil, rosemary oil, clove oil, and peppermint oil.
Cons
- The spray can be messy and may drip or coat surfaces around the plants.
- The bottle does not come with clear instructions on how to dilute the concentrate.
- The product may not work as effectively on larger infestations of pests or diseases.
We’ve used Earth’s Ally 3-in-1 Plant Spray on both indoor houseplants and outdoor plants, gardens, and trees. It’s been effective at controlling common pests and diseases, and we appreciate that it’s bee-safe. However, we have found that the spray can be messy and may drip or coat surfaces around the plants, so we recommend using it in a well-ventilated area and covering nearby surfaces. Additionally, the bottle does not come with clear instructions on how to dilute the concentrate, so we recommend doing research beforehand or contacting the manufacturer for guidance. Overall, we believe that Earth’s Ally 3-in-1 Plant Spray is a great option for gardeners looking for a safe and effective way to control pests and diseases in their plants. It hits the mark where it counts most.
Also great
- Contains a potent blend of eight powerful essential oils for stronger protection against biting insects.
- Proven effective at killing and repelling common backyard pests at various stages of growth.
- Safe for use around people, pets, and the environment with no toxic chemicals or harmful pesticides.
Cons
- Some users may find the scent of the product unpleasant.
- May require multiple applications for best results.
- Pricier than some other natural insect repellents on the market.
However, we found that it dissipated quickly and did not leave any lingering odors. We recently tried I Must Garden Outdoor Yard Spray on our lawn and garden, and we were impressed with its effectiveness at keeping mosquitos and ticks away. For its intended purpose, it’s one of the best we’ve come across.
