Best Insect Repellents for Gardeners: Protect Your Plants and Yourself

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.

LARRY’S BUG AWAY | All Natural | 8 Ounces | Really Works

We highly recommend LARRY’S BUG AWAY for gardeners who want an all-natural insect repellent that keeps gnats, no-see-ums, and mosquitoes away without using DEET.

Pros

• 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.

LARRY’S BUG AWAY is an excellent choice for gardeners who want to protect themselves from insect bites without exposing themselves to harmful chemicals. The all-natural formula is safe and gentle on the skin, and the fragrance of lavender, lemon, and peppermint is a refreshing alternative to the harsh smell of traditional insect repellents.

The product is easy to use, and the 8-ounce bottle is a great value for the price. 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.

Also, the spray bottle may leak or clog if not used properly, so it’s important to follow the instructions carefully. Finally, some users may find the fragrance too strong or overpowering, especially if they have a sensitivity to scents.

Overall, we think that LARRY’S BUG AWAY is a great product that offers a safe and effective alternative to traditional insect repellents. If you’re looking for an all-natural solution to keep insects away while you’re gardening, this is definitely a product worth considering.

GreenGro Insect & Pest Repellent Spray

If you’re looking for an all-natural insect repellent that is safe for people and pets, GreenGro Insect & Pest Repellent Spray is a great option.

Pros

• 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.

We used GreenGro Insect & Pest Repellent Spray in our garden and found that it worked well in keeping pests away. The spray is versatile and can be used in homes, gardens, greenhouses, warehouses, RVs, and even cars. It’s also safe to use on virtually every surface, making it an invaluable tool for both indoor and outdoor use.

The cedarwood and cinnamon oils used in the formula are more effective than peppermint oil sprays for bugs. Whether you’re using it as a spider repellent, aphid repellent, or general insect repellent, the dual-action formula ensures robust and long-lasting protection.

Overall, we recommend GreenGro Insect & Pest Repellent Spray for anyone looking for an effective and safe all-natural insect repellent.

BioAdvanced Organics Brand Tomato, Vegetable & Fruit For Insects, Ready-to-Use, 24 oz

If you’re looking for an all-in-one solution to protect your edibles against insects, disease, and mites, BioAdvanced Organics Brand Tomato, Vegetable & Fruit Insect Control is a great choice. This organic gardening, OMRI-Listed formula is easy to use and effective.

Pros

• 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.

We’ve used BioAdvanced Organics Brand Tomato, Vegetable & Fruit Insect Control for a few weeks now, and we’re happy with the results. We’ve noticed a significant decrease in the number of pests on our plants, and the powdery mildew has disappeared. The formula is easy to use, and we appreciate that it’s an organic gardening solution.

We do have to mention that the smell isn’t great, and it can irritate the skin a little bit, so it’s essential to wear gloves while using it. Additionally, it doesn’t spray as much of a mist as expected, and we needed to use a lot to coat the plants 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. It’s easy to use, and it’s an organic gardening solution that you can feel good about using.

BioAdvanced Tomato & Vegetable Insect Killer

We highly recommend the BioAdvanced Tomato & Vegetable Insect Killer for gardeners who want to protect their crops from pesky insects.

Pros

• 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

This insect killer is easy to use and delivers fast-acting results, making it a great option for gardeners who want to protect their crops from harmful insects. The formula is designed to kill aphids, adult Japanese beetles, cutworms, tomato hornworms, and other listed insects on contact, ensuring that your vegetables remain pest-free.

One of the best things about this product is its versatility. It can be used on leafy, fruiting, and root vegetables such as tomatoes, peppers, carrots, as well as on cucurbits. The rainproof protection ensures that the formula stays effective even after it has been applied, making it a great option for gardens that are prone to wet weather.

However, it’s important to note that this product may not be effective against all types of insects. Additionally, some users may find the scent of the formula to be overpowering. Finally, it’s important to remember that this product can be harmful to beneficial insects such as bees and butterflies, so use with caution.

Overall, the BioAdvanced Tomato & Vegetable Insect Killer is a great option for gardeners who want to protect their crops from harmful insects. Its fast-acting formula and versatility make it a great addition to any garden.

Repel Plant-Based Lemon Eucalyptus Insect Repellent

This is a great product for gardeners who want to protect themselves from mosquitoes and other insects without using DEET.

Pros

• 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. The oil of lemon eucalyptus provided effective protection against mosquitoes for several hours, and the refreshing scent was a welcome change from the usual bug spray smell. We also appreciated that it didn’t leave our skin feeling sticky or greasy.

One thing to note is that the scent may be too strong for some users, so it’s worth testing it out before using it in large quantities. Additionally, we found that we needed to reapply the repellent after swimming or heavy sweating to maintain its effectiveness.

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.

BioAdvanced Vegetable and Garden Insect Spray

If you are looking for an effective insecticide to protect your fruits and vegetables from insect damage, BioAdvanced Vegetable and Garden Insect Spray is definitely worth considering.

Pros

• 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

We recently used BioAdvanced Vegetable and Garden Insect Spray on our tomato plants and were impressed with its effectiveness. The spray was easy to apply and we noticed a significant decrease in the number of insects on our plants within a few days. The product is also rainproof, which is a great feature for outdoor use.

One thing to keep in mind is that this product may not be effective against all types of insects. Some users reported issues with controlling certain pests such as stink bugs. Additionally, the bottle that connects to the garden hose may not be as durable as some users would like, so it may be more cost-effective to purchase the concentrate for larger areas.

Overall, we would recommend BioAdvanced Vegetable and Garden Insect Spray for gardeners looking for an effective insecticide to protect their fruits and vegetables from insect damage.

Earth’s Ally 3-in-1 Plant Spray

If you’re looking for an insecticide, miticide, and fungicide all in one, Earth’s Ally 3-in-1 Plant Spray is a great option for gardeners. We’ve found that it effectively controls soft-bodied insects and common plant diseases with a synergistic blend of botanical oils. Plus, it’s safe for people, pets, and the planet.

Pros

• 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.

I Must Garden Outdoor Yard Spray: Kills & Repels Mosquitos, Ticks, Fleas, and Other Biting Insects – Powerful Blend of Natural Essential Oils – Safe for People, Pets & Plants – 32oz

If you’re looking for a natural and safe way to keep biting insects away from your garden, lawn, and outdoor areas, I Must Garden Outdoor Yard Spray is a great option to consider. With a potent blend of eight essential oils, this product is proven to kill and repel a broad spectrum of pests, from mosquitos and ticks to fleas and chiggers. Plus, it’s safe for people, pets, and plants when used as directed.

Pros

• 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.

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. The product was easy to use – simply attach it to a garden hose and spray throughout your yard or any other outdoor area. We appreciated that it contained no toxic chemicals or harmful pesticides, making it a safe option for use around our family and pets.

One thing to note is that the scent of the product is quite strong and may not be appealing to everyone. However, we found that it dissipated quickly and did not leave any lingering odors. Additionally, we did need to apply the product multiple times for best results, but this is common with many natural insect repellents.

Overall, we would recommend I Must Garden Outdoor Yard Spray to anyone looking for a safe and effective way to repel biting insects from their outdoor areas. It may be pricier than some other options, but its powerful blend of essential oils and proven effectiveness make it worth the investment.

Bug X 30 Mosquito, Tick, & Insect Repellent Spray with 30% DEET (8oz. Bottle) – 7+ Hours of Protection Against 12 Types of Insects

Bug X 30 Mosquito, Tick, & Insect Repellent Spray is a great product to keep pesky insects at bay. It provides 7+ hours of protection against 12 types of insects. We would recommend this product to anyone who wants to enjoy their time outdoors without being bothered by bugs.

Pros

• Bug X 30 is proudly American-made, so you can be assured of its quality.
• With 30% DEET, it provides 7+ hours of protection against a wide array of pesky insects.
• Bug X 30’s DEET bug spray bottles are small, lightweight, and carefully sealed, making them travel-ready. Take them with you on your next hike, camping trip, or pool day.

Cons

• Bug X 30’s water-based formula provides a grease-free and oil-free application experience, but some users may prefer a lotion or cream-based formula.
• The unscented formula may not be suitable for users who prefer scented insect repellents.
• Some users may find the 30% DEET concentration to be too strong for their liking.

Bug X 30 Mosquito, Tick, & Insect Repellent Spray is a great product that we’ve personally used on several outdoor adventures. We love how easy it is to apply and how long it lasts. It’s great for keeping mosquitoes, ticks, and other insects at bay, and we appreciate that it protects against 12 types of bugs. The small, lightweight, and travel-ready bottles make it easy to take with us on the go. However, we understand that some users may prefer a different formula or concentration of DEET. Overall, we would definitely recommend Bug X 30 Mosquito, Tick, & Insect Repellent Spray to anyone looking for an effective and reliable insect repellent.

Buying Guide

When it comes to choosing the best insect repellent for gardeners, there are a few features you should look for. Here are some factors to consider before making a purchase:

Active Ingredients

The active ingredients in an insect repellent are what make it effective. The most common active ingredients in insect repellents are DEET, picaridin, and IR3535. Each of these ingredients has different strengths and weaknesses, so it’s important to choose the one that best fits your needs.

Duration of Protection

The duration of protection provided by an insect repellent is an important factor to consider. Some products provide protection for only a few hours, while others can protect for up to 8 hours or more. Consider how long you will be outside and choose a product that provides adequate protection for the duration of your time outdoors.

Type of Application

Insect repellents come in a variety of forms, including sprays, lotions, and wipes. The type of application you choose will depend on your personal preference and the area you will be applying the repellent. For example, a spray may be more convenient for applying to large areas of skin, while a lotion may be better for precise application around the face and neck.

Additional Features

Some insect repellents may have additional features, such as sunscreen or a pleasant scent. While these features may be convenient, they should not be the primary factor in choosing an insect repellent. Make sure the product provides adequate protection against insects before considering any additional features.

By considering these factors, you can choose an insect repellent that will provide effective protection while you work in your garden.