Spider mites might be tiny, but they can seriously mess up your indoor and outdoor garden. These microscopic pests suck the sap out of plant leaves, leaving behind speckled, yellowing foliage that eventually drops off.
If that wasn’t bad enough, they also spin fine webs all over your plants, making everything look dusty and sick. Since they reproduce super fast—especially in hot, dry weather—it’s important to catch them early before they get out of control.
Chemical sprays can fight spider mites, but they often harm helpful insects and lose effectiveness over time.
A natural, eco-friendly solution is planting certain herbs and flowers that repel mites with their scents or oils.
These plants act as living defenses, keeping your garden healthier, more balanced, and chemical-free.
Though below listed plants may not deter spider mites to 100 percent (as these tiny pests are adaptive in nature), but they have shown positive impact when interspersed among other plants.
Choose plants that attract spider mites—not to invite pests, but to divert them from your precious plants, acting as decoys and protecting the rest of your garden during infestations.
As a gardener, it’s not just about planning—plant strategically to invite beneficial bugs and keep pests like spider mites at bay.
Apart from growing plants, you can use homemade natural pesticides like neem oil, garlic spray and rosemary oil to get rid of pests.
12 Plants that Deter and Repel Spider Mites
If you’ve ever had a spider mite infestation in your garden, you know how quickly these tiny pests can wreak havoc on your garden.
Luckily, nature has provided us with some powerful allies in the form of plants that repel or deter spider mites.
These green guardians not only protect your garden from unwanted guests but also add beauty, fragrance, and flavor to your space
1. Chives
Chives (Allium schoenoprasum) give off a strong oniony scent that naturally repels spider mites and a handful of other soft-bodied pests. Plant them near vegetables that are more vulnerable—like tomatoes or peppers—and they’ll act as a subtle bodyguard. You might not smell it much, but the bugs sure do.
They grow best in spring and fall, thriving in cooler weather and full sun, though they’ll tolerate some shade. These perennials die back in winter but return year after year with just a little care. Once they’re established, you’ll have fresh, mild-onion flavor on hand from early spring until the heat of summer kicks in.
Chives are about as low-maintenance as herbs get. They don’t need fancy soil, they’re drought-tolerant once mature, and they can handle a bit of neglect. Just give them decent drainage and snip them regularly to keep them from flowering too early. (Though when they do bloom, those purple pom-pom flowers are great for pollinators.)
Chives don’t just deter pests—they also boost the health of neighboring plants. Tuck them into the corners of raised beds, borders, or containers. They’re compact, pretty, and incredibly useful in both the kitchen and the garden.
2. European Dill
The feathery leaves of European dill (Anethum graveolens) release a pungent scent that naturally deters spider mites, aphids, and even cabbage loopers. It’s not foolproof, but interplanting dill near vulnerable crops can reduce pest activity without needing harsh sprays.
European dill prefers cooler seasons—early spring and fall are ideal. It bolts quickly in the heat, so plant it in succession if you want a steady harvest. It enjoys full sun and well-drained soil, and it’s quick to germinate, making it a great early-season herb.
Dill might seem fragile with its fine leaves, but it’s relatively easy to grow. It doesn’t like being transplanted, so direct sowing is best. Once established, it doesn’t need much attention besides occasional watering and some support if it gets tall and floppy.
Dill plays well with cabbage family crops, lettuce, and onions. It attracts beneficial insects like ladybugs and parasitic wasps, which help keep pests in check naturally. Plus, both the leaves and seeds are versatile in the kitchen.
Also Read: 10 Big Leaf Houseplants for Your Indoor Jungle
3. Chinese Parsley (Cilantro)
Chinese parsley, better known as cilantro (Coriandrum sativum), emits a bold, citrusy smell that’s a natural repellent for spider mites and aphids. While it’s not as strong as chives or garlic, it’s still a helpful companion plant in any veggie bed.
Cilantro prefers cooler temperatures and can be sown in early spring or fall. It bolts quickly in heat, so plant in succession every few weeks if you want fresh leaves over a longer period. Well-drained soil and a bit of afternoon shade help extend its life.
Both the leaves (cilantro) and seeds (coriander) are edible, making it a two-in-one crop. Once it flowers and sets seed, it’s done—but you can let it self-seed for a future patch. Keep harvesting the outer leaves to delay bolting.
Cilantro grows well alongside spinach, kale, and carrots. Avoid pairing it with fennel, though, as the two can stunt each other’s growth. And let some of those umbrella-like flowers bloom—they’ll attract pollinators and predatory insects alike.
4. Onion
Like other alliums, onions produce sulfur-rich compounds that repel spider mites, aphids, and even some fungi. The strong smell makes them an effective border plant to shield more delicate crops from pests.
Onions need a bit of patience—they take a while to mature. Start them in early spring from seeds, sets, or transplants, depending on your climate. They prefer full sun and fertile, well-drained soil with consistent moisture.
Harvest young onions as scallions or wait for full bulbs to form. Even the flowers attract beneficial insects, so don’t be too quick to chop them down. Just don’t let weeds compete—onions don’t like a crowd.
Plant onions near carrots, lettuce, and beets to deter pests and improve flavor. Avoid beans and peas, which don’t pair well. They also play well in small-space or container gardens thanks to their vertical growth.
5. Chrysanthemums
Chrysanthemums (Chrysanthemum spp.) naturally produce pyrethrin, a compound that acts as a broad-spectrum insect repellent. Spider mites, aphids, and other soft-bodied bugs don’t stand a chance when chrysanthemums are nearby.
While often planted for their blooms, chrysanthemums are surprisingly functional. They thrive in full sun and well-draining soil and bloom best in cooler temperatures, especially in late summer and fall.
Regular pinching back encourages bushy growth and more flowers. Deadhead often to extend blooming, and divide clumps every few years to keep them vigorous. They’re perennials in warmer zones and annuals in colder ones.
Use chrysanthemums as decorative but functional borders around vegetable beds. Not only do they repel pests, but their late-season blooms feed pollinators when other flowers have faded.
6. Rhubarb
Rhubarb (Rheum rhabarbarum) contains oxalic acid, especially in its leaves, which makes it naturally unappealing to many garden pests—including spider mites. While the leaves are toxic to humans, they serve as a solid deterrent in the garden.
Rhubarb grows best in cooler climates and needs a cold dormancy period to thrive. Plant it in early spring or fall, and give it space—these plants get big. It prefers full sun and rich, well-drained soil, and once it’s established, it’ll return year after year.
Only the stalks are edible—those bright red or green stems are perfect for pies and preserves. Never eat the leaves, and don’t harvest in the first year. Rhubarb is a slow starter but a long-term garden investment.
Though not a companion plant in the traditional sense, rhubarb’s large toxic leaves can act as a barrier between more delicate crops and hungry insects. It’s a great anchor plant for the edge of your garden.
7. Shasta Daisy
These cheerful perennials (Leucanthemum × superbum) don’t directly kill pests, but their strong scent and dense foliage often deter spider mites and other unwanted visitors. They also attract beneficial bugs, which helps with natural pest control.
Shasta daisies thrive in full sun and well-drained soil. Once established, they’re drought-tolerant and bloom prolifically from early summer into fall. They’re easy to grow from divisions or nursery plants.
Deadheading spent flowers keeps the blooms coming and prevents the plant from getting leggy. Divide clumps every 2–3 years to prevent overcrowding and to reinvigorate older plants.
Plant Shasta daisies near herbs and vegetables to create a multi-layered pest management system. Their white flowers also make a lovely visual contrast in garden borders while quietly supporting your pest-repelling efforts.
Check this: 18 Houseplants with Red and Green Leaves
8. Rosemary
Rosemary produces potent essential oils that naturally repel spider mites, cabbage moths, and a variety of soft-bodied pests. A rosemary plant near your vegetable patch can act like a living bug repellent.
Rosemary loves dry heat and lots of sun. It thrives in containers or directly in the ground and requires well-draining soil. Once established, it’s drought-resistant and can live for years with very little fuss.
Regular pruning keeps rosemary from getting woody and encourages fresh, fragrant growth. You can also shape it into topiaries or let it sprawl, depending on your space and style.
Rosemary is perfect next to carrots, cabbage, and beans. It’s aromatic, flavorful, and pest-repellent—a triple threat in the herb garden.
9. Garlic
Packed with sulfur compounds, garlic (Allium sativum) is a natural pest repellent, including for spider mites, aphids, and fungal issues. Crushed garlic sprays are even used as organic pest control—so the plant itself is a powerful deterrent.
Garlic is typically planted in the fall and harvested the following summer. It needs well-drained soil, plenty of sun, and mulch to help overwinter. Hardneck varieties are best for colder climates, while softneck thrives in milder areas.
In late spring, garlic produces curly scapes (flower stems) that can be harvested for stir-fries or pesto. Removing the scapes helps the bulb grow larger and is a bonus harvest before the big one.
Garlic is a great companion for tomatoes, peppers, and carrots. Just avoid planting it near beans and peas, as it can stunt their growth. In small gardens, its upright shape makes it easy to tuck into almost any bed.
10. Peppermint
Peppermint is rich in aromatic oils that overwhelm and deter spider mites, aphids, and even ants. The scent is refreshing to us but overpowering to bugs—making it an ideal plant to tuck near pest-prone veggies.
Peppermint loves moist soil and partial to full sun. But a word of warning: it spreads fast. Unless you want a mint takeover, grow it in containers or sink a pot into the ground to keep its roots in check.
Regular harvesting keeps the plant lush and prevents flowering, which can reduce leaf flavor. It’s super forgiving and bounces back quickly even after a hard prune.
Peppermint repels pests, attracts pollinators when it blooms, and makes great tea or garnishes. Pair it with brassicas or lettuce, but give it room—or a container—to do its thing.
11. Bok Choy
Bok choy (Brassica rapa subsp. chinensis) doesn’t repel spider mites directly, but it’s not their top target. Its thicker, waxy leaves are less attractive than those of softer greens, though it can still suffer under heavy infestations in hot, dry conditions.
This leafy green thrives in cool weather, making it ideal for spring and fall planting. It matures in as little as 30–45 days, and prefers rich, moist soil with steady watering. It’s best grown in partial shade in hotter regions.
You can harvest baby bok choy early or let it mature fully. Either way, cut at the base and it may regrow for a second harvest. Keep it well-watered to avoid bolting in warmer weather.
Bok choy does well with herbs like dill and cilantro, which can help deter pests. Use row covers early on to protect from flea beetles and cabbage worms, and you’ll enjoy a crisp, clean crop in no time.
12. Okra
Okra isn’t bothered by most garden pests—including spider mites. Its thick, fuzzy leaves and sturdy stalks aren’t appealing to these tiny invaders, making it a great companion for more vulnerable plants that need a break from pest pressure.
Okra thrives in hot weather where other crops might wilt or struggle. It loves full sun and well-draining soil, and once it gets going, it grows fast—often reaching 5 to 10 feet tall. Start it from seed after the last frost, and you’ll be harvesting in as little as 50 to 60 days.
Once established, okra needs very little help. Just keep it watered during dry spells and pick pods frequently to keep the plant producing. Harvest when pods are young and tender—if they get too big, they’ll turn tough and woody.
Okra’s strong vertical growth makes it a great living support for vining crops like beans or Malabar spinach. It’s the kind of plant that holds its own while helping others grow, both as a pest-resistant powerhouse and a garden multitasker.
Conclusion
By incorporating plants that naturally repel spider mites, you can create a healthier, more resilient garden without relying on harsh chemicals.
These plants not only protect your crops and flowers but also promote biodiversity and attract beneficial insects, turning your garden into a thriving ecosystem.
Whether you’re looking for aromatic herbs, vibrant flowers, or hardy vegetables, there’s a plant suited for every garden need. With a little planning and the right selection of pest-resistant plants, you can keep spider mites at bay and enjoy a flourishing, pest-free garden season after season.
Khaja Moinuddin, a computer science graduate, finds joy in gardening and homesteading. Join him on this blog as he shares his experiences in homesteading, gardening, and composting
