14 Plants That Attract Dangerous Insects to Your Yard

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Plants are an essential part of our ecosystem. They provide us with food, oxygen, and many other benefits. However, not all plants are good for us. Some plants can attract dangerous insects to your yard, which can be harmful or deadly.

Here’s a list of 14 plants that you should avoid planting in your yard if you want to keep away dangerous insects:

Milkweed

Milkweed is a beautiful flower that has been gaining popularity among gardeners. However, it’s also the primary food source for monarch butterfly larvae. While butterflies are harmless, they attract parasitic wasps and flies that lay their eggs on the caterpillars, leading to their death.

Yarrow

Yarrow is another popular garden plant known for its medicinal properties. Unfortunately, it attracts ants, beetles, and other insects that can damage your yard or garden. Yarrow also attracts predatory insects like hoverflies, which can prey on other beneficial insects in your yard.

Marigolds

Mosquito-Repelling Plants You Need in Your Home Backyard — Photo Credit: Pexels

Marigolds are known for their bright colors and ability to repel some pests. However, they also attract spider mites, harming other plants in your garden. The strong scent of marigolds can also attract aphids, which are a significant threat to many garden plants.

Dill

Dill is a popular herb used in cooking and attracts beneficial insects such as ladybugs. Unfortunately, it also attracts tomato hornworms, which destroy tomatoes and other plants in the same family. Dill’s flowers also attract parasitic wasps, which can harm other beneficial insects in your yard.

Goldenrod

Goldenrods are known for their bright yellow flowers and are often grown as ornamental plants. However, they produce large amounts of pollen, attracting bees and butterflies. While bees may seem harmless, they can sting if threatened or disturbed.

Fennel

Photo Credit: Wouter Hagens/Wikimedia Commons

Fennel is another herb that attracts beneficial insects such as ladybugs and lacewings. It also attracts aphids, which can damage other plants in your yard. Fennel’s flowers also attract parasitic wasps, which can harm beneficial insects.

Butterfly Bush

As the name suggests, butterfly bushes are incredibly attractive to butterflies due to their nectar-rich flowers. While this may seem reasonable, it also draws in other harmful insects, such as Japanese beetles and thrips.

Lavender

Lavender is a beautiful plant known for its calming aroma. While it may repel some pests like moths, it also attracts stink bugs, which can cause significant damage to crops and gardens. Lavender also attracts bees, which can be dangerous to those with bee allergies.

Sunflowers

Sunflowers are a beautiful addition to any garden and attract beneficial insects such as ladybugs and lacewings. They also attract stink bugs and aphids, which can cause damage to your yard or garden.

Basil

Basil is a popular herb used in cooking. It attracts beneficial insects such as bees and parasitic wasps. It can also attract tomato hornworms, which can destroy your garden. Basil’s flowers also attract aphids, harming other plants in your yard.

Catnip

Cats love catnip, but it can harm other plants in your garden. It attracts various pests, such as aphids, flea beetles, and Japanese beetles. Catnip flowers are also attractive to bees, which can threaten those with bee allergies.

Hydrangeas

Hydrangeas are loved for their colorful flowers, but beware of planting them in your yard. They are known to attract Japanese beetles and aphids. The flowers also produce sweet nectar, attracting ants, flies, and wasps.

Hollyhock

Hollyhocks are tall and colorful plants that add beauty to any garden. However, they attract Japanese beetles and cankerworms, which can cause significant damage to other plants in your yard. They also attract ants and bees with their sweet nectar.

Elderberry

Elderberry has been gaining popularity as a superfood in recent years. While it may have health benefits, it attracts pests such as aphids and leafhoppers. It also draws in beneficial insects like ladybugs and lacewings, which can be harmed by the predatory insects it attracts.

Disclaimer: This list is solely the author’s opinion based on research and publicly available information.