Potato Bug Repellent

Dead Nettle

• Dead Nettle or henbit is often used as a potato bug repellent. While it is considered a weed, it is also planted in gardens for its flowers, which may be either deep purple, pink or white. Dead nettle can be used as a companion plant for potatoes. It is also said to help improve the flavor of vegetables and encourage plant growth.

Flax

• Flax, or linseed, is an annual herb that is also a repellent for potato bugs, which find the tannins and linseed oil offensive. It can be planted as a companion to potatoes and other vegetables such as carrots.

Horseradish

• Plant horseradish near potato patches to help repel potato bugs. However, the plant can be extremely invasive; you will need to keep it under control to prevent it from taking over your potatoes. Plant the roots in pots to avoid overgrowth and place them at the corners of the potato patch as bug repellents.

Beans

• Consider planting bush beans next to potato plants for a mutually beneficial arrangement. Bush beans help to keep the bugs away from potatoes, while the potato plants keep the Mexican bean beetle away. For maximum results, alternate the rows of bush beans and potatoes. Potato bugs also find green beans offensive and will be deterred by their presence.

Tansy

• Planting tansy near potato plants can potentially reduce the bugs' presence by 60 to 100 percent, according to Montana State University. Potato bugs are repelled by the aromatic compounds in tansy oil. Another option is to use dried tansy to create a spray that is applied directly on the potato plants. Grind dried tansy leaves and mix about 3/4 oz. of the powder to 32 oz. of water.