Garden chrysanthemums are not proven to reliably repel four insects—or to protect nearby plants from pests. The claim often confuses living flowers with pyrethrins, insect-toxic compounds used in formulated pesticides. One narrower point is supported: Japanese beetles usually do not damage chrysanthemums, which makes them a less-preferred plant, not a proven repellent.
Do chrysanthemums repel four insects?
There is no evidence in the cited extension guidance establishing that planting chrysanthemums reliably repels four specific insects. A 2024 University of Georgia Cooperative Extension article repeats claims that chrysanthemums repel ants, cockroaches, ticks, fleas, bedbugs and Japanese beetles, but does not provide evidence that garden plants achieve that effect. Read that list as a reported claim, not a demonstrated planting result. University of Georgia Cooperative Extension (2024)
Why chrysanthemums are associated with insect control
Some chrysanthemum flowers naturally contain pyrethrins, compounds that are used in pesticide products. A pesticide made with pyrethrins is not the same thing as a living chrysanthemum growing in a garden: a formulated product delivers an active ingredient to a pest, while the presence of flowers alone has not been shown by these sources to repel insects reliably. The National Pesticide Information Center describes pyrethrins and product forms, including sprays; UC IPM also identifies pyrethrins as a pesticide active ingredient. NPIC: Pyrethrins General Fact Sheet; UC IPM: Pyrethrins
Pyrethrins act as contact insecticides, disrupting insect nervous systems; exposed pests may become paralyzed and die. That mechanism depends on exposure to the pesticide, not simply being near a chrysanthemum. University of Florida IFAS Extension
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What chrysanthemums may mean for Japanese beetles
The University of Minnesota Extension lists chrysanthemums among plants Japanese beetles usually do not damage. This supports calling chrysanthemums less preferred by the beetles, rather than saying they repel them or protect neighboring plants. University of Minnesota Extension: Japanese beetles in yards and gardens
If you need to treat Japanese beetles
Minnesota Extension describes pyrethrin products as somewhat effective contact insecticides for Japanese beetles when sprayed directly on the beetles. Repeat applications may be necessary, and beneficial insects can also be harmed. A pesticide spray is therefore a separate control option—not proof that planting chrysanthemums works as a repellent.
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- Check the product label to confirm it covers the target pest and the plant you intend to treat.
- Follow label directions for application and repeat treatment.
- Account for potential harm to beneficial insects and other non-target organisms.
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