It’s not exactly easy to enjoy your garden when pesky fleas, mosquitoes, and ticks are constantly buzzing around. But you don’t have to load up on citronella candles or cover yourself in bug spray—with some strategic planting, you can keep these itchy pests away (and keep your four-legged family members safe, too). Plus, most of them smell great!

1. Basil

Unlike many houseplants, basil is safe for dogs and cats, and it’s one of the best mosquito-repellent plants you can plant. Basil is toxic to mosquito larvae, so it will help to keep the population down in your yard or garden. According to a Purdue University study, basil is an antioxidant, so if your dog chews on a leaf or two, it won’t hurt them.

2. Rosemary

Rosemary keeps mosquitoes away from your plants, your pets, and your family—and it adds a pleasant aroma to your garden, too. It is very safe for dogs and other pets, and while it won’t totally get rid of fleas, it will help prevent them from bothering your animals.

3. Lemon Balm

Humans enjoy citrus in many forms—juice, marinade, or as a fruit, peeled and eaten. Fortunately for us, bugs hate citrus, and because the lemon balm herb is safe for dogs and cats, it’s worth planting in your garden to keep pests away. But take note: because it tends to spread like a weed, it’s a good idea to grow lemon balm in a planter to keep it from overrunning your yard.

4. Sage

The perennial plant sage is non-toxic to furry friends and has pest-repelling properties for not only you, but for your other plants, too. Sage grows well in cooler climates with less sun, and it can also grow to be very tall—up to 4 feet. It’s a good option for a natural insecticide that won’t hurt your dog or cat.

5. Marigold

Marigold’s bright, friendly colors are a pretty accent to any yard, and they can keep plant-harming bugs away, too. This plant isn’t considered toxic for dogs or cats, but if ingested, marigolds may cause minor irritation to the digestive and intestinal tract of your pet, according to the Pet Poison Helpline. To be extra cautious, plant them where your pets can’t reach them, such as in window boxes and flower pots placed on tables.

6. Catnip

Cats love catnip, but mosquitos do not. The natural oil nepetalactone found in catnip is 10-times more effective at keeping mosquitos away than DEET. Catnip is also safe for dogs and, based on the research, is the best way to keep mosquitoes from biting you and your family.