Can Citrus Peels Really Keep Your Garden Pest-Free? Experts Weigh In

Can you use orange peels in your garden or houseplants to keep pests away? Something about this viral gardening hack making the rounds on TikTok seems a little too good to be true.

To find out, we asked the experts if you should really put citrus peels in your garden. Read on to learn whether this technique really works—or if it might do more harm than good.

Can Citrus Peels Control Garden Pests?

Unfortunately, placing orange peels—whether they’re in large pieces or blended into a paste—around your plants doesn’t deter pests, according to Justin Hancock, director of research and development and horticultural content at Miami-based plant nursery Costa Farms.

“The volatile organic compounds that give citrus peels their distinctive scent can deter some pests, but the trick is that these compounds are really only effective when they’re volatile,” or being released into the air, he says. “As soon as the oils volatilize, disperse, and the peels start to dry out, they’re worthless for pests.”

Think of the vibrant, citrusy scent that wafts up when you first peel an orange. That’s those volatile organic compounds being released from the peel—and once that fresh scent goes away, any pest-deterring power does, too.

John Tooker, a professor and extension specialist in the Department of Entomology at Penn State University, agrees.

“I would hypothesize that for peels to have any effect, they would have to be very abundant and very close to the plants one is trying to protect, but even then I would be skeptical on how well it would work over the long term,” he says. “The peels would dry out and become even less effective.”

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Reasons Why You Shouldn’t Use Orange Peels in Your Garden

You shouldn’t use citrus peels in your garden to deter pests because this viral gardening hack simply doesn’t work.

You’re more likely to attract certain pests—including larger, non-insect pests for outdoor gardens—by adding orange peels into the mix. That could add up to even more damage to your plants.

“Orange peels might even attract pests like snails, slugs, or even raccoons looking for a snack,” Hancock says. “I wouldn’t recommend using them in the garden except as compost.”

Alternative Natural Pest Control Methods

If you’re looking for natural or organic pest control methods to protect plants from pests or treat an infestation, the experts have plenty of tips that actually work.

• Spray insects with your hose instead. “A stream of good old-fashioned water can be helpful in controlling some insect pests, especially if done regularly every few days,” Hancock says. “Water can dislodge the pests, and some, such as aphids or spider mites, may have trouble getting back onto the plant after being knocked off.”
• Plant native species to encourage beneficial insects. “I encourage folks to grow a diverse assortment of native plant species that can support a strong insect community. Those diverse plant and insect communities should support and include natural enemies that can help control pest species,” Tooker says. “I also encourage folks to avoid insecticides unless there is no other option.”
• Cover new plantings to keep pests away. Another pest control method Tooker recommends is covering garden plants like eggplants and kale with floating row cover or fine mesh netting, which will prevent pests from getting to your veggies in the first place. Install the netting when you plant seeds or seedlings to keep pests away from the start.
• Use insecticides as a last resort. If you decide to treat an infestation with an organic, neem oil-based insecticide or horticultural oil, read the label carefully and follow the manufacturer’s instructions.
• Trust commercial products over DIY recipes. “I once tried making a soap spray to fight off an infestation of spider mites on some of my houseplants and ended up with burned plants because the species I was treating was more sensitive to the soap,” Hancock says. “It was a recipe I found online and a lot of people said it worked for them, but every plant species is different. You don’t usually run into issues like this with commercially produced products.”