Looking to bring more birds into your backyard while cutting down on pesky insects? The secret may be as simple as planting the right things. Some plants offer food, shelter, or nesting materials for birds while also repelling the pests you’d rather keep out.
It's a win-win for any gardener who wants a more balanced ecosystem. Here are 9 standout plants that welcome feathered friends—and help you manage garden pests the natural way.
Serviceberry (Amelanchier)
This native shrub offers sweet berries birds love and attracts insect-eating species. It also helps control beetle populations naturally.
Coneflower (Echinacea)
Its vibrant blooms draw seed-loving birds like goldfinches, while its strong scent deters unwanted bugs like aphids and beetles.
Elderberry (Sambucus)
A magnet for birds during fruiting season, elderberries also attract beneficial predatory insects that help reduce garden pests.
Sunflowers
Birds love their seeds, and the large flowers lure in pollinators while repelling pests like aphids and cucumber beetles.
Marigolds
Not only do they repel nematodes, mosquitoes, and aphids, but marigolds also attract hoverflies—whose larvae are a bird-favorite snack.
Bee Balm (Monarda)
This pollinator favorite also draws hummingbirds and other insect-eating birds. Its strong scent helps deter certain unwanted bugs.
Black-Eyed Susan
With long-lasting blooms, this wildflower feeds seed-eating birds and encourages a mini food chain of pest-controlling wildlife.
Yarrow
Yarrow attracts beneficial insects like ladybugs and lacewings. Birds flock to feed on those insects, naturally keeping pest numbers down.
Joe-Pye Weed
This tall, native perennial brings in butterflies and birds alike. Its dense growth provides shelter, while its insect visitors feed hungry chicks.
By planting with purpose, you can create a thriving backyard that welcomes birds and keeps pests in check. These 9 plants are a natural way to support biodiversity—and enjoy a more beautiful, balanced garden.
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