TL;DR:
Keep your home fresh and pest-free by discovering 9 indoor plants proven to repel common bugs like mosquitoes, ants, and flies — naturally and effectively. This guide helps you identify the best insect-repellent plants and where to place them for optimal results, empowering you to create a healthier, more comfortable living space without harsh chemicals. Use these expert tips to solve the challenge of indoor pests and make informed choices for plant-based pest control.
Indoor plants can be a beautiful addition to any home and provide a home with air purification. But did you know they can also help to keep the bugs away?
Having natural bug repellent in your home could be beneficial in deterring ants, mosquitoes, spiders, or even flies. Here are 9 indoor plants that are known to lure bugs away.
9 indoor plants that repel insects
1. Basil
An herb that is a popular ingredient in Italian dishes, basil has a pungent smell that drives bugs away. It is a pest repelling plant that has been used since ancient times. Place a few pots in your doorways, windows, and kitchen to drive out those pesky critters.
2. Catnip
Catnip contains Nepetalactone that can be as nearly effective as DEET in chasing away mosquitoes. It deters cockroaches too. You can create a natural bug spray by boiling catnip in some water. Or keep insects at bay by sprinkling sprigs around your home.
3. Chrysanthemums
These beautiful flowers can serve as house decorations and insect repellent at the same time. Pests like ants, cockroaches, bed bugs, fleas, ticks, and silverfish hate them and will scurry out of the room upon smelling the plants. They can grow both indoors and outdoors.
4. Carnivorous Plants
Carnivorous plants draw insects with their colors or scents to catch and eat them. The Venus flytrap is just one of about 700 carnivorous plants in existence throughout the world. The leaves of the Venus flytrap will snap shut when its tiny hairs are touched by a bug.
5. Citronella
Pest-resistant indoor plants like citronella may smell nice to humans but they’re terrible for bugs. It is effective for mosquito control when the leaves are crushed. Their pest-repelling property makes them a great ingredient for making candles.
6. Lavender
Lavender is one of the indoor plants that are used to beautify homes. Their long-stemmed, graceful appearance and captivating scent can perk up a drab home in no time at all. You can grow them on your balcony or just outside your door.
7. Lemon Balm
An easy plant to grow indoors, lemon balm has a citrusy scent that will make your home smell amazing. It is best placed on sunny windows like basil or citronella. The leaves have a strong aroma that makes mosquitoes stay away.
8. Marigolds
Beautiful marigolds are blooming plants that are natural insect repellent. You can grow them in pots beside your doorways or out in the garden with your tomatoes. Flies and mosquitoes are just some of the bugs that dislike the plant’s scent.
9. Rosemary
Rosemary can grow well like other indoor plants that repel insects. But unlike other plants in this list, rosemary leaves need to be dried and burned to create a smoke that repels bugs. A bundle of burning leaves should be put near the bugs for them to head out of the room quickly.
Read also: How To Do Natural Pest Control At Home
Key Takeaway
Many different plants can be used to help keep bugs away. However, each plant should be used in a different room to achieve maximum effectiveness. Air plants work great in the living room and kitchen because they will thrive with minimal care. While carnivorous plants work best in rooms where there is higher humidity or moisture.
If indoor plants are not enough to drive bugs away, contact a professional in NEA pest control. They have the means and the knowledge to handle all your pest control and disinfection service service needs in Singapore.
Schedule your professional inspection now and join thousands of satisfied property owners who trust Greencare for their pest control needs.
