Having plants in your home can help to spruce up your space and keep pesky bugs away. Several plants have fragrances that pests want to avoid. This built-in defense mechanism can help to deter bugs from hanging out in your home. We’ve made a list of plants that can be grown indoors to help repel bugs.
1. Basil, Thyme & Other Herbs
Herbs are great to have in your kitchen to add to your favorite dishes. They can also help to deter pest activity. Basil, rosemary, thyme, sage, and mint are said to help repel bugs like mosquitoes and flies. Herbs can easily be grown indoors as long as they have access to sunlight. Place them near windows and use containers that have a saucer underneath of them. This will allow the water to drain without damaging your windowsills, countertops, or other surfaces.
2. Marigolds
These colorful flowers are great additions to gardens and can also be grown indoors. They are known to repel a variety of pests. Marigolds need sunlight, so place them near windows to ensure they receive plenty of sunshine. You can also place them on screened porches or decks close to doors to help repel bugs. Make sure to regularly water marigolds. These flowers can grow quickly, and some species can grow up to two feet tall. Pruning your plants can help to make them manageable indoors.
3. Chrysanthemums
Like marigolds, chrysanthemums come in a variety of colors and can be kept indoors. These flowers contain pyrethrin, which is a natural insect repellent. Because of this, many pests, like ants, bed bugs, fleas, and cockroaches, will avoid these flowers. Chrysanthemums do well when positioned near windows because they prefer indirect sunlight. You’ll want to regularly water them, keeping the soil moist.
4. Lavender
Lavender is another plant that can help to keep bugs out of your home. Fleas, moths, spiders, and mosquitoes aren’t a fan of lavender’s distinct scent. This plant does best in warm areas and needs 6–8 hours of sunlight each day, making windowsills a great location for them. Lavender needs to be watered when the surface of the soil feels dry. It doesn’t do well if it sits in water, so make sure the container it’s placed in has drainage holes.
5. Bay Leaf Plant
Bay leaf plants can be grown outdoors or in homes year-round. Its scent is known to drive several pests crazy, including flies, moths, and cockroaches. This plant needs 6 hours of sunlight daily, so placing it near a sunny window will provide it with the light it needs to thrive. It’s important that the soil stays moist but not overly damp. These plants can grow quite tall, so you may need to repot them. Dried bay leaves can be placed in cabinets and pantries to help deter pests.
6. Lemongrass
Lemongrass can be a nice addition to your recipes, and it has a citrusy scent that several pests dislike. These plants are said to help repel fleas, wasps, mosquitoes, and ticks. You can place lemongrass in containers near doors and windows. Lemongrass will spread, so keep this in mind when choosing a container. You’ll want to make sure the soil is moist but not overwatered. Harvesting the lemongrass will allow for new growth.
Plants can help to keep pests away, but you may need help from pest control products to ensure your home stays bug-free. The oils found in these repellent plants can also be used in insecticides. Our Maggie’s Farm products are formulated using plant and mineral-based ingredients, providing a more environmentally and family-friendly solution when used as directed.