7 Indoor Plants that Repel Insects

The 7 Best Plants to Repel Bugs

Any self-respecting chef will always have basil leaves handy. They're great in salads, pasta, soups and many other recipes, but insects aren't such a fan of basil. Place pots of basil by your doors and effectively keep away house flies and mosquitoes! Best of all, Basil is really, really easy to grow!

They are also known to have the ability to purify indoor air and remove toxins. More than that, chrysanthemums are also potent at repelling roaches, ants, ticks, silverfish, lice, fleas and bedbugs. Chrysanthemums can also make a space look pretty, so don't be afraid to place them all over the house.

Lavender has such a lovely scent. It helps us relax, relieves stress, and promotes healthy sleep. What's funny is that same smell we love is what drives pests away! Lavender has been used to perfume clothes and repel moths, which explains why grandma was in the habit of placing bundles of lavender in the closet. Plant them near entryways to repel mosquitoes, fleas, moths and even some rodents.

The citronella found in lemongrass is a staple ingredient in insecticides and repellents. It's a pleasant smell to us humans, but to mosquitoes, it's a totally different thing!

Avoid using citronella candles though as they are often laden with toxic chemicals, plus the combustion produces toxins in the air. Instead, opt to plant lemongrass where mosquitoes could enter, near doors and windows.

Various types of marigold produce a scent that repels mosquitoes, rodents and even rabbits! These pretty flowers are highly recommended to be planted around the house, or along the borders of flower beds.

Like lavender and marigold, mint is great at keeping those pesky mozzies at bay. Aromatic oils from mint can also be used to make a mosquito repellent spray by mixing the oils with cider vinegar and vodka.

Rosemary is another herb that's a favourite of many accomplished chefs. And like most herbs, rosemary can be planted indoors or outdoors. Place it near doors and windows to stop mosquitoes cold. Or, place sprigs of rosemary in clothes drawers to repel silverfish and moths.

If you care about air quality and minimising harmful bacteria and pollutants in your home, you may want to think about having your carpet and air conditioner cleaned. Both of these affect air quality in your home. Carpet acts as an air filter by trapping airborne contaminants, but this only works when the carpet is clean. Any filter gets clogged! And your air con isn't at its best when it's full of gunk. Contact us to discover the best options for cleaner air in your home.