There’s nothing quite like the joy of filling your home with beautiful, leafy houseplants—until those pesky bugs start showing up!
It can feel like an endless battle, but what if your plants could help you keep bugs away? Yep, some houseplants not only add style and freshness to your space but also naturally repel those tiny intruders.
In this article, we’re diving into the world of bug-repellent plants that do the double duty of sprucing up your home and keeping it pest-free.
Say goodbye to flies, gnats, and other little pests, and hello to a peaceful, green oasis!
8 Houseplants That Repel Bugs
Lavender
Source Pinterest: National Garden Bureau | Home Gardening | Garden Tips
Lavender isn’t just a favorite for its calming scent; it’s also a powerful bug repellent! This beautiful purple plant helps keep pesky moths, flies, and mosquitoes at bay. Plus, it’s low-maintenance and looks lovely in any home. With a sprig of lavender nearby, you’ll enjoy both a fresh scent and a bug-free zone.
Basil
Source Pinterest: Real Simple
Basil doesn’t only add flavor to your favorite dishes; it also repels mosquitoes and flies. Its bold, spicy aroma naturally deters these pests, so placing a pot near your windows or doorways helps keep bugs outside. It’s the perfect mix of flavor and function!
Mint
Source Pinterest: photodune.net
Mint’s refreshing scent may be a treat for us, but bugs like ants and mosquitoes hate it! Growing mint near entryways or in your kitchen is an easy way to keep insects away. Plus, you’ll always have fresh mint for teas, desserts, or a quick garnish!
Rosemary
Source Pinterest: washingtonpost.com
This hardy herb doesn’t just spruce up your cooking—it also helps repel mosquitoes and other insects! Its strong, woodsy aroma is a natural bug deterrent, making it great to plant by doors or windows. Rosemary’s earthy smell keeps bugs away, so you can enjoy a peaceful, pest-free space.
Lemongrass
Source Pinterest: Molly’s Home Guide – Home & Gardening Tips | Remedies & Recipes
Lemongrass is a tropical plant known for its refreshing, lemony scent, which mosquitoes dislike. Growing it indoors or in a garden helps create a bug-free zone, especially in the summer. With lemongrass around, you’ll get a touch of the tropics without the pests.
Marigolds
Source Pinterest: Botanical Interests
Bright and cheery, marigolds add color to any room while keeping bugs at bay! Their distinct scent repels mosquitoes, aphids, and even some beetles. Place them in sunny spots around your home, and enjoy a vibrant, pest-free environment with a pop of color.
Peppermint
Source Pinterest: Click and Grow
Peppermint’s sharp, cooling aroma isn’t just refreshing—it’s also an excellent bug deterrent. It naturally repels ants, spiders, and mosquitoes, so it’s a fantastic addition near windows or entryways. With peppermint, you get a clean scent that keeps creepy crawlies away.
Catnip
Source Pinterest: Gardener’s Path
Catnip might be a treat for your cat, but it’s a nightmare for mosquitoes! Studies show it’s even more effective than DEET at keeping mosquitoes away. Just be ready for some feline visitors if you’ve got this plant around—cats love it as much as bugs hate it!