The last thing you want after a long day is for insects to pester you and your family while you cook dinner or watch TV. Your home is your sanctuary. It’s not where you want to be overrun with insects that are hard to get rid of. Try adding a few of these houseplants in your home to keep pests at bay. Here’s a bonus: Many double as fresh herbs in the kitchen!
Basil
This herb will add a world of flavor to your favorite Italian dishes and doubles as a repellant for house flies, mosquitoes, and fruit flies. Place small pots of basil by your doorways and windows to discourage these insects from entering your home.
Chrysanthemums
Mums are great for decor and double as a deterrent to several pests. Not only do they help purify your air, mums also help deter roaches, ants, ticks, silverfish, lice, fleas, and bedbugs. Chrysanthemums are happy in any room with natural light!
Lavender
These floral plants are pretty, can provide aromatherapy, and help repel pests, too! Use lavender plants to repel moths, fleas, and rodents. Place them by entryways, and stash dried lavender bunches in your closet to keep moths away from your clothes.
Catnip
Nepetalactone, the essential oil in catnip, can be nearly as effective at repelling mosquitoes as DEET! If you have a cat, they’ll be so happy you brought this greenery into your home. It can also be used to help deter cockroaches. Place a few sprigs around your home to prevent pests, and if you have a feline friend, put the plant where they can reach it or bring it out for a special treat.
Lemongrass
Lemongrass smells lovely and helps repel mosquitoes. It’s also similar to catnip. Your cats will love this plant, too. Place it near windows and doors to help keep mosquitoes out of the house, and set it on your outdoor tables as an alternative to citronella candles in the summer. Lemongrass is also great for cooking!
Marigolds
These flowering plants can help repel mosquitoes, rodents, and rabbits! They go well just about anywhere in your home but are especially helpful when planted in flower beds or in your garden.
Mint
Mint is another mosquito-repelling plant. Like lemongrass and basil, it’s great to add to recipes in your kitchen!
Rosemary
Planted rosemary can prevent mosquitos, but sprigs of rosemary can be used in clothes drawers and closets to help keep silverfish and moths at bay. It’s also a favorite herb in many recipes.
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