Pests can sneak into even the cleanest homes, often drawn to food, warmth, or shelter. Instead of turning to sprays or harsh chemicals, many people are now growing indoor plants that naturally help keep bugs at bay. These plants use scent or oils to deter insects while staying safe for families and pets. From herbs to flowers and even carnivorous varieties, they offer an eco-friendly way to guard your space. Here are some of the best indoor plants that also help protect your home.
1. Lavender
Lavender is known for its calming scent, but it also works as a natural pest repellent. The strong smell comes from essential oils that help keep away flies, moths, and even mosquitoes. Lavender is safe for homes and pets, making it a great choice for indoor gardening. Place it near windows or doorways where insects may enter. It grows best in bright light and well-drained soil. With proper care, it can bloom indoors year-round.
2. Basil
Basil is more than a kitchen herb. Its strong scent helps repel flies and mosquitoes. This plant contains compounds like eugenol and linalool, which are natural insect deterrents. Basil likes warm temperatures and needs plenty of sunlight. Keep it on a sunny windowsill for best results. Be sure to pinch off flowers to help the plant stay bushy and productive. It is also non-toxic, so it is safe for homes with pets.
3. Mint (Peppermint or Spearmint)
Mint is a great choice for repelling ants, spiders, and even mice. Its strong aroma comes from menthol, which bugs dislike. Peppermint and spearmint both work well, and you can grow them in small pots indoors. Be careful, though. Mint spreads quickly if planted in large containers. Keep the soil slightly moist and place the plant in a spot with indirect sunlight. Its leaves can also be used for tea or cooking.
4. Nasturtium
Nasturtiums are flowering plants that repel aphids, whiteflies, and squash bugs. They do well in pots and can be grown indoors with enough sunlight. Their round leaves and bright flowers are cheerful and functional. Water them often, but let the soil dry slightly between watering. Nasturtiums are edible, safe, and perfect for a sunny indoor garden.
5. Lemongrass
Lemongrass contains citronella, a natural oil that repels mosquitoes. Its tall, grassy leaves release a fresh lemon scent that bugs hate. While usually grown outdoors, smaller pots can be kept inside with enough light. It needs warm temperatures and well-drained soil. Keep it near doors or windows to keep pests away. Lemongrass also adds a touch of greenery to your space.
6. Lemon Balm
Lemon balm is part of the mint family and has a strong lemon scent that keeps mosquitoes and gnats away. It grows well in containers and can thrive indoors with enough light. The leaves contain citronellal, which is known for its pest-repelling qualities. Lemon balm prefers slightly moist soil and partial sunlight. It is also calming, making it a great plant for bedrooms or reading areas.
7. Catnip
Catnip is famous for exciting cats, but it also repels pests like mosquitoes, flies, and even cockroaches. It contains a compound called nepetalactone, which insects dislike. This plant grows well in pots and likes lots of sunlight. Water it regularly but do not overwater. If you have cats, keep an eye on the plant to prevent them from chewing it down. It is a safe and useful addition to any home garden.
8. Bay Laurel (Bay Leaf Plant)
Bay laurel is an evergreen plant that repels flies, moths, and cockroaches. Its aromatic leaves release oils that keep bugs at bay. You can grow it indoors in a sunny spot, and it prefers well-drained soil. Let the soil dry out between watering. The leaves are also used in cooking, so the plant has double the value. Keep the pot near the kitchen to reduce food-attracting pests.
9. Marigold (Indoor Varieties)
Marigolds have a strong scent that repels aphids, mosquitoes, and whiteflies. Some indoor-friendly varieties can grow in pots with enough sunlight. Their bright blooms also brighten up any space. Marigolds contain compounds like pyrethrin, which bugs do not like. Make sure they get enough light and are watered regularly. These flowers are safe for indoor use and easy to care for.
10. Chrysanthemum (Certain Non-Toxic Varieties)
Chrysanthemums can help repel roaches, ants, and even ticks. The flowers contain pyrethrins, a natural compound often used in insect sprays. Some varieties are safe for indoor use, but check labels to avoid toxic ones. They grow best in bright light and cool rooms. Water them regularly but do not soak the soil. Their beautiful flowers offer both charm and protection.
11. Sage
Sage gives off a strong, earthy smell that deters insects like fleas and moths. It can be grown indoors in containers with good drainage. Place it in a sunny window, and allow the soil to dry slightly between watering. Sage is often used in cooking, but its leaves also release oils that bugs dislike. It is safe for homes with children and pets when grown properly.
12. Oregano
Oregano is not only tasty, but it is also a powerful insect repellent. It contains carvacrol and thymol, compounds that discourage pests like flies and mosquitoes. Oregano grows well in containers and prefers bright light and dry soil. Pinch the tips to encourage bushy growth. It is non-toxic and can be placed near kitchen or dining areas to help keep bugs away.
13. Eucalyptus (Dwarf Varieties for Indoor Use)
Dwarf eucalyptus plants are safe for indoor use and help keep away flies and mosquitoes. Their strong scent comes from essential oils that bugs dislike. These plants prefer a sunny spot and dry soil. Water them sparingly and give them space to grow. While some varieties are not pet-friendly, many indoor options are safe when used with care. They also provide a fresh, clean smell.
14. Garlic Plant (Softneck for Indoors)
Garlic has a strong odor that deters mosquitoes, ants, and even some beetles. Softneck garlic varieties can grow indoors in pots with deep, loose soil. Place the pot in a sunny window and water lightly. The plant not only helps repel bugs, but you can also use the cloves in your cooking. Garlic is a safe, multipurpose plant for the kitchen or windowsill garden.
15. Citronella Plant (Citrosum)
Often called the mosquito plant, citronella gives off a citrus scent that repels bugs. This plant is related to geraniums and grows well indoors with bright light. Keep it near entryways to stop pests from coming in. It needs well-drained soil and regular watering. Citronella is non-toxic and works best when its leaves are lightly rubbed to release oils.
16. Geranium (Scented Varieties)
Scented geraniums have fragrant leaves that help deter mosquitoes, flies, and other bugs. The most effective ones smell like lemon, rose, or mint. These plants prefer full sun and dry soil. They grow well in containers and can brighten up any room. Scented geraniums are safe for indoor spaces and add both beauty and protection.
17. Spider Plant
Spider plants are great for indoor air and help reduce bug problems. While not a direct repellent, they clean the air and create a healthy environment that bugs avoid. Spider plants are easy to grow and non-toxic to pets. They do well in indirect sunlight and like slightly moist soil. Their long leaves and baby shoots add visual interest to your home.
18. Venus Flytrap
The Venus flytrap is a carnivorous plant that catches flies and gnats. It uses sweet-smelling nectar to lure insects, then traps and digests them. This plant likes high humidity and bright, indirect light. It grows well in small containers with distilled water. Venus flytraps are non-toxic and helpful in reducing small flying pests indoors.
19. Pitcher Plant (Nepenthes)
Pitcher plants trap and digest bugs like flies and ants. Their tube-shaped leaves fill with liquid that attracts insects. Once inside, the bugs cannot escape. These plants prefer high humidity and bright, indirect light. They grow well in terrariums or near sunny windows. Nepenthes are non-toxic and help control pest populations in a natural way.
20. Mexican Marigold (Tagetes lucida)
Mexican marigold gives off a strong scent that repels mosquitoes and other insects. It is a close cousin to regular marigolds but with a more herbal smell. This plant does well in containers and needs lots of sunlight. Keep the soil lightly moist and trim back flowers to encourage new growth. It is safe for indoor use and adds color to any room.
21. Thyme
Thyme is a hardy herb with a strong, earthy scent that helps keep insects like mosquitoes, cabbage worms, and whiteflies away. It contains thymol, a compound known for its natural pest-repelling qualities. This plant thrives in containers with full sun and well-drained soil. Thyme is also non-toxic and safe for indoor use around children and pets. Its low-growing nature makes it perfect for windowsills or countertop gardens. In addition to pest control, its leaves are great for seasoning various dishes.
22. Tansy (Non-Toxic Cultivars Only)
Some varieties of tansy are non-toxic and good for repelling flies, ants, and moths. These plants have fern-like leaves and small yellow flowers. They grow well in bright spots with well-drained soil. Be sure to choose safe cultivars for indoor use, as some types are not pet-friendly. Tansy adds a wild, garden-like feel to indoor spaces.
23. Allium (Chives or Scallions)
Allium plants like chives or scallions give off a mild onion scent that bugs dislike. These plants can grow easily indoors in small pots. They need lots of sunlight and regular watering. Allium is non-toxic and useful for cooking. Place them near kitchen windows to help repel flies and gnats.
24. Parsley
Parsley is not only a garnish. It can also help keep bugs away. It contains oils that make it less appealing to pests like aphids and beetles. Parsley is easy to grow in small pots with indirect light. Keep the soil slightly moist and trim it regularly. It is safe for indoor use and useful in many recipes.
25. Rosemary
Rosemary has a woody scent that keeps away insects like mosquitoes and flies. The plant contains natural oils that act as bug repellents. It grows well in pots and needs full sun to thrive. Rosemary prefers drier soil, so do not overwater it. Trim it often to keep it compact and healthy. This herb is safe for indoor use and adds a lovely fragrance to any room.
Bringing Nature's Defense Indoors
Choosing the right houseplants is a simple way to enjoy a bug-free home without using harmful products. Many of these plants offer double benefits by freshening the air, adding beauty, and giving off scents or oils that bugs avoid. Whether you prefer herbs, flowering plants, or unique varieties like carnivorous ones, every space has a safe and natural option. With just a little sunlight and care, these plants can help protect your home while keeping your living area green and healthy.