As the heat rises, so do the bugs. If your kitchen is already seeing an influx of flies, beetles or ants, you might try a plant store or flower shop before calling an exterminator. Not only can houseplants help purify your air, but certain species are well known for driving out pest and insects.
I found out recently that peppermint oil is the key to keeping mice at bay, but certain herbs and houseplants will signal to insects that your kitchen is not their new home.
Read more: This Houseplant Cleans Air 30 Times Better Than a Typical Plant
You may not have considered using houseplants to rid your kitchen of bugs, but it could be the all-natural fix for sending insects packing, especially during the warmer months when certain bugs become more present in the home. Below you’ll find a few of the most popular plants to deter bugs from your home and kitchen.
For more, see how to keep plants alive for longer and peruse our list of the best places to buy indoor plants online.
Herbs
Marigolds give off a potent scent that not all critters enjoy.
The yellow-and-orange-hued flower is so much more than a pretty accent to an oversized pot or home garden — it’s a gnat- and midge-fighting beast that emits a distinct and powerful odor that sends critters scurrying. Perhaps best of all, marigolds are an easy plant to cultivate within your home since they require little maintenance and grow quickly.
Lavender
