Natural repellents: 5 indoor plants that repel insects

Here are the five that experts say do the job best.

“Herbs are a great way to get rid of bugs,” says Zahid Adnan, creator of the Plant Bible website. According to him, mosquitoes, moths and flies don’t like the smell of lavender. It is best to grow lavender on a windowsill: this plant requires plenty of sun and well-drained soil.

Basil, Adnan explains, can keep mosquitoes and flies out of your apartment, and it’s also a great addition to many dishes that any cook will enjoy. This plant needs bright light and moderate watering, and to stimulate basil growth, you should regularly harvest some leaves. For example, you can make a sachet from it – according to astrologer Charlotte King, such an aromatic bag can attract good luck to your home.

This is another two-in-one protection: rosemary will not only keep mosquitoes, flies and moths away from the house, but also make fried meat, baked potatoes, salads and even pastries more tasty. For those who do not like to cook, Adnan recommends choosing varieties of rosemary with bright pink flowers – they not only smell stronger, but also decorate the interior. And finally, you can use rosemary to make a “wake-up” tonic for dormant follicles, which will help you grow long hair quickly.

This plant that repels spiders, ants and mosquitoes is a great choice for beginners: mint requires little care and can grow in both light and dark areas. It also helps with weight loss: as research shows, the aroma of mint can suppress appetite and prolong the feeling of fullness.

“Citronella contains citronella oil, which is often used in insect repellents,” says Adnan. “It naturally repels mosquitoes, making it useful in enclosed spaces.” Adnan notes that lemon balm needs good light and watering, as well as space – it can grow quite tall. You can place pots of lemongrass in your bedroom: the soothing effect of its aroma will help you fall asleep.