As CNET's Home Editor, David Watsky recently learned, peppermint oil is the cruelty-free key to keeping mice away for good. But certain fresh herbs and houseplants will deter insects from your kitchen without the use of harsh chemicals or sticky traps. 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. 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 you need to send 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 Herbs can do double duty as flavor enhancers and bug repellents.
Potent herbs like basil, mint, sage and rosemary are great for topping spaghetti or making mojitos, but their scent stops insects like house and fruit flies from coming near. Consider lining a sunny kitchen window with a few of your favorite food and drink garnishes. Not only will the bugs stay away, but you'll enjoy the benefits of fresh herbs year-round .