**”Unveiling the Mystery: The Power of Houseplants in Repelling Pests”**
By SimpleImages / Getty Images
Cultivating houseplants is a fulfilling endeavor, yet it comes with its share of challenges. Dealing with insect infestations can be bothersome and detrimental to your plants. There is a wide array of potential pests to contend with, depending on the plant variety, with mites, aphids, mealybugs, and thrips among the most common nuisances. While there are multiple strategies to tackle these pests, ranging from manual removal to using different soaps and sprays, experts emphasize the significance of prevention.
In our pursuit of effective and eco-friendly pest prevention methods, we turned to specialists who proposed a simple approach: utilizing insect-repelling plants.
Introducing the Experts:
David Price – Entomologist and certified pest expert at Mosquito Joe.
Mary Jane Duford – Master gardener, houseplant aficionado, and founder of the gardening platform Home for the Harvest.
How Do Plants Deter Pests?
Plants with aromatic properties contain volatile compounds, such as essential oils, that emit potent fragrances. These substances act as natural insect repellents, deterring harmful pests. Insects, known for their keen sense of smell, find certain scents either attractive or repulsive. For instance, lavender sachets are renowned for repelling wool-eating moths.
If you’re grappling with insect pests on your houseplants, situating insect-repelling plants in proximity could be a viable solution, although supplementary preventive measures might also be necessary. Addressing pest issues typically involves employing various tactics tailored to the plants and the specific insects present.
Keen on more gardening insights? Subscribe to our complimentary gardening newsletter for top-tier growing advice, troubleshooting tips, and more!
Pest-Repelling Plants:
Numerous plants exhibit natural pest-repelling properties when grown in outdoor gardens, particularly fragrant culinary herbs like thyme, oregano, and parsley. While certain plants like lavender excel at deterring pests, they necessitate full sun and sandy soil, making indoor cultivation challenging. Nevertheless, some of these insect-repelling plants can thrive indoors given suitable conditions, notably in a sunlit space receiving at least five hours of sunlight daily. Wondering which plants to opt for?
Certain fragrant herbs, like rosemary, may deter mosquitoes and flies but could potentially attract spider mites and aphids if already present. It’s crucial to select plants that won’t exacerbate existing pest issues. David Price recommends mint varieties, such as peppermint, spearmint, and chocolate mint, which contain menthol, a deterrent against aphids, whiteflies, and ants—all common nuisances for houseplants. Mint thrives in partial sunlight and emits a scent that repels rodents, as noted by Price.
The Efficacy of Pest-Repelling Plants:
While incorporating pest-repelling plants into your preventive strategy can
Highly effective in deterring certain insects, Duford recommends utilizing lavender, mint, and basil to ward off a variety of pests. However, she emphasizes that relying solely on these plants may not fully prevent an infestation, stressing the importance of implementing other preventive measures. Duford advises practicing good plant hygiene, such as maintaining cleanliness, disinfecting tools and containers, and avoiding the reuse of potting soil, to help minimize pest and disease risks. She also suggests promptly addressing any infestations and removing potential food sources for insects.
In addition to placing insect-repelling herbs near indoor plants for added protection, Duford proposes positioning them at entryways or areas where pests may congregate or enter. This strategy is most effective after the departure of cold weather. For locations with ample sunlight near entry doors, placing pots of lavender, mint, or basil can offer additional defense against insect pests. Combining various techniques is recommended for comprehensive pest prevention, with fragrant plants serving as one component of a holistic approach to managing insect nuisances.
