These 7 Houseplants Could Be Your Best Defense Against Indoor Pests
Houseplants can serve as natural pest repellents, reducing the need for chemical sprays. In 2026, more individuals are opting for these green solutions to maintain air quality and food safety. By incorporating specific plants into their homes, people can effectively deter pests while enjoying fresh ingredients for cooking.
- ▪Certain houseplants emit natural scents that repel pests like flies and mosquitoes.
- ▪Herbs such as basil and mint not only enhance flavor but also act as bug deterrents.
- ▪Marigolds and lavender are easy to grow and provide additional protection against unwanted insects.
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| Original publisher | CNET |
| Canonical URL | https://www.cnet.com/how-to/these-7-houseplants-could-be-your-best-defense-against-indoor-pests/ |
| Publication time | Tue, 28 Apr 2026 10:01:04 +0000 |
| Retrieval time | 2026-04-28T10:28:43.855Z |
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Opening excerpt (first ~120 words) tap to expand
The constant battle against kitchen pests usually leads to a cabinet full of harsh sprays and toxic traps. While it's tempting to go the chemical route when you see a line of ants or a swarm of fruit flies, you don't have to compromise your air quality or food safety to get results. There is a much more natural way to create a perimeter around your home that relies on biology rather than bleach.In 2026, more people are turning to functional greenery to do the dirty work of pest control. And that's a great way to cut down your use of potentially harmful chemicals in your home. Certain houseplants act as living shields, using their natural scents to deter unwanted visitors. Even better, many of these botanical bouncers pull double duty as fresh ingredients in your cooking.
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Excerpt limited to ~120 words for fair-use compliance. The full article is at CNET.
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