There are a few plants that are known for their natural ability to repel pests like mice, spiders, and other insects. Some of the most common ones include:

1. Peppermint

• Effectiveness: The strong smell of peppermint is unpleasant for mice, spiders, and other insects.
• Usage: You can keep peppermint plants around your home, or use peppermint essential oil to deter pests.

2. Lavender

• Effectiveness: Lavender’s fragrance is pleasant to humans but repels mosquitoes, spiders, and other insects.
• Usage: Dried lavender bundles or lavender oil can help keep these pests at bay.

3. Citronella

• Effectiveness: This plant is famous for repelling mosquitoes and other insects due to its strong citrus scent.
• Usage: Often grown outdoors or made into citronella candles for indoor use.

4. Marigold

• Effectiveness: Marigolds produce a scent that repels insects like mosquitoes and flies.
• Usage: Placing marigold plants near windows or doors can help to keep bugs out.

5. Eucalyptus

• Effectiveness: Eucalyptus oil is a known repellent for mice and insects.
• Usage: Growing a eucalyptus plant or using the essential oil can be an effective pest deterrent.

6. Rosemary

• Effectiveness: Its woody scent keeps away many types of insects, including mosquitoes and flies.
• Usage: Grow rosemary indoors or use its oil as a spray.

7. Catnip

• Effectiveness: Surprisingly, this plant is an excellent mosquito repellent due to the presence of nepetalactone.
• Usage: You can grow it as a houseplant or use the dried leaves.

Each of these plants has the added bonus of being easy to grow indoors, and they can keep your home free of pests without the need for chemical repellents!

Here are some care tips for the plants I mentioned to ensure they thrive and continue repelling pests in your home:

1. Peppermint

• Light: Peppermint grows best in partial sunlight, so place it in a spot where it gets some light but isn’t exposed to intense direct sunlight.
• Watering: Keep the soil moist but not waterlogged. Peppermint likes regular watering but make sure the pot has good drainage.
• Soil: Use well-draining potting soil. Peppermint grows well in slightly acidic to neutral soil.
• Pruning: Regularly trim the plant to encourage bushy growth and prevent it from getting leggy.

2. Lavender

• Light: Lavender loves sunlight! Place it in a spot where it can receive at least 6 hours of direct sunlight a day.
• Watering: Lavender prefers dry conditions. Water only when the soil is almost completely dry, and ensure the pot has excellent drainage.
• Soil: Use sandy or well-draining soil. Lavender doesn’t like overly rich or moist soil.
• Pruning: Prune lavender after it blooms to maintain its shape and promote new growth.

3. Citronella (Lemongrass)

• Light: Citronella needs full sun to grow well, so place it in a bright spot.
• Watering: Keep the soil consistently moist, especially in warm weather, but ensure the pot drains well to prevent waterlogging.
• Soil: Well-draining, loamy soil works best for citronella.
• Pruning: Trim dead leaves and stems regularly to keep the plant healthy and vibrant.

4. Marigold

• Light: Marigolds thrive in bright sunlight, so place them near a sunny window or patio.
• Watering: Water when the top layer of soil is dry. Avoid overwatering as marigolds prefer dry conditions once established.
• Soil: They grow best in well-draining soil.
• Pruning: Deadhead spent flowers regularly to encourage more blooms.

5. Eucalyptus

• Light: Eucalyptus plants need plenty of light. They do well in full sunlight or near a bright window.
• Watering: Water sparingly. Allow the soil to dry out between waterings, as eucalyptus doesn’t like constantly wet soil.
• Soil: Use well-draining soil. A sandy mix can help with drainage.
• Pruning: Prune to control size and shape. Eucalyptus can grow quite tall, so regular trimming is needed for indoor plants.

6. Rosemary

• Light: Rosemary needs 6-8 hours of sunlight daily, so a sunny windowsill or grow light is ideal.
• Watering: Water when the soil is dry, but avoid waterlogging. Rosemary prefers slightly dry conditions.
• Soil: Use well-draining soil, preferably sandy or loamy.
• Pruning: Regularly trim the plant to encourage bushy growth and prevent it from becoming too leggy.

7. Catnip

• Light: Catnip grows best in full sun, so place it where it will get plenty of light.
• Watering: Water when the top inch of soil is dry. Catnip can handle dry conditions, but doesn’t like to sit in soggy soil.
• Soil: Use well-draining soil.
• Pruning: Prune back regularly to control growth and encourage new leaves.

With these care tips, your pest-repelling plants should stay healthy and continue providing natural protection from unwanted pests!