8 Plants That May Help Repel Mice, Spiders & Insects
Plants can provide some deterrent effect, mainly through their scents, but they generally won’t eliminate an established pest infestation. Their effectiveness also varies by pest and environment.
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Peppermint 🌿 — Its strong menthol scent may discourage some insects and rodents.
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Lavender 💜 — Fragrance may help deter moths, flies, and some other insects.
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Basil 🌱 — Its aromatic oils may repel certain flies and mosquitoes.
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Rosemary 🌿 — Its strong aroma can be unpleasant to some insects.
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Marigolds 🌼 — Often planted around gardens because their scent may discourage certain insects.
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Mint 🍃 — Aromatic mint can deter some insects; grow it in containers, because it spreads aggressively.
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Catnip 🌱 — Contains nepetalactone, a compound with insect-repellent properties, particularly against some mosquitoes.
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Lemongrass 🌾 — Its citrus scent can help discourage some insects; citronella products derived from related grasses are more extensively studied for mosquito repellency.
What about mice and spiders?
The evidence that simply growing these plants will keep mice or spiders out of a house is weak. For mice, the most effective approach is sealing holes and gaps, removing food sources, and using appropriate traps. For spiders, reducing insects (their food source), sealing entry points, and keeping indoor areas uncluttered usually works better than relying on plants.
Tip: If you have pets, check plant safety before bringing anything indoors—some plants and essential oils can be toxic to cats or dogs.
