Indoor Plants for Gnat Control

Lemon Balm

• Lemon balm is an herb that helps to repel gnats. It is easy to grow, and you can use it in your cooking when the plant gets too large. Whenever you start noticing gnats in your home, give the leaves of the lemon balm a light rub with your hands. Rubbing the leaves releases some of the plant's oils and gives off a fragrance that is offensive to gnats.

Mint

• Mint is another herb that keeps gnats away. As with lemon balm, it is easy to grow, and you can also use it in your cooking. Plant mint in a pot that is larger than you think you really need, since mint has a tendency to grow out of control. Clip off any branches that are growing too large. Clipping the branches releases the scent of mint to fragrance your home and also encourages the gnats to move out.

Citronella Grass

• Most people think of citronella as only a candle to help repel bugs. However, the citronella oil used to make the candles is from a plant, which you can grow in your home to keep the gnats at bay. The downside to growing citronella grass is that it can grow up to 6 feet tall, and it will need repotting from time to time. Once you notice the leaves beginning to turn a yellowish color, this is a sign that the plant is not getting enough nutrients. Try a fertilizer first, but if this is unsuccessful, put the plant in a new pot with fresh soil.

Thyme

• Thyme is also a natural repellent for gnats that you can grow inside the house. Here again, it is an herb that does double duty by both repelling gnats and flavoring your cooking. When you have a lot of thyme and want to cut the plant back, dry some of the leaves and make a sachet out of it. Place this sachet in your drawers to lightly scent your clothing. It will help to repel gnats, as well as mosquitoes, when you go outside.