IF you’re sick of insects invading your house, then look no further than the humble houseplant section at your local supermarket or DIY store.
Did you know that indoor foliage can help banish that pesky condensation on your windows too?
Whether you’re stressed out by spiders, fed up with flies, worn out with moths plaguing your wardrobes, or down in the dumps over damp patches around the home, here are the super-hero house-plants to fight against them all.
Mairi Devlin, B&Q’s Head of Buying, Outdoor & Gardening says: “Harnessing the power of plants in your home can do more than just make your space greener and brighter.
“Many houseplants have natural properties that improve air quality whilst also helping to repel unwanted insects.
“So, if you’re looking for natural methods to keep bugs at bay, there’s a variety of plants that have you covered.”
Mairi says: “Peace lilies and snake plants help with unwanted moisture in the home.
“The peace lily soaks up moisture, making it a great fit for bathrooms where it also helps with condensation.
“Meanwhile, the snake plant functions as a natural dehumidifier and air purifier, thriving in dark, humid environments.”
B&Q sell snakes for £15 but there are plenty of other places you can pick one up for a couple of quid.
Or, if you’ve got a friend or family member that has one, why not ask them to propagate it and you’ll get a plant for free!
As for peace lilies, B&Q sell them for a bargain £6.
Mairi says lavender and rosemary are great choices for keeping moths at bay during the winter months.
“You can tie sprigs of lavender from your potted bush, or make small fabric sachets stuffed with rosemary leaves and hang them near clothes and food storage to keep your space moth-free.
“They both smell great, so you’ll get to enjoy the fragrance too.”
A rosemary plant can be picked up from your local supermarket for £1.
Mairi says: “While basil might be your go-to herb for pasta sauces, it doubles up as an insect-repellent as spiders and flying insects cannot stand the smell of its fresh green leaves.
“Simply ruffle the foliage as you pass by, and it will release its aroma, sending those unwanted visitors running.
“It’s worth noting that basil thrives in sunlight, so it’s super easy to grow just about anywhere in your home.
“Alternatively, mint also helps to keep spiders at bay, and you can easily create a spray by infusing fresh mint leaves in water and spritzing it around places spiders tend to live.”
Both basil and mint plants can be picked up when doing your weekly food shop for as little as £1.
“For an all-around bug-repellent superstar, chrysanthemums fit the bill nicely”, says Mairi.
“These colourful blooms repel a wide variety of pests, including spiders, ants, ticks, and even bed bugs.
“Plus, they’ll add a vibrant touch to any room.”
B&Q sells chrysanthemums for as little as £5.
“You might be surprised to learn that orange common marigolds are another of nature’s bug-busters,” Mairi.
“Not only can it be grown as a companion plant amongst vegetables but you can bring them into the home to keep flies away. You get that lovely bright splash of colour too.”
The B&Q expert added: “Orchids are tropical plants that love humidity and absorb it well.
“They thrive in bright, indirect sunlight, so pop them on your bathroom windowsill and watch them flower and grow.
“While they love soaking up that humidity, they prefer their soil to be fairly dry, so you won’t need to water them too often.”
Condensation is water droplets that form on a window when moist air comes into contact with a cold surface.
Condensation occurs when:
Air cools
Warmer air can hold more moisture than cooler air. When moist air touches a cold surface, like a window, the water vapour in the air turns into liquid water droplets.
Windows are colder than walls
Windows are often colder than insulated walls, so condensation is more likely to occur on them.
Windows are poorly insulated
Poorly insulated windows can lead to condensation, especially if they are made of aluminium, which conducts heat quickly. If left untreated, it can lead to mould and other serious problems.
