Best Natural Flying Pest Control, Hands Down.

Plants Attract Pests, so How to Control Them Naturally?

Have you ever spotted a cloud of gnats buzzing around your beloved houseplants? Or wondered why those pesky insects keep coming back despite your best efforts? Read on to learn how to manage indoor plant pests naturally with carnivorous plants, creating a healthier, more vibrant home environment without relying on toxic chemicals or costly gadgets.

Like most houseplant owners, I’ve spent years nurturing plants while keeping pests at bay. But in recent years, I've ditched all chemicals in my home and now I am using nature’s own solutions. And it's working VERY well indeed. The best pest control mimics the ecosystems plants thrive in. When it comes to indoor plants, pest problems can feel like a personal affront—those tiny invaders threaten the lush greenery we’ve worked so hard to cultivate, and many of those houseplants are expensive! But instead of reaching for sprays, smelly traps, or pricey devices, I’ve found a better way: carnivorous plants. Let’s explore why common pest control methods fall short and how these fascinating plants can transform your indoor haven.

The Drawbacks of Conventional Pest Control

Many of us instinctively turn to chemical sprays or systemic granules when pests invade our plants. These products promise quick results, but they come with hidden costs.

Chemical pesticides often contain endocrine-disrupting compounds that linger in your home, potentially affecting your health and that of your family or pets. Indoor air is already a delicate balance, and adding toxic residues doesn’t help. Plus, sprays and granules can harm beneficial insects or microbes in your soil, disrupting the natural balance that keeps plants thriving. The systemic granules are the worst by far. Not only are toxic to invertebrates, but runoff must be kept out of waterways. The label says that in case of skin contact, humans should rinse for 20 minutes and call poison control! I cannot imagine what that would do to a pet who eats a fallen leaf, or licks up a bit of spilled insecticide, or laps up overflow from just watering my plants. (which all my dogs do!) So I'm a hard pass on systemic granules and toxic sprays for the same reason.      

Then there are the homemade traps—think vinegar, soap, and orange juice concoctions. They work, sure, but who wants a bowl of fermenting liquid sitting on their counter? Until recently, this was my go-to solution. Unfortunately these traps resemble a science experiment gone wrong, with a pungent odor and a grim display of drowned pests. They’re effective for gnats, but they’re not exactly the aesthetic you’re aiming for in your cozy plant nook or hanging strategically placed your kitchen near the fresh fruit basket.

Electronic pest control devices, like zappers or sticky traps, are another option. They’re inventive and have their place in plantless rooms or homes, but they often require costly refills. Much like cheap printers requiring expensive printer ink cartridges, the real expense isn’t the device itself but the ongoing investment in replacement cartridges. If you’re trying to simplify your life or reduce reliance on electronics, these gadgets can feel like a step in the wrong direction.

The Natural Solution: Carnivorous Plants

Enter carnivorous plants—nature’s elegant, efficient pest controllers. These botanical wonders don’t just add intrigue to your collection; they actively trap and digest pests, keeping your indoor space pest-free without chemicals or clutter. And they feed themselves in the process! Let me introduce you to a few of my favorite carnivorous allies.

First, there are sundews. These small, strange plants are covered in glistening, sticky tentacles that snare insects like a living glue trap. They’re highly effective, especially for tiny pests like gnats, but they can be tricky for beginners. Sundews demand high humidity and specific care, so they’re best for those ready to commit to their unique needs. My daughter has had great success with these in her kitchen. 

Venus flytraps, the rock stars of carnivorous plants, are iconic for their snapping jaws. They’re fascinating to watch, but they’re notoriously finicky. These divas need precise conditions—bright light, pure water, and careful feeding—to thrive. They’re not the most practical choice for pest control, as their traps can only handle a few insects at a time, and they’re often expensive to maintain. I'm sad to say, I've killed so many that I just stay away. 

Now, let’s talk about one of the unsung heroes: butterworts. These charming plants have rosettes of soft, sticky leaves that look like innocent blossoms but act like flypaper. Before you know it, they’re covered in tiny pests, quietly doing their job. Butterworts are easy to care for, making them perfect for beginners. Their cute appearance and low maintenance make them a delightful addition to any plant collection. As a great added bonus, they bloom the most delightful flowers when they're happy!  They're somewhat expensive to purchase, but they're little powerhouses and will multiply over time.  

One of my little butterworts. Notice the gnats stuck to the leaves. They're being digested. When the leaves become encrusted, the plant grows a new leaf and reabsorbs the old leaf plus the insects, so there's always old leaves and new leaves growing as you see here. 

Finally, we have the glamorous powerhouses: pitcher plants. These come in two varieties: Trumpet and Pendulous.  

Trumpet pitchers (Sarracenia) stand upright like elegant cones. Although they're interesting, these aren't the ones I'm here to recommend. 

Many Sarracenia varieties (below) are native to the USA, from Florida to Canada!  

Pendulous pitchers (Nepenthes) hang from huge flat paddle-shaped, sprawling leaves. These are the pitcher plants that I'm singing about today, Nepenthes (Neh PEN-Theez). Originating in Southeast Asia, these beauties come in many shapes sizes and hues of red green and gold.

Above: My huge adult Nepenthes Miranda 

My Experience with Nepenthes Pitcher Plants

I’ve fallen in love with Nepenthes pitcher plants, and I keep four varieties in my home—from dainty tabletop versions to jaw-dropping pendulous giants. The best part? They work for their own food! Seemingly overnight, my fruit flies, gnats, and other flying pests vanished. While mealybugs, aphids, and thrips require different strategies (a topic for another day), pitcher plants have transformed my indoor space into a flying pest-free haven. 

You won’t find Nepenthes at big box stores. But they've been cultivated, curated, and hybridized since the 1800s! You can find them at specialty nurseries, fine houseplant shops, boutiques or plant shows For about fifty dollars, you can score a massive 18- to 22-inch specimen with a dozen hot dog bun-sized pitchers. These plants are pest-eating machines, capable of trapping everything from gnats to horseflies. They’re conversation starters, easy to care for, and absolutely worth the investment.

There’s something deeply satisfying about watching these plants do what they were born to do, all while adding a strong dose of wild energy beauty to one's home.

Above: 3 Tiny Nepenthes Ventricosa X Ampullaria Black Miracle hybrid plants in a north facing kitchen windowsill planter. 

Why Choose Carnivorous Plants?

Opting for carnivorous plants isn’t just about pest control—it’s about aligning with nature’s rhythms. In agroecology, we prioritize solutions that work with ecosystems, not against them. Carnivorous plants embody this principle, turning pest management into a natural, sustainable process. They’re low-maintenance, visually striking, and free of the health risks tied to chemical sprays. Plus, they’re far more appealing than a smelly trap or a buzzing gadget.

Your Next Steps

Ready to ditch the sprays and traps? Start by exploring carnivorous plants at a local nursery or plant show. Butterworts are a great entry point for beginners, while pitcher plants offer maximum impact for those ready to go big. Place them near your pest-prone plants, provide bright light and distilled water, (NEVER FERTILIZE OR SPRAY!) and watch them work their magic. Your indoor jungle will not only be pest-free but also brimming with life and personality.

By choosing carnivorous plants, you’re not just solving a pest problem—you’re becoming a steward of a healthier, more vibrant home. So go ahead, invite a pitcher plant or butterwort into your space, and let nature take care of the rest.