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Flies have their place in nature, but that doesn’t mean you want them buzzing around your patio or making themselves at home in your kitchen. They seem to appear the moment food comes out, and indoors they can be more than just annoying. Since flies often land on garbage, pet waste, and other dirty surfaces, they can spread germs wherever they go.
If you’re looking for ways to keep flies away without relying on harsh chemicals, there are plenty of simple options that work surprisingly well. Many of them use ingredients or plants you may already have around the house.
Citronella
Citronella is made from lemongrass and has long been used to keep flying insects away. Its strong scent helps discourage flies, mosquitoes, and other unwanted bugs.
Burn citronella candles on your patio or place an oil diffuser near open doors and windows to help keep flies from wandering inside.
Related: How to Make Homemade Citronella Candle
Garlic
Garlic isn’t just useful in the kitchen. Its strong smell is one that many flying insects prefer to avoid.
Scatter a few crushed cloves around outdoor seating areas or blend garlic with water to make a homemade spray for porches, patios, and other spots where flies gather.
Essential Oil Spray
A homemade spray is an easy way to freshen your home while making it less inviting to flies.
Mix water with witch hazel or rubbing alcohol, then add a few drops of tea tree, eucalyptus, lavender, and citronella essential oils. Spray around doorways, windows, patios, and garbage bins. Test fabrics first since some oils may leave marks.
Basil
Basil does more than flavor your favorite recipes. Its strong fragrance also helps discourage flies.
Grow basil in containers near patios, windows, or entryways where flies tend to gather. Fresh plants work best during the warmer months.
Lavender
People love the scent of lavender, but many insects don’t.
Plant lavender around outdoor living spaces or place dried lavender sachets inside your home to help discourage flies, moths, mosquitoes, and fleas.
Related: 16 Stunning Purple Perennial Flowers That Will Make Your Garden Pop
Cloves and Citrus
Cloves and citrus make an old-fashioned fly repellent that’s still worth trying.
Cut a lemon in half and press whole cloves into the flesh. Place the halves on picnic tables, kitchen counters, or outdoor dining areas. Lemons and limes are better choices than sweeter fruits, which may attract ants or fruit flies.
Marigolds
Marigolds are among the easiest flowers to grow, and they offer more than colorful blooms.
Their scent helps discourage flies and mosquitoes while attracting pollinators and other helpful insects to the garden. Plant them near doors, patios, or vegetable beds for the best results.
Related: Cheap Perennials to Grow That Will Make Your Garden Pop
Fans
One of the easiest ways to keep flies away doesn’t involve any sprays or plants.
Flies are weak fliers, so the steady breeze from a box fan or ceiling fan makes it difficult for them to land. Setting up a fan near outdoor dining areas can make a noticeable difference.
Rosemary
Rosemary has been used for generations to discourage insects.
Grow it in pots near entrances or snip a few fresh sprigs and place them indoors. You can also diffuse rosemary essential oil if you prefer.
Related: How to Make Rosemary Water for Hair
Plastic Bags Filled with Water
You may have noticed clear bags of water hanging outside restaurants or barns.
Some people believe the reflected light and movement confuse flies, making them avoid the area. While opinions differ on how well this works, it’s an inexpensive trick that’s easy to try.
Geraniums
Geraniums brighten up porches and window boxes while helping reduce fly activity around your home.
Many scented varieties contain citronellol, a natural compound that flies dislike. Place potted geraniums near doors, decks, and outdoor seating areas.
Apple Cider Vinegar and Dish Soap Trap
If flies have already moved in, a simple homemade trap can help reduce their numbers.
Pour a little apple cider vinegar into a shallow bowl and add a few drops of dish soap. The vinegar attracts flies, while the soap breaks the surface tension so they sink instead of escaping.
Related: Homemade Fruit Fly Trap with Apple Cider Vinegar
Eucalyptus
Eucalyptus oil has a fresh, clean scent that many people enjoy, while flies tend to avoid it.
Add a few drops to a diffuser or mix it into a homemade spray for use around windows, doors, and outdoor gathering areas.
Catnip
Catnip contains a natural compound called nepetalactone that helps discourage flies and mosquitoes.
It’s easy to grow in containers or garden beds, and the leaves can also be dried for indoor use. Just be prepared for neighborhood cats to pay your plants a visit.
Vanilla
Vanilla offers one of the nicest scents on this list while still helping make your space less inviting to flies.
Try pairing vanilla candles with citronella candles on your patio. Together they create a pleasant fragrance for people while helping keep flying pests away during outdoor meals and gatherings.
