These 15 Simple Things Help Keep Flies Out of My Home

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Flies play an important role in the ecosystem, but no one wants them buzzing around all the time. They can quickly ruin outdoor fun, especially when they swarm around food and drinks. Inside the home, flies can be annoying—especially in the kitchen—and may carry bacteria that spread illness.

The good news is that many natural remedies can help keep flies away. If you’re tired of dealing with these pests, try one of these effective natural fly repellents.

Citronella

Citronella is an essential oil derived from the distillation of compounds found in various types of lemongrass. Its potent smell is highly effective at repelling different types of flying insects, including mosquitoes and biting flies. To keep flies out, you can use citronella in oil burners and candles in your yard and near open windows.

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Garlic

The strong odor of garlic deters many different flying insects. Place crushed garlic cloves around your outdoor seating areas or mix them with diluted water to make a potent garlic spray.

Essential Oil Spray

Homemade essential oil spray is a great way to deter flies inside and outside the home. Combine a mix of essential oils such as tea tree, citronella, eucalyptus, and lavender with water and a bit of witch hazel or alcohol and spray this mixture around to repel flies. Take care of soft furnishings, as some oils may leave a slight stain.

Basil

Basil plants produce a pungent aroma that is remarkably effective at deterring many different types of flies. In fact, basil is considered an effective fly repellent and is being trialed as a natural alternative to chemical pesticides!

To get the best results, grow this summer herb in pots around your outdoor seating area and near open doorways and windows.

Lavender

Lavender plants may smell delightful, but their pleasant aroma can help repel moths, fleas, flies, and mosquitoes. Plant lavender in the garden to repel outdoor insects, and use dried lavender sachets indoors as a natural pest control solution.

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Cloves & Citrus Fruit

Both cloves and citrus fruit can help to repel flies, so combine the two, and you’ve got a powerful fly repellent! Take any citrus fruit – lemons are a good option – and stud the rind with cloves to release the pungent aroma. Avoid using sweeter citrus fruits such as oranges, which may attract ants and fruit flies.

Marigolds

The leaves and flowers of marigold plants emit a distinctive smell that deters flies, mosquitoes, and other pests. Plant marigolds around your garden to create a natural barrier, and place them in pots on garden tables and near doorways and windows. Marigolds also help attract beneficial insects that can help keep garden pests at bay.

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Fans

On a hot summer day, just the simple act of putting some fans around your outdoor seating area can be enough to keep flies away! Many airborne insects are weak fliers that struggle in strong air currents, leading them to move to a calmer location.

Rosemary

Rosemary has long been used as a fly repellent, and can be used fresh, dried, or as an essential oil. The leaves of rosemary contain a substance called borneol that has been shown to have a repellent effect on insects, including flies and mosquitoes. Plant rosemary in your garden and pick sprigs to use indoors.

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Plastic Water Bags

The light refracting through a clear plastic bag filled with water confuses the vision of flying insects, encouraging them to move on elsewhere. Hang water-filled bags above your outdoor seating areas, and you should find that the number of flying insects has been greatly reduced.

Geraniums

Geranium plants contain a substance called citronellol, which is particularly effective against houseflies. Plant containers filled with geraniums around their homes to keep houseflies at bay.

Vinegar and Dish Soap Trap

In some situations, the only way to rid ourselves of flying insects is to trap them. Mix apple cider vinegar with a few drops of dish soap in a shallow dish and place the trap away from your seating area. The vinegar attracts flies, while the soap breaks the surface tension, causing them to drown.

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Eucalyptus

Eucalyptus oil isn’t just good for respiratory illnesses. It is also a highly effective fly repellent. Use eucalyptus oil in a diffuser for long-lasting results.

Catnip

Catnip contains nepetalactone, a strong repellent effective against mosquitoes and flies. Catnip is easy to grow and can be dried for use indoors. Remember that if you have cats, they will also love to nestle in your catnip plants!

Vanilla

Vanilla is one of the more pleasant aromas for repelling flies. A blend of vanilla and citronella candles creates a lovely fragrance that repels flying insects both inside and outside your home.

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