To keep flies away effectively, you can use a combination of natural repellents, traps, and preventive measures:
Natural Repellents and Plants
- Plant herbs and flowers that repel flies around your home or garden, such as basil, marigold, lavender, parsley, mint, and citronella
- Use essential oils or sprays made from eucalyptus, lemongrass, or citronella to deter flies
- Burn citronella candles outdoors to keep flies away
- Sprinkle or diffuse scents like cayenne pepper, cinnamon, cloves, or citrus (orange/lemon peels or essential oils) which flies dislike
Homemade Traps
- Create vinegar and dish soap traps by mixing equal parts water and vinegar with a few drops of dish soap in a glass covered with plastic wrap with holes poked in it. Flies enter but cannot escape and drown
- Make sugar-water traps using a plastic bottle funnel with sugar water and dish soap to lure and trap flies
- Use wine traps by placing wine in a glass covered with plastic wrap with holes to attract and trap flies
- Venus flytraps can be used as a natural insect trap if you want a living solution
Preventive Measures
- Keep windows, doors, and vents sealed and install fly screens to physically block flies from entering your home
- Keep garbage cans tightly sealed and clean them frequently, as decaying waste attracts flies
- Store food in airtight containers and avoid leaving dirty dishes or food scraps exposed
- Clean up pet feces and animal waste promptly to reduce fly breeding grounds
- Remove rotting organic material like grass clippings and leaves from near your home
- Turn off outdoor lights at night or use yellow bulbs to reduce fly attraction, as flies are drawn to bright lights
Other Tips
- Hanging clear plastic bags half-filled with water in problem areas may repel flies, though this method is anecdotal and less proven
By combining these strategies—using natural repellents, traps, good sanitation, and physical barriers—you can significantly reduce flies around your home and garden.
