10 Best Plants That Repel Flies To Keep Your Home Fly-Free

In the summertime, pesky flies can be an unwelcome nuisance in the home. Not only do they buzz around your head, but they can contaminate food and spread germs. Fortunately, some plants can help repel flies and keep your home fly-free. From plant herbs to flowers, these plants can be a natural and effective deterrent for flies. 

One of the most widely used plants for repelling flies is the citronella plant. This perennial is a member of the geranium family and has an aroma that drives away flies. It can be grown in pots or on the ground and will continue to repel flies as long as its leaves remain fresh. If you need more plant options, let us explore the best plants that repel flies and provide tips to keep your home free from these tiny pests.

Why Do You Have So Many Flies In Your Garden All of A Sudden?

As summer approaches, flies become more active, and if left unchecked, they can quickly take over your garden. While flies are an annoyance, they are also signs that something may be wrong with your garden. Here are some reasons why you may suddenly have an influx of flies in your garden.

1. Poor Sanitation

Flies are attracted to contaminated areas. It may attract many flies if your garden has excess debris like dead leaves, old plant matter, and rotting fruit. Flies eat decaying organic matter and lay their eggs in it. To prevent flies from taking over your garden, keep it clean and tidy by removing any dead plant matter and disposing of it properly.

plants that repel flies
The Reason Why You Have So Many Flies In Your Garden

2. Standing Water

Standing water is a breeding ground for flies, so if you have any pools of water in your garden, it could be the culprit for your fly infestation. To prevent this, clean up any standing water and fill in any holes or depressions in your garden that could trap moisture.

3. Unwanted Guests

They could bring flies if you have pets or wildlife visiting your garden. Pets can bring flies into the garden if they carry them on their fur or mouths. The garden is attractive to flies because of the availability of food. It may come from pet food or because of the presence of other insects.

4. Warm Temperature

Warm temperatures can bring flies into a garden because they are attracted to the warmth and light, providing them with a hospitable environment for breeding. Warmer temperatures also mean more food is available for them to feed on, such as decaying plant matter, insects, and other small animals. Flies are also attracted to the smell of ripening fruit, so gardens with fruit trees can be especially prone to an influx of flies.

What Time of Year Are Flies Most Active?

Flies are most active during the year’s warmer months, typically from late spring through early fall, because they are cold-blooded creatures and rely on the sun’s heat to stay active and reproduce. They are also attracted to food sources, such as garbage and animal waste, which are more abundant during summer.

plants that repel flies
Time of Year That Flies Most Active

In addition, flies typically start to show up in late May, peak in population in August and September and stop reproducing in October. Flies can “overwinter” as adults or pupae after this time.

What Smell Will Keep Flies Away?

Many people will opt for sprays and bug zappers when it comes to keeping flies away. However, you can use natural methods to repel flies, such as certain smells. Here is a look at some scents that will help keep flies away.

1. Citrus

Citrus fruits like lemons, limes, and oranges contain a strong smell that flies find repulsive. You can place cut-up pieces of these fruits around the area you want to keep the flies away. You can also fill a spray bottle with water and a few drops of essential citrus oils and spray it around the area.

2. Mint

Mint is another smell that flies find unappealing. You can plant mint around the area you want to keep the flies away, or you can make a spray by combining water and mint essential oil.

3. Garlic

Garlic is known for its pungent smell, and many people use it in cooking. However, this is one of the best plants that deter flies. You can place garlic cloves around the area you want to keep the flies away, or you can make a spray by combining garlic and water.

4. Rosemary

Rosemary has a strong, unmistakable smell that repels flies. The strong scent of rosemary is thought to block the receptors on flies’ antennae, which are used to detect food, making it difficult for them to locate potential food sources.

5. Cloves

Cloves have a strong, pungent smell that can be used to help keep flies away. The scent of cloves can be unpleasant to some insects, and flies, in particular, are deterred by the smell. Cloves can be used in various ways to help keep flies away, such as placing them in a mesh bag or scattering them around the perimeter of the area where flies are present.

Best Plants That Repel Flies

Flies are annoying pests that can ruin outdoor activities and damper summer fun. While fly repellents can help, several plants can act as natural fly repellents. Here are some of the best plants that repel flies.

1. Basil (Ocimum Basilicum)

plants that repel flies
Ocimum Basilicum

Basil is an aromatic plant known for its flies repellent abilities. It is recommended as fly repellent since the smell can deter flies and other insects. Basil also has antiseptic properties and can help reduce the chances of getting a fly-borne illness. Therefore, it is an effective way to keep flies out of your garden or home. Additionally, basil is an attractive plant that can add beauty to your garden.

2. Lavender (Lavandula)

plants that repel flies
Lavandula

Lavender is one of the most effective plant flies-repellent due to its strong aroma. The fragrant smell of lavender deters flies and insects from entering your home and garden. The essential oils in lavender are known to be effective against flying insects, and they can be used to repel flies indoors. 

Lavender can be planted in your garden, placed in strategic spots around your home, or used as an oil or spray to help keep flies away. Its calming scent helps make outdoor activities more enjoyable.

3. Mint (Mentha)

plants that repel flies
Mentha

Mint is another fragrant plant known as a plant that repels flies. The odor of mint is offensive to flies and other insects, making it a great natural way to keep them away from your home and outdoor areas. This outdoor fly repellent also has many other benefits, such as being an attractive ornamental plant and adding flavor to recipes. It’s often used to make teas and has antiseptic properties. 

4. Marigold (Tagetes)

plants that repel flies
Marigold (Tagetes)

Marigolds are bright and cheerful flowering plants often used in landscaping. Their bright colors and the strong smell can help repel flies. The plant contains pyrethrum, a natural insecticide that can kill or repel many insects. The plant’s scent can be unpleasant to flies, and they tend to avoid it.

5. Catnip (Nepeta Cataria)

Nepeta Cataria
Nepeta Cataria

Catnip is an excellent plant for repelling flies because it contains a compound called nepetalactone, which is a strong deterrent for flies. Additionally, catnip has a strong scent that many flies find unpleasant, making it even more effective for repelling them. Catnip is easy to grow and is generally safe around pets and children.

6. Rosemary (Salvia Rosmarinus)

Salvia Rosmarinus
Salvia Rosmarinus

Rosemary is one of the most excellent fly-repellent plants. The pungent aroma of the leaves can repel flies and other insects, such as mosquitoes and ticks. Rosemary also contains insecticidal properties that help keep flies away from your garden. Additionally, rosemary can be used as an ingredient in homemade fly repellents and sprays, making it an excellent choice for a natural insect repellent.

7. Lemon Balm (Melissa Officinalis)

Lemon Balm (Melissa Officinalis)
Lemon Balm (Melissa Officinalis)

Lemon balm is one of the best plants that can be used to repel flies, as it has a strong citrus scent that is unpleasant to flies also lemon balm has high concentrations of a citronellal chemical, which makes it so powerful as an insect repellent. Put a lemon balm plant in your garden to ward off mosquitoes rather than using dangerous chemical repellents. The aroma of lemon balm is also said to have a calming effect on humans, which makes it a great addition to any garden. 

8. Sage (Salvia Officinalis)

Sage (Salvia Officinalis)
Sage (Salvia Officinalis)

Sage’s potent aroma and oil deter flies and mosquitoes. Sage is one of the best perennial plants for any garden and can be planted in containers, flower pots, or directly in the ground. Keep these potted plants inside your home, and after the leaves have dried, remove cuttings and burn them. This flies-resistant plant is beneficial when hosting outdoor gatherings.

9. Garlic (Allium Sativum)

Allium Sativum
Allium Sativum

Garlic, like onions and other alliums, has large amounts of sulfonic acid, which emits a pungent odor that repels flies. This odor is effective in repelling flies and other annoying insects. To use garlic as a natural fly repellent, simply crush some cloves and spread them around the area where flies are present. You can also make an easy garlic spray by blending garlic cloves with water and spraying the mixture around the house.

10. Bay Laurel (Laurus Nobilis)

Bay Laurel (Laurus Nobilis)
Bay Laurel (Laurus Nobilis)

Bay laurel is the perfect plant to grow as a whole hedge to keep pests out of your yard and away from your house. The leaves of the bay laurel plant contain essential oils, such as eucalyptol, that are known to repel flies. The essential oils present in the plant can also act as a natural insecticide against flies and other insect pests. Your bay laurel will grow into an almost impenetrable wall that any flying insects will avoid if it is planted closely together and in full sun.

Final Thought

Flies repelling plants are a great way to keep pesky insects away from your home and garden. Not only do they provide a natural, non-toxic way to ward off flies, but they can also add beauty to your outdoor space.

The best plants that repel flies are herbs, such as lavender, rosemary, basil, mint, marigolds, and more. With a variety of options to choose from, you can find the perfect plant to keep your outdoor areas free of flies.


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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

How do you get rid of flies fast?

One of the quickest ways to get rid of flies is to set up an electronic fly swatter. This works well because the electric shock kills the fly quickly and effectively. Another way to get rid of flies is to use an insect spray, which kills the flies on contact. If you prefer naturally-repellent plants, use a natural fly repellent like clove oil, lavender oil, or eucalyptus oil to repel flies. Or, you can consider plants that repel flies in the article above.

What causes fly infestation?

Fly infestations can be caused by several factors, including rotting food, garbage, or feces; open door or window screens; improper waste disposal; and inadequate sanitation. Other common causes include overcrowding and poor housekeeping practices. In some cases, fly infestations may also be caused by a nearby breeding site, such as a pond, septic tank, or compost pile.

Do flies hate lavender?

Yes, flies do seem to dislike lavender because of its strong smell. The pungent smell of lavender can be overwhelming for flies and can act as an insect repellent. Lavender also contains compounds like linalool and linalyl acetate, known to repel insects. If you are looking for other plants that repel flies, please read the article above.

Does peppermint keep flies away?

Yes, peppermint can help keep flies away. The strong scent of peppermint can be used to repel flies and other insects. To use peppermint as a fly repellent, mix 10-15 drops of peppermint essential oil with two cups of water in a spray bottle and spray it in areas where flies tend to congregate. Its natural insect repellent will help keep flies away without using harsh chemicals.

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