Can natural fly repellents really keep those pesky house flies, blowflies, fruit flies, and cluster flies away? Yes, there are few natural repellents that will run away flies living in and around your home. I will share which repellents work best in the paragraphs below.

Flies are the most annoying of household pests and they really work most people’s nerves. If you are dealing with a fly infestation in your home it is something that should not be taken likely. In fact, you should take care of your fly problem right away. Flies are filthy insects that can contaminate your food and transmit diseases that can make you sick. That said, you do not want flies crawling over your body or landing on your food for obvious reasons.

Which Natural Fly Repellents Work Best?

Essential Oils

Spray or diffusing essential oils at home leaves your house smelling good. But did you also know you can use certain essential oils to repel pests and keep them out of your house? Many of my friends and I have used eucalyptus, lavender, lemongrass, and peppermint to make our homes less attractive to flies and other insects and bugs. Although you can diffuse these scents to deter flies, my preference is to create an effective repellent spray.

An essential oil fly repellent is easy to prepare. You will need a small spray bottle. Add two drops of either eucalyptus, lavender, lemongrass, or peppermint and 6 ounces of water. Spray the oils around the house to keep flies away.

Cayenne Pepper Spray

Cayenne pepper is the way to go if you are looking for a safe and effective way to repel flies and other small pesky critters. Bugs and insects can’t stand the heat from the cayenne and will avoid it. To prepare the cayenne pepper spray you will need 1 cup of warm water, 1 teaspoon of freshly ground cayenne pepper powder and a fine mist spray bottle. Add the water and ground pepper to the spray bottle and shake well. Spray the cayenne pepper solution in doorways, windows, and wherever else you have seen flies.

Lemon and Cloves

I have had great success using fresh lemons and cloves to keep flies away from my guests and house. Flies can not longer crash dinner parties or harass my family as we eat dinner. Whether your fly problems are inside or outside you can use lemon and clove as a natural repellent.

Here is how to prepare the lemons. Cut the ends off of each lemon, then cut them in half.  Now take your whole cloves and wedges as many as you can into the exposed fleshed of each lemon half. I usually sit these natural repellents on a decorative dish and place them where most people will be gathered. They repel flies well.

Fly Repellent Plants

A few of my friends with green thumbs are using plants as natural fly repellents. They enjoy gardening and the beauty that natural plants provide so it was no brainer to grow a few plants specifically to take care of fly problems. So which plants repel flies best? From what I have been told the plants’ basil, bay leaf, lavender and rosemary work best. Fly repellent plants are another option if you are up to the task of growing them.

5 Herbs That Repel The Common Housefly Naturally

1. Rosemary

It’s likely you already know that rosemary is an excellent spice for cooking and grilling. Rosemary is not that well known for repelling the housefly. If you are battling with insects buzzing around in the kitchen you should plant and grow the rosemary herb in your kitchen window sill. Any rosemary you plant will go a long way to reducing the number of flying insects you see buzzing around the home.

2. Tansy

Tansy is another little-known herb that repels the common housefly and other insects like crazy. The Tansy plant’s flowers are colored and resemble marigolds. In deterring the annoying housefly, tansy is also effective at removing ants, fleas, moths, and mice.

3. Mint

Mint taste so good in adult beverages. But did you also know mint can be used to combat the common housefly? The smell of mint is too much to handle for many of the pests you’ll find flying in the home. Keep a few mint plants growing to reduce the number of bugs and insects you see crawling and flying around your residence.

4. Lavender

Lavender smells so good in bathwater and essential oil diffusers. I have never had a problem with the housefly or any other flying insects since I starting diffusing lavender. You should give lavender a try to see if it works for you too.

5. Basil

I add basil, to my pesto, pasta, and salad too. In my home, pots of basil are grown year-round. Most of my basil is used for cooking. However, from time to time used fresh basil to run houseflies away from my kitchen. Basil works for me and possibly could work for you too. Give it a try.

Permanent Solution For House Flies

Apple Cider Vinegar and Dish Soap

This option is not a repellent but more of a permanent solution for flies. There will be times when you are angry and just want to get rid of those annoying flies as soon as possible. If this is the case, you can set a fly trap using apple cider vinegar and dish soap. Using apple cider vinegar as an attractant, you will not have a problem attracting all the flies that are giving you trouble. Flies are attracted to its sweet order and will swarm like bees to honey when you place it out.

It’s easy to set your apple cider vinegar and dish soap trap. Just pour the vinegar into a cup or bowl, add two or 3 drops of liquid dish soap. Place the trap where the flies are most active and within a day or two, your fly problems will be taken care of.

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Final Words

In order for natural repellents to be the most effective you must practice good housekeeping and hygiene in and around your home. I’ve tested these repellents and through trial and error found what works best for me. You must do the same in order to find out the best solution for you.