What Can I Use To Keep Flies Away – 15 Powerful Plants & Eco-Friendly

ByRimon Chowdhury Updated on

There’s nothing quite like relaxing on your patio, a cool drink in hand, enjoying the beautiful garden you’ve worked so hard to create. But then it starts: the buzzing. A single fly, then another, and soon your peaceful retreat feels more like a pest party. It’s a frustratingly common problem we gardeners face.

But what if I told you the solution isn’t in a chemical spray can? What if the answer is already in your garden, waiting to be planted? I promise that by the end of this guide, you’ll have a complete toolkit of natural, beautiful, and effective ways to reclaim your outdoor space from these unwanted guests.

We’re going to dive into the best plants that naturally repel flies, explore simple garden maintenance habits that make a huge difference, and even whip up some easy DIY traps. If you’ve been asking yourself, what can i use to keep flies away, you’ve come to the right place. Let’s get started!

Why Choose Natural & Sustainable Fly Control?

Before we dig into the “how,” let’s talk about the “why.” Reaching for a can of insecticide might seem like a quick fix, but it often comes with hidden costs. Harsh chemicals can harm beneficial insects like bees and butterflies, which are essential for a healthy garden ecosystem.

Opting for a sustainable what can i use to keep flies away approach is about working with nature, not against it. By using plants and smart gardening habits, you create a balanced environment. This is one of the key benefits of what can i use to keep flies away naturally.

These eco-friendly methods are safer for your children, pets, and local wildlife. Plus, many of the plants we’ll discuss are beautiful, fragrant, and even edible. It’s a win-win: a pest-free space and a more vibrant, thriving garden!

Your Aromatic Arsenal: Top 15 Plants That Repel Flies

Your garden can be your first line of defense. Many plants produce strong, aromatic oils that flies find repulsive. Planting these strategically around your patio, doorways, and garden beds can create a natural no-fly zone. Here is your ultimate plant guide.

Potent Herbs for Patios and Windowsills

These herbs are perfect for containers, making them ideal for placing right where you need them most. Don’t worry—these are fantastic for beginners!

  1. Basil: Flies detest the strong, pungent smell of basil. It’s a culinary superstar that doubles as a bodyguard for your outdoor dining area.

    Pro Gardener Tip: Plant basil in pots near your kitchen door and patio seating. Gently rustle the leaves as you walk by to release its aromatic oils.

  2. Lavender: While we love the calming scent of lavender, flies can’t stand it. Its beautiful purple spikes add a touch of elegance to any garden space.

    Pro Gardener Tip: Plant lavender in a sunny, well-drained spot. You can also hang dried lavender bundles near entryways.

  3. Rosemary: This woody, fragrant herb is another powerhouse repellent. It’s hardy and thrives in sunny containers or garden beds.

    Pro Gardener Tip: Rosemary is drought-tolerant once established, making it a low-maintenance choice. Its strong scent is most potent on warm days.

  4. Mint: Spearmint, peppermint, and other mint varieties have a powerful aroma that sends flies packing. Be warned: it spreads aggressively!

    Pro Gardener Tip: Always plant mint in containers unless you want it to take over your garden. A pot on the patio table works wonders.

  5. Lemon Balm: A member of the mint family, lemon balm has a lovely citrusy scent that deters flies and mosquitoes.

    Pro Gardener Tip: Like mint, keep this one in a pot to control its spread. Crush a leaf and rub it on your skin for a temporary personal repellent (test a small area first!).

Beautiful Flowers That Do Double Duty

Who said pest control couldn’t be beautiful? These flowering plants add vibrant color to your garden while working hard to keep flies at bay.

  1. Marigolds: A classic in the vegetable garden for a reason! Marigolds contain pyrethrin, a compound used in many commercial insect repellents. Their scent deters flies, nematodes, and other pests.

    Pro Gardener Tip: Plant marigolds as a border around your vegetable garden or in pots on the deck. They are incredibly easy to grow from seed.

  2. Petunias: Sometimes called “nature’s pesticide,” petunias are sticky and can trap small insects like aphids and, to some extent, deter flies with their scent.

    Pro Gardener Tip: Perfect for hanging baskets and window boxes, their cascading blooms provide a beautiful and functional barrier.

  3. Nasturtiums: These cheerful, edible flowers are fantastic for repelling a host of pests, including flies and squash bugs.

    Pro Gardener Tip: Use them as a “trap crop” for aphids to keep them off your veggies. Plus, the leaves and flowers add a peppery kick to salads!

  4. Chrysanthemums: Like marigolds, “mums” are a natural source of pyrethrin. They are a powerful, broad-spectrum insect repellent.

    Pro Gardener Tip: While many varieties work, the painted daisy (Tanacetum coccineum) is particularly effective.

  5. Scented Geraniums: Specifically, the lemon-scented variety (Pelargonium crispum) is fantastic. When the leaves are disturbed, they release a strong citrusy smell that flies hate.

    Pro Gardener Tip: Place them in high-traffic areas where you might brush against them to activate their scent.

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Unique & Powerful Fly-Repelling Plants

Ready for something a little different? These plants offer unique and effective ways to manage fly populations.

  1. Venus Flytrap: Why repel when you can devour? This carnivorous plant is a fascinating and eco-friendly what can i use to keep flies away solution. It won’t solve an infestation, but it’s a fun and effective helper.

    Pro Gardener Tip: Venus flytraps need distilled water and a sunny spot. They make a great conversation piece on a windowsill.

  2. Pitcher Plant: Another carnivorous wonder, pitcher plants lure flies into their tube-like leaves, where they become trapped and digested.

    Pro Gardener Tip: These bog plants need consistently moist soil and lots of sun. They are a stunning and exotic addition to the garden.

  3. Bay Laurel: The bay leaves you use in soups are a fantastic fly repellent. The plant’s glossy, dark green leaves are beautiful year-round.

    Pro Gardener Tip: Grow bay laurel in a pot so you can bring it indoors during winter in colder climates. Scatter dried leaves in your pantry to deter pests there, too.

  4. Wormwood: This silver-leafed plant (Artemisia) has a very strong, bitter scent from the compound absinthin, which is highly repellent to flies, moths, and even mice.

    Pro Gardener Tip: Use with caution. Wormwood can be toxic if ingested and may inhibit the growth of nearby plants. It’s best planted in a contained area away from edibles.

  5. Tansy: A traditional insect repellent, this fern-like plant has clusters of yellow, button-like flowers. It’s effective against flies, ants, and fleas.

    Pro Gardener Tip: Tansy can be invasive and is toxic to livestock. Plant it responsibly in a deep container and never near pastures.

How to What Can I Use to Keep Flies Away: A Practical Garden Management Guide

Planting the right things is half the battle. The other half is creating an environment that flies don’t want to visit in the first place. This section of our what can i use to keep flies away guide focuses on prevention and best practices.

Eliminate Fly Breeding Grounds

Flies are attracted to decaying organic matter and standing water. By managing these, you can dramatically reduce their numbers.

  • Compost Care: Keep your compost pile covered and turn it regularly. A healthy, “hot” compost pile breaks down material quickly and is less attractive to flies. Avoid adding meat or dairy scraps.

  • Water Wisely: Don’t let water accumulate in saucers under pots, birdbaths (change the water every two days), or old tires. Even a small amount of standing water can be a breeding ground.

  • Clean Up Promptly: Pick up fallen fruit from under trees and clean up pet waste immediately. These are major fly magnets.

Strategic Companion Planting

Companion planting is one of the best what can i use to keep flies away tips. It’s the art of placing plants together for mutual benefit. Interspersing repellent herbs and flowers throughout your vegetable beds and near outdoor living spaces creates a multi-layered defense system.

For example, planting a border of marigolds around your tomato patch not only deters flies but also protects the tomato roots from nematodes. Planting basil next to your patio door makes it less likely that flies will follow you inside.

DIY Eco-Friendly Fly Traps & Repellents

Sometimes you need a more active solution. These simple, homemade traps and sprays are effective and use ingredients you probably already have.

The Classic Apple Cider Vinegar Trap

This trap is perfect for fruit flies and common houseflies that make their way to your patio.

  1. Pour about an inch of apple cider vinegar into a jar or glass.

  2. Add a drop of dish soap. This breaks the surface tension, so flies can’t just land on the liquid.

  3. Cover the top with plastic wrap and poke several small holes in it with a toothpick.

  4. Place the trap in an out-of-the-way corner. Flies will be drawn to the scent, crawl inside, and won’t be able to get out.

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Simple Essential Oil Repellent Spray

This spray can be used on outdoor furniture, around door frames, and in other areas where flies congregate.

  • In a spray bottle, combine 1 cup of water and 1 cup of white vinegar.

  • Add 15-20 drops of an essential oil that flies hate, such as peppermint, lavender, eucalyptus, or lemongrass.

  • Shake well before each use and spritz away! Avoid spraying directly onto plant leaves, as the oils can cause burn.

Common Problems with What Can I Use to Keep Flies Away (And How to Solve Them)

Even with the best plans, you might run into a few snags. Here’s how to troubleshoot some common issues.

“My Repellent Plants Aren’t Working!”

If your fly-repelling plants don’t seem to be doing the trick, consider a few things. You may not have enough of them to create a strong barrier. A single pot of basil on a large patio won’t be very effective. Try grouping several repellent plants together for a more powerful effect.

Also, check your plant placement. Are they upwind from where you sit? Their scent needs to travel to the areas you want to protect. Finally, healthy plants are more potent, so follow a proper what can i use to keep flies away care guide for each plant to ensure they are thriving.

“I Have a Fly Infestation That Won’t Quit.”

If you have an overwhelming number of flies, your plants and traps may be fighting a losing battle. This usually means there’s a significant breeding source nearby. Do a thorough inspection of your property for anything we’ve mentioned: standing water, an uncovered compost bin, or forgotten pet waste.

If you can’t find the source on your property, it might be nearby. The key is an integrated approach: use plants to repel, traps to catch, and diligent cleanup to prevent them from breeding in the first place.

Frequently Asked Questions About Keeping Flies Away

Do citronella plants really work for flies?

Citronella grass is famous for repelling mosquitoes, and it has some effect on flies, too. However, the plants we’ve listed above, like basil, lavender, and marigolds, are generally considered more effective specifically for deterring common flies.

Can I use these plants to keep flies out of my house?

Absolutely! Planting these herbs and flowers in window boxes or in pots right outside your doors and windows is an excellent strategy. The aromatic barrier makes it less likely for flies to venture inside when the door is open.

Are these natural methods safe for my pets?

Most of the plants listed, like basil, rosemary, and lavender, are safe for cats and dogs. However, some plants like geraniums, wormwood, and tansy can be toxic if ingested. Always research a plant’s pet-safety profile before planting if you have curious four-legged friends.

Your Fly-Free Garden Awaits

See? You don’t need to declare chemical warfare to enjoy a peaceful afternoon in your garden. By harnessing the power of nature, you can create a beautiful, fragrant, and effective defense against flies.

Remember the three-pronged approach: Repel with aromatic plants, Eliminate breeding grounds through smart garden maintenance, and Trap any stragglers with simple DIY solutions. This complete what can i use to keep flies away strategy puts you back in control.

So, grab your gardening gloves and a few new plants from this list. It’s time to cultivate a stunning garden that not only looks good but works for you. Happy gardening!

Rimon Chowdhury
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