Sasha CampbellDid you know that some plants in your yard may help make the area less attractive to flies?
Plants like lavender, basil, catnip, and rosemary contain aromatic oils that may help deter house flies, cluster flies, and other insect pests.
Planting fragrant herbs around outdoor gathering spots can help keep insect pests away.
Best Plants for Repelling Flies
Here are 19 plants that may help naturally discourage flies.
1. Basil
The strong scent of basil leaves may help deter flies and other pests.
Place a few basil plants around outdoor gathering areas or near your home’s entryways.
When you touch the plant, it releases strong-smelling oils. Sweet basil and lemon basil are good choices.
2. Garlic
Garlic is often included in gardens for its strong aroma, which may help discourage flies and other insect pests.
Plant garlic cloves in your garden or containers. You can also make a garlic spray by blending several garlic cloves with water, straining the mixture, and spraying it around problem areas.
The aroma of garlic may help make the area less attractive to flies. However, test on a small area first to make sure it does not harm plants.
3. Catnip
Catnip is not just for cats. It may also help keep flies and mosquitoes away.
Place several catnip plants around the perimeter of your outdoor space. The aromatic oil in catnip, nepetalactone [1], has insect-repellent properties and may help deter flies and other insects.
Regularly rub the leaves to release their essential oils for the best repellent effect.
4. Carnivorous Plants
Carnivorous plants can catch a few flies and other small insects. However, they should not be relied upon as a primary method of fly control.
Their modified leaves trap insects, which the plants feed on. These fascinating plants lure insects into specialized traps that capture and digest their prey.
Once an insect lands on the trigger hairs inside, the trap snaps shut. Digestive enzymes then break down the insect, providing nutrients to the plant.
5. Eucalyptus
The aromatic leaves of the eucalyptus plant may help discourage flies, including cluster flies.
You can place cut branches in a vase near doors or windows. The scent may help discourage flies from coming inside.
6. Tansy
The tansy plant may also repel flies in your garden with its fern-like leaves and yellow button flowers. The common tansy contains aromatic compounds that may help deter flies and other insects.
It may also help deter ticks, moths, ants, and other insects. So, put pots of tansy near outdoor gathering spots, entryways, or compost bins where flies gather.
Note: Common tansy can spread aggressively in some areas and is toxic if consumed by people or livestock [2].
7. Lavender
The pleasant aroma of lavender is appealing to humans and may help deter many insects, including black flies. Therefore, plant lavender bushes around outdoor gathering areas, entryways, or compost bins.
Lavender essential oil has a pleasant scent that many insects tend to avoid. Its natural insecticidal properties may make it less attractive to many insects.
8. Lemon Balm
Lemon balm is a perennial herb with a strong lemon-mint scent that may help deter gnats, flies, mosquitoes, and other biting insects.
The thick leaves and strong smell make it difficult for these insects to linger around. They don’t like it, so they move on.
Crushed leaves release aromatic oils that some people use as a natural insect deterrent.
9. Bay Laurel
Bay laurel has traditionally been used to help deter various household insects because of its aromatic oils. It produces leaves that contain insect-repelling chemicals.
Crush a few bay leaves between your hands to release their aromatic oils. Flies and other insects may be less likely to linger in the area.
10. Pyrethrum Daisy (Tanacetum cinerariifolium)
Pyrethrum daisies are well known for producing pyrethrins, natural compounds with insecticidal and insect-repellent properties [3]. These compounds are used in some natural insect sprays, but the plants in your garden may only have a mild effect.
Plant pyrethrum daisies around patios, garden borders, or near entryways where flies tend to gather. While the plants alone won’t eliminate a fly problem, they may help make the area less attractive to flies and other insect pests.
Pyrethrum daisies not only deter pests, but they also produce attractive white flowers with yellow centers. This combination adds beauty to the garden.
11. Marigolds
Marigolds have a strong smell and thick leaves. They may help create a natural barrier that discourages flies and other pests.
Therefore, plant them around patios, gardens, and entryways.
12. Mint
Place potted mint plants around the patio or deck areas where you can entertain. The aroma may help discourage flies from buzzing around you and your guests.
Crushed mint leaves release aromatic oils that some people also use as a natural insect deterrent.
13. Pennyroyal
The potent, minty aroma of pennyroyal may help deter flies and other insects. You can also make pennyroyal spray to protect your room from insects.
However, pennyroyal can be very toxic even in small amounts and should be avoided in gardens where children or pets may be present.
14. Rosemary
Rosemary’s strong, woodsy fragrance may help discourage flies. It can be used in several ways, including growing plants around outdoor living areas and entryways.
You can also make a homemade rosemary essential oil spray.
In a spray bottle, add a few drops of rosemary essential oil to water. Mist it around doorways and windowsills.
The fragrance will make your home cozy and inviting, but not for flies.
Rosemary plants are generally safe for dogs and cats. However, concentrated essential oils should be used with caution around pets.
15. Sage
The aromatic oils in sage also act as natural insecticides and repellents.
Therefore, plant sage around outdoor living areas, in your garden, or near your home’s entryways. The scent may help discourage flies and other bugs from lingering in the area.
Plant several sage plants together for the strongest potential repellent effect.
16. Wormwood
The bitter herb wormwood contains compounds that can help keep flies and other insects at bay.
Growing wormwood around your yard may help reduce the number of flies nearby. It can also spread quickly in some gardens.
Note: Wormwood contains compounds that can be toxic if consumed in large amounts. Therefore, it should be grown with care around children and pets.
17. Lemongrass
Does lemongrass repel flies? Many flies appear to dislike its strong scent.
Lemongrass is a tropical grass with a refreshing lemon-like aroma that may help repel flies. Its oil contains citral and geraniol, which many insects dislike.
You can plant lemongrass in your garden or in flowerpots to bring indoors. It grows best in full sun but can tolerate some shade.
Place the flowerpots around your home’s entryways or where flies congregate. The lemony fragrance will waft through the air and may help keep away flies.
Lemongrass essential oil can also be diluted in water and sprayed around the house.
18. Citronella
Citronella is better known for helping reduce mosquitoes, but it may also discourage some flies.
To use citronella, plant citronella grass (Cymbopogon nardus) in your yard.
The tall grass blades contain citronellal [4], the essential oil that gives citronella its distinctive smell. Some people use properly diluted citronella oil as an insect repellent.
Citronella oil and candles are natural ways to keep flies away from patios and decks. The oil can also be used to make homemade fly spray by mixing a few drops with water in a spray bottle.
19. Butterworts (Pinguicula)
If you are looking for a plant that kills rather than repels, Butterworts (Pinguicula) are among the plants that kill flies naturally [5].
Moreover, many butterwort species can be grown in containers. They are often easier to care for than some other carnivorous plants.
Point to Note
While these plants may help discourage flies, they work best when combined with good sanitation practices. This means properly managing trash, removing any standing water, and keeping outdoor eating areas clean.
Takeaway
The plants listed above are among the best for controlling flies.
No plant can completely get rid of flies by itself. However, growing fragrant herbs and flowers and keeping your outdoor spaces clean can help reduce fly problems naturally.
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