Herbs That Repel Flies

The Problem With Flies

Flies are annoying pests that can make your home or garden feel uncomfortable. They buzz around your head, land on your food, and spread disease. While there are many products on the market that claim to repel flies, some people prefer to use natural methods. In this article, we'll explore some herbs that can help keep flies away.

Why Use Herbs?

There are several reasons why you might choose to use herbs to repel flies. First, they're natural, so you don't have to worry about exposing yourself or your family to harmful chemicals. Second, many herbs have other beneficial properties, such as medicinal or culinary uses. Finally, growing your own herbs is a fun and rewarding hobby.

15 Herbs That Repel Flies

Here are 15 herbs that can help keep flies away:

Basil

Basil is a fragrant herb that's commonly used in Italian cuisine. It has a strong smell that flies dislike, so planting it in your garden or using it as a houseplant can help keep them away. You can also crush the leaves and rub them on your skin as a natural insect repellent.

Lavender

Lavender is a beautiful purple flower that's often used in essential oils and aromatherapy. It has a calming scent that humans love, but flies hate. Planting lavender in your garden or using lavender oil as a room spray can help keep flies at bay.

Mint

Mint is a refreshing herb that's often used in teas and desserts. It has a strong smell that flies find unpleasant, so planting it in your garden or using it as a natural insect repellent can help keep them away. You can also crush the leaves and rub them on your skin to repel mosquitoes.

Rosemary

Rosemary is an evergreen shrub that's often used in Mediterranean cuisine. It has a strong scent that flies dislike, so planting it in your garden or using it as a houseplant can help keep them away. You can also burn rosemary as incense to repel insects.

Thyme

Thyme is a fragrant herb that's often used in French cuisine. It has a pungent smell that flies find unappealing, so planting it in your garden or using it as a natural insect repellent can help keep them away.

Citronella Grass

Citronella grass is a tropical plant that's often used in candles and insect sprays. It contains citronella oil, which is a natural insect repellent. Planting citronella grass in your garden or using citronella oil as a room spray can help keep flies away.

Lemon Balm

Lemon balm is a citrus-scented herb that's often used in teas and desserts. It has a strong smell that flies dislike, so planting it in your garden or using it as a natural insect repellent can help keep them away.

Chives

Chives are a flavorful herb that's often used in salads and as a garnish. They have a strong smell that flies find unappealing, so planting them in your garden or using them as a natural insect repellent can help keep them away.

Dill

Dill is a fragrant herb that's often used in pickles and seafood dishes. It has a strong smell that flies dislike, so planting it in your garden or using it as a natural insect repellent can help keep them away.

Eucalyptus

Eucalyptus is a tall tree that's often used in essential oils and medicinal products. It has a strong scent that flies find unappealing, so using eucalyptus oil as a room spray or burning eucalyptus leaves as incense can help keep them away.

Fennel

Fennel is a flavorful herb that's often used in Mediterranean cuisine. It has a strong smell that flies dislike, so planting it in your garden or using it as a natural insect repellent can help keep them away.

Lemongrass

Lemongrass is a tropical plant that's often used in Thai cuisine. It contains citronella oil, which is a natural insect repellent. Planting lemongrass in your garden or using lemongrass oil as a room spray can help keep flies away.

Mosquito Plant

The mosquito plant, also known as "citrosa geranium," is a type of geranium that's been genetically modified to contain citronella oil. Planting mosquito plants in your garden or using them as houseplants can help keep flies and mosquitoes away.

Nasturtium

Nasturtium is a beautiful flower that's often used in salads and as a garnish. It has a peppery smell that flies dislike, so planting it in your garden or using it as a natural insect repellent can help keep them away.

Pennyroyal

Pennyroyal is a fragrant herb that's often used in teas and as a natural insecticide. It has a strong smell that flies dislike, so planting it in your garden or using it as a natural insect repellent can help keep them away. However, pennyroyal should not be consumed by pregnant women or pets.

How to Use Herbs to Repel Flies

There are several ways to use herbs to repel flies:

Plant Them in Your Garden

Planting herbs that repel flies in your garden is a great way to naturally deter these pests. You can also plant flowers that attract beneficial insects, such as ladybugs and lacewings, which will help control the fly population.

Use Them as Houseplants

Many herbs that repel flies can also be grown indoors as houseplants. This is a great option if you don't have access to outdoor space or if you want to keep flies out of specific rooms in your home.

Make an Herbal Insect Repellent

You can make your own herbal insect repellent by steeping herbs in water and then spraying the solution on your skin or around your home. Some popular herbs for this purpose include basil, lavender, and citronella.

Use Essential Oils

Essential oils are concentrated plant extracts that can be used as natural insect repellents. You can add a few drops of essential oil to a carrier oil, such as coconut or jojoba oil, and then apply it to your skin. Some popular essential oils for repelling flies include peppermint, eucalyptus, and lemongrass.

FAQs About Herbs That Repel Flies

1. Are there any herbs that attract flies?

Yes, there are some herbs that may attract flies, including parsley and coriander. However, these herbs are also beneficial for attracting beneficial insects, such as ladybugs and lacewings, which can help control the fly population.

2. Can I use herbs to repel other pests besides flies?

Yes, many of the herbs that repel flies can also be used to repel other insects, such as mosquitoes, ants, and cockroaches.

3. Are there any risks associated with using herbs to repel flies?

While herbs are generally safe to use, some people may be allergic to certain plants. Additionally, some herbs, such as pennyroyal, can be toxic if consumed in large quantities. Always do your research before using a new herb and consult with a healthcare professional if you have any concerns.

4. Can I use herbs to repel flies indoors?

Yes, many herbs that repel flies can also be grown indoors as houseplants or used as room sprays. This is a great way to keep flies out of specific rooms in your home.

5. Are there any natural predators of flies?

Yes, several animals prey on flies, including spiders, birds, and frogs. You can attract these natural predators to your garden by planting flowers that provide nectar and pollen, such as marigolds and sunflowers.