10 Plants that Keep Flies Away Outside

The Importance of Keeping Flies Away

As the weather gets warmer and we spend more time outside, pesky flies can quickly become an unwanted nuisance. Not only are they annoying, but flies can also carry diseases and bacteria that can be harmful to humans and pets. Luckily, there are several plants that can help keep flies away naturally.

How These Plants Keep Flies Away

Before diving into the specific types of plants, it's important to understand how they work to repel flies. Many of these plants contain compounds that are unpleasant or toxic to flies, making them want to stay far away. Additionally, some plants attract other beneficial insects that prey on flies, such as wasps and ladybugs.

1. Lavender

Appearance and Growing Tips

Lavender is a beautiful and fragrant plant that not only looks great in any garden but also helps keep flies away. To grow lavender, make sure you plant it in well-draining soil and give it plenty of sunlight. Water it regularly but be careful not to overwater, as lavender doesn't like sitting in water.

How It Works

The scent of lavender is highly unpleasant to flies, making them want to avoid it at all costs. Additionally, lavender attracts other beneficial insects like bees, which can help keep the fly population under control.

2. Basil

Appearance and Growing Tips

Basil is a versatile herb that is easy to grow both indoors and outdoors. It prefers well-draining soil and plenty of sunlight, so make sure to plant it in a sunny spot in your garden. Water it regularly but be careful not to overwater, as basil doesn't like sitting in water.

How It Works

The strong scent of basil is highly unpleasant to flies, making them want to stay away. Additionally, basil has been shown to repel other pests like mosquitoes and thrips.

3. Mint

Appearance and Growing Tips

Mint is a hardy herb that is easy to grow both indoors and outdoors. It prefers well-draining soil and plenty of sunlight, so make sure to plant it in a sunny spot in your garden. Water it regularly but be careful not to overwater, as mint doesn't like sitting in water.

How It Works

The strong scent of mint is highly unpleasant to flies, making them want to stay away. Additionally, mint attracts other beneficial insects like bees and wasps, which can help keep the fly population under control.

4. Marigolds

Appearance and Growing Tips

Marigolds are a colorful and easy-to-grow flower that can add a pop of color to any garden. They prefer well-draining soil and plenty of sunlight, so make sure to plant them in a sunny spot in your garden. Water them regularly but be careful not to overwater, as marigolds don't like sitting in water.

How It Works

The strong scent of marigolds is highly unpleasant to flies, making them want to stay away. Additionally, marigolds attract other beneficial insects like ladybugs, which can help keep the fly population under control.

5. Rosemary

Appearance and Growing Tips

Rosemary is a fragrant herb that is easy to grow both indoors and outdoors. It prefers well-draining soil and plenty of sunlight, so make sure to plant it in a sunny spot in your garden. Water it regularly but be careful not to overwater, as rosemary doesn't like sitting in water.

How It Works

The strong scent of rosemary is highly unpleasant to flies, making them want to stay away. Additionally, rosemary attracts other beneficial insects like bees, which can help keep the fly population under control.

6. Lemongrass

Appearance and Growing Tips

Lemongrass is an aromatic herb that is native to tropical regions. It prefers well-draining soil and plenty of sunlight, so make sure to plant it in a sunny spot in your garden. Water it regularly but be careful not to overwater, as lemongrass doesn't like sitting in water.

How It Works

The strong scent of lemongrass is highly unpleasant to flies, making them want to stay away. Additionally, lemongrass has been shown to repel other pests like mosquitoes and ticks.

7. Chrysanthemums

Appearance and Growing Tips

Chrysanthemums are a beautiful and easy-to-grow flower that can add a pop of color to any garden. They prefer well-draining soil and plenty of sunlight, so make sure to plant them in a sunny spot in your garden. Water them regularly but be careful not to overwater, as chrysanthemums don't like sitting in water.

How It Works

Chrysanthemums contain a natural insecticide called pyrethrum, which is highly toxic to flies. This makes them a great choice for keeping flies away naturally.

8. Nasturtiums

Appearance and Growing Tips

Nasturtiums are a colorful and edible flower that can be used in salads and other dishes. They prefer well-draining soil and plenty of sunlight, so make sure to plant them in a sunny spot in your garden. Water them regularly but be careful not to overwater, as nasturtiums don't like sitting in water.

How It Works

The strong scent of nasturtiums is highly unpleasant to flies, making them want to stay away. Additionally, nasturtiums attract other beneficial insects like aphids, which can help keep the fly population under control.

9. Petunias

Appearance and Growing Tips

Petunias are a beautiful and easy-to-grow flower that can add a pop of color to any garden. They prefer well-draining soil and plenty of sunlight, so make sure to plant them in a sunny spot in your garden. Water them regularly but be careful not to overwater, as petunias don't like sitting in water.

How It Works

The strong scent of petunias is highly unpleasant to flies, making them want to stay away. Additionally, petunias attract other beneficial insects like bees, which can help keep the fly population under control.

10. Eucalyptus

Appearance and Growing Tips

Eucalyptus is a fragrant tree that is native to Australia. It prefers well-draining soil and plenty of sunlight, so make sure to plant it in a sunny spot in your garden. Water it regularly but be careful not to overwater, as eucalyptus doesn't like sitting in water.

How It Works

The strong scent of eucalyptus is highly unpleasant to flies, making them want to stay away. Additionally, eucalyptus attracts other beneficial insects like bees, which can help keep the fly population under control.

In there are several plants that can help keep flies away naturally. From lavender and basil to marigolds and petunias, these plants not only add beauty to your garden but also provide a natural way to repel flies. By incorporating these plants into your garden, you can enjoy spending time outside without the annoyance of pesky flies.

FAQs

Q1. Do these plants work for all types of flies?

Yes, these plants work for most types of flies, including house flies, fruit flies, and horse flies.

Q2. Can I use essential oils from these plants to repel flies?

Yes, essential oils from these plants can be used to create a natural fly repellent spray.

Q3. How often do I need to water these plants?

Most of these plants prefer well-draining soil and regular watering, but be careful not to overwater as this can cause root rot.

Q4. Are these plants safe for pets?

While these plants are generally safe for pets, some may be toxic if ingested in large quantities. Always research the specific plant before planting it in your garden.

Q5. Can these plants be grown indoors?

Yes, many of these plants can be grown indoors as long as they have access to plenty of sunlight.