10 Plants to Keep Flies Away

The Annoying Buzz of Flies

Flies are one of the most common pests that can invade our homes, gardens, and outdoor spaces. They not only cause annoyance with their constant buzzing around, but also pose a potential health hazard by transmitting diseases. While there are several chemical insecticides available in the market to get rid of flies, they can be harmful to both humans and pets. Therefore, using natural methods such as plants that repel flies is an effective and eco-friendly solution.

Here are ten plants that are known for their fly-repelling properties:

Lavender

The Sweet-Smelling Fly Repellent

Lavender is a fragrant plant that is commonly used for its calming effects. However, it's also a great fly repellent. The essential oil found in lavender contains compounds that are toxic to flies, making it an excellent natural fly deterrent. You can plant lavender in pots or directly in the ground near windows, doors, or outdoor seating areas to keep flies away.

How to Grow Lavender

Lavender prefers well-drained soil and needs full sun exposure to grow properly. It's important to water the plant regularly, but make sure to avoid overwatering, as it can lead to root rot. Prune the plant after blooming season to encourage new growth.

Basil

The Culinary Herb that Keeps Flies at Bay

Basil is a popular herb used in cooking, but it's also an effective fly repellent. The strong aroma of basil makes it difficult for flies to locate their food sources, keeping them away from the area. You can plant basil in pots or directly in the ground near doors and windows to keep flies at bay.

How to Grow Basil

Basil thrives in well-drained soil that is rich in organic matter. It needs full sun exposure and regular watering to grow properly. Pinch off the tips of the plant regularly to encourage bushy growth.

Mint

The Fragrant Fly Deterrent

Mint is a fragrant herb that is commonly used for its medicinal properties. However, it's also an excellent natural fly repellent. The strong fragrance of mint makes it difficult for flies to detect their food sources, keeping them away from the area. You can plant mint in pots or directly in the ground near windows, doors, or outdoor seating areas to keep flies away.

How to Grow Mint

Mint prefers moist soil and partial shade, although it can tolerate full sun exposure. Make sure to water the plant regularly, but avoid overwatering. Prune the plant regularly to prevent it from becoming too leggy.

Lemon Balm

The Citrusy Fly Repellent

Lemon balm is a fragrant herb that is commonly used for its calming effects. However, it's also an effective natural fly repellent. The strong lemony scent of lemon balm makes it difficult for flies to locate their food sources, keeping them away from the area. You can plant lemon balm in pots or directly in the ground near windows, doors, or outdoor seating areas to keep flies away.

How to Grow Lemon Balm

Lemon balm prefers moist soil and partial shade, although it can tolerate full sun exposure. Make sure to water the plant regularly, but avoid overwatering. Prune the plant regularly to prevent it from becoming too leggy.

Marigold

The Brightly-Colored Fly Repellent

Marigold is a bright, colorful flower that not only adds beauty to your garden but also repels flies. The strong fragrance of marigold makes it difficult for flies to locate their food sources, keeping them away from the area. You can plant marigold in pots or directly in the ground near windows, doors, or outdoor seating areas to keep flies away.

How to Grow Marigold

Marigold prefers well-drained soil and needs full sun exposure to grow properly. Water the plant regularly, but avoid overwatering. Deadhead the flowers regularly to encourage new growth.

Lemon Grass

The Citronella-Like Fly Repellent

Lemon grass is a fragrant herb that is commonly used in Asian cuisine. However, it's also an effective natural fly repellent. The strong citrusy scent of lemon grass makes it difficult for flies to detect their food sources, keeping them away from the area. You can plant lemon grass in pots or directly in the ground near windows, doors, or outdoor seating areas to keep flies away.

How to Grow Lemon Grass

Lemon grass prefers well-drained soil and needs full sun exposure to grow properly. Water the plant regularly, but avoid overwatering. Cut the leaves regularly to encourage new growth.

Nasturtium

The Peppery Fly Repellent

Nasturtium is a colorful flower that not only adds beauty to your garden but also repels flies. The peppery smell of nasturtium makes it difficult for flies to locate their food sources, keeping them away from the area. You can plant nasturtium in pots or directly in the ground near windows, doors, or outdoor seating areas to keep flies away.

How to Grow Nasturtium

Nasturtium prefers well-drained soil and needs full sun exposure to grow properly. Water the plant regularly, but avoid overwatering. Deadhead the flowers regularly to encourage new growth.

Rosemary

The Aromatic Fly Repellent

Rosemary is a fragrant herb that is commonly used in Mediterranean cuisine. However, it's also an effective natural fly repellent. The strong aroma of rosemary makes it difficult for flies to locate their food sources, keeping them away from the area. You can plant rosemary in pots or directly in the ground near windows, doors, or outdoor seating areas to keep flies away.

How to Grow Rosemary

Rosemary prefers well-drained soil and needs full sun exposure to grow properly. Water the plant regularly, but avoid overwatering. Prune the plant regularly to prevent it from becoming too leggy.

Lemongrass

The Citronella Alternative

Lemongrass is a fragrant herb that is commonly used in Asian cuisine. It's also an effective natural fly repellent that has a similar scent to citronella. The strong citrusy smell of lemongrass makes it difficult for flies to detect their food sources, keeping them away from the area. You can plant lemongrass in pots or directly in the ground near windows, doors, or outdoor seating areas to keep flies away.

How to Grow Lemongrass

Lemongrass prefers well-drained soil and needs full sun exposure to grow properly. Water the plant regularly, but avoid overwatering. Cut the leaves regularly to encourage new growth.

Pennyroyal

The Minty Fly Repellent

Pennyroyal is a fragrant herb that is commonly used for its medicinal properties. It's also an effective natural fly repellent due to its strong minty scent. The fragrance of pennyroyal makes it difficult for flies to detect their food sources, keeping them away from the area. You can plant pennyroyal in pots or directly in the ground near windows, doors, or outdoor seating areas to keep flies away.

How to Grow Pennyroyal

Pennyroyal prefers well-drained soil and partial shade. Make sure to water the plant regularly, but avoid overwatering. Prune the plant regularly to prevent it from becoming too leggy.

Tansy

The Bitter-Scented Fly Repellent

Tansy is a fragrant herb that has a bitter smell. However, it's also an effective natural fly repellent. The strong scent of tansy makes it difficult for flies to locate their food sources, keeping them away from the area. You can plant tansy in pots or directly in the ground near windows, doors, or outdoor seating areas to keep flies away.

How to Grow Tansy

Tansy prefers well-drained soil and full sun exposure. Water the plant regularly, but avoid overwatering. Deadhead the flowers regularly to encourage new growth.

Rue

The Pungent Fly Repellent

Rue is a fragrant herb that has a pungent smell. However, it's also an effective natural fly repellent. The strong scent of rue makes it difficult for flies to detect their food sources, keeping them away from the area. You can plant rue in pots or directly in the ground near windows, doors, or outdoor seating areas to keep flies away.

How to Grow Rue

Rue prefers well-drained soil and full sun exposure. Water the plant regularly, but avoid overwatering. Prune the plant regularly to prevent it from becoming too leggy.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q. How do these plants repel flies?

These plants contain essential oils that have strong fragrances that are toxic to flies. The fragrance of these plants makes it difficult for flies to detect their food sources, keeping them away from the area.

Q. Can I use these plants indoors?

Yes, you can use these plants indoors. However, make sure to place them near windows or doors to keep flies from entering your home.

Q. Are these plants safe for pets?

Most of these plants are safe for pets, but some can be toxic if ingested in large quantities. It's best to research each plant before bringing them into your home.

Q. Do these plants require a lot of maintenance?

Most of these plants are low-maintenance and require minimal care. However, it's important to water them regularly and prune them when necessary.

Q. Can I use these plants to repel other pests?

Yes, some of these plants can repel other pests such as mosquitoes and ants.

In using plants to repel flies is an effective and eco-friendly solution that not only keeps your home and outdoor spaces free from flies but also adds beauty and fragrance to your surroundings. These plants are easy to grow and maintain, making them a great addition to any garden or home.