Tired of pesky flies buzzing around your home? You're not alone! While we all want to enjoy our living spaces, flies can be a real nuisance.
The good news is that you don't need harsh chemicals to keep them at bay.
This collection explores simple, clever ways to deter flies using common household items and natural scents, helping you create a more peaceful and pleasant environment.
Get ready to discover some surprisingly effective solutions!.
Table of Contents
1. Pine-Sol and Essential Oil Fly Repellent Spray
This DIY spray offers a fresh approach to keeping flies away, combining the familiar scent of Pine-Sol with the uplifting aromas of lemon and peppermint essential oils.
It works by masking the odors that attract flies and creating an environment they prefer to avoid.
A quick spray around entry points like door and window frames, or on trash can rims, can make your space less inviting to these buzzing pests.
It's a simple, fast recipe that uses everyday items for a cleaner, fly-free home.
Key Ingredients:
- Pine-Sol multi-surface cleaner
- Distilled water
- Lemon essential oil
- Peppermint essential oil
Benefits:
- Deters flies with scent
- Easy to make and use
- Uses common household items
Pro Tip: For a stronger, more lingering scent, you can slightly increase the number of essential oil drops, but always test a small area first to ensure it doesn't leave any residue.
Get the Recipe: Pine-Sol and Essential Oil Fly Repellent Spray
2. Pine-Sol and Water Outdoor Fly Repellent
A super simple and budget-friendly way to tackle outdoor flies! This method uses a 50/50 mixture of Pine-Sol and water, which creates a scent that flies strongly dislike.
It's perfect for spraying around outdoor gathering areas like patios and porch tables, helping to keep your al fresco moments fly-free.
This easy spray is a great way to enjoy your outdoor spaces without the constant buzzing.
Key Ingredients:
- Pine-Sol
- Water
Benefits:
- Effectively repels flies outdoors
- Economical and easy
- Creates a more pleasant outdoor space
Pro Tip: Clearly label your spray bottle to avoid confusion, especially since this mixture is not for use on skin or near food.
Get the Recipe: Pine-Sol and Water Outdoor Fly Repellent
3. Pine-Sol Fly Repellent Spray for Home
This resourceful recipe transforms a common household cleaner into an effective fly repellent.
The key is the pine oil in certain Pine-Sol formulas, which flies find intensely unpleasant.
A simple mixture of original Pine-Sol and water in a spray bottle can be used to wipe down surfaces or mist areas where flies tend to gather, helping to create a fly-free zone indoors and out.
It’s a practical way to use what you have for a more peaceful home.
Key Ingredients:
- Original Pine-Sol
- Water
Benefits:
- Leverages pine oil for fly deterrence
- Versatile for indoor and outdoor use
- Simple ingredient combination
Pro Tip: Always look for the original Pine-Sol formula as newer versions may not contain the pine oil needed for its repellent properties.
Get the Recipe: Pine-Sol Fly Repellent Spray for Home
4. Natural Fly Spray with Essential Oils
For a gentler approach, this all-natural fly spray uses a blend of essential oils known for their fly-repelling properties.
With ingredients like peppermint, geranium, and a special bug-repelling blend, it creates a pleasant aroma for you and an unwelcoming one for flies.
It's safe to use around animals and can be sprayed in stalls or around your home.
This recipe offers a refreshing and effective way to minimize fly presence naturally.
Key Ingredients:
- Olive oil
- Castile soap
- Apple Cider Vinegar
- Peppermint Essential Oil
- Nature Shield Essential Oil
- Geranium Essential Oil
- Water
Benefits:
- All-natural and gentle
- Safe for animals
- Pleasant scent for humans
Pro Tip: If you don't have the exact essential oils listed, feel free to experiment with other known fly-repelling oils like rosemary, tea tree, or basil.
Get the Recipe: Natural Fly Spray with Essential Oils
5. DIY Essential Oil Fly Repellent
Discover the power of essential oils to keep flies at bay naturally.
This method uses simple ingredients like lavender oil (or alternatives like eucalyptus, peppermint, and lemongrass) on a sponge.
By placing these around your home, you can create a wonderfully scented atmosphere that flies actively avoid.
It's a subtle yet effective way to deter pests without resorting to harsh chemicals, making your home more pleasant and fly-free.
Key Ingredients:
- Lavender essential oil (or Eucalyptus, Peppermint, Lemongrass)
- Sponge
- Mason jar
Benefits:
- Natural pest deterrence
- Pleasant aroma
- Easy to prepare and use
Pro Tip: For an added boost, try placing fabric strips infused with eucalyptus oil near windows and doors to deter flies before they even enter your home.
Get the Recipe: DIY Essential Oil Fly Repellent
6. Simple Vinegar and Dish Soap Fly Trap
This easy trap is a clever way to catch flies that are already in your space.
By combining the attractive scent of apple cider vinegar with a drop of dish soap, you create a surface that flies can't resist but also can't escape.
The dish soap breaks the surface tension, causing them to sink and drown.
It’s a straightforward, effective method for reducing fly populations indoors and is especially good for fruit flies.
Key Ingredients:
- Apple cider vinegar
- Dish soap
- Water
- Bowl
Benefits:
- Effectively traps flies
- Uses simple household ingredients
- Great for fruit flies too
Pro Tip: Place these traps in areas where you notice the most fly activity for the best results.
Get the Recipe: Simple Vinegar and Dish Soap Fly Trap
7. Cloves and Citrus Natural Fly Repellent
Here's a wonderfully fragrant and natural way to keep flies out of your home.
By poking cloves into halves of lemons or oranges, you create a scent that flies absolutely detest.
These citrus halves not only serve as an effective fly deterrent but also add a fresh, inviting aroma to your space, making them a beautiful and functional centerpiece.
It’s a delightful and simple trick for a fly-free environment.
Key Ingredients:
- Lemon or Orange
- Cloves
Benefits:
- Natural fly deterrent
- Pleasant citrus and clove scent
- Decorative and functional
Pro Tip: Try this method for outdoor parties or picnics to keep your food and guests pest-free without chemicals.
Get the Recipe: Cloves and Citrus Natural Fly Repellent
8. Repel Flies with Essential Oils and Fabric Strips
An incredibly simple yet effective method for creating a barrier against flies.
Infuse strips of fabric with potent essential oils known to repel insects, such as eucalyptus.
Place these scented strips strategically near entry points like windows and doors.
This creates a fragrant shield that discourages flies from entering your home, keeping your living spaces more peaceful and pleasant.
Key Ingredients:
- Eucalyptus essential oil
- Fabric strips
Benefits:
- Forms a repellent barrier
- Uses natural scents
- Easy to implement
Pro Tip: Remember to avoid eucalyptus oil if you are pregnant or have certain health conditions like high blood pressure or epilepsy.
Get the Recipe: Repel Flies with Essential Oils and Fabric Strips
9. Homemade Soda Bottle Fly Trap
This ingenious trap utilizes a recycled soda bottle to create a funnel that captures flies.
Flies are drawn in by the bait at the bottom, but once inside, they find it nearly impossible to escape through the narrow opening.
It’s a visually simple yet highly effective DIY solution for reducing fly populations in your home, turning waste into a pest control tool.
Key Ingredients:
- 2-liter soda bottle
- Water
- Vinegar (or other bait)
Benefits:
- Effectively traps flies
- Recycles materials
- Simple construction
Pro Tip: You can experiment with different baits inside the bottle, such as a bit of fruit or sugar water, to attract various types of flies.
Get the Recipe: Homemade Soda Bottle Fly Trap
10. Pine-Sol and Water 50/50 Mixture Spray
This straightforward spray offers a practical way to deter flies using a simple ratio of Pine-Sol and water.
The strong scent of Pine-Sol is known to be a fly repellent, making it a useful tool for keeping areas around your home less appealing to these insects.
It’s an easy-to-mix solution that can be applied to surfaces or areas where flies are a concern, contributing to a more comfortable living environment.
Key Ingredients:
- Pine-Sol
- Water
Benefits:
- Simple and effective fly repellent
- Uses readily available ingredients
- Contributes to a cleaner home
Pro Tip: When using Pine-Sol for fly deterrence, ensure you're using a formulation that contains pine oil, as this is the active scent component that repels them.
Get the Recipe: Pine-Sol and Water 50/50 Mixture Spray
11. Natural Fly Spray with Vinegar and Essential Oils
This easy-to-make spray uses a base of vinegar and water, enhanced with a blend of essential oils known for their fly-repelling properties.
It's a great way to keep flies away from your animals or outdoor spaces.
The combination of citronella, peppermint, and oregano offers a fresh scent that flies dislike.
Key Ingredients:
- Vinegar
- Filtered Water
- Citronella Essential Oil
- Peppermint Essential Oil
- Oregano Essential Oil
- Tea Tree Essential Oil
Benefits:
- Repels flies
- Natural ingredients
- Easy to make
Pro Tip: Always use a glass bottle for storing sprays containing essential oils, as they can degrade plastic over time.
Get the Recipe: Natural Fly Spray with Vinegar and Essential Oils
12. Apple Cider Vinegar Fly Repellent Spray
This versatile spray is designed to keep flies away from your porch, patio, or any outdoor area.
It combines apple cider vinegar (or white vinegar/witch hazel) with water and a curated mix of essential oils like peppermint, citronella, and geranium.
The blend creates a pleasant aroma for you but is a powerful deterrent for flies.
Key Ingredients:
- Apple Cider Vinegar
- Water
- Dish Soap
- Peppermint Essential Oil
- Citronella Essential Oil
- Geranium Essential Oil
- Wintergreen Essential Oil
Benefits:
- Deters flies
- Natural repellent
- Customizable scents
Pro Tip: If you don't have all the listed essential oils, prioritize citronella and peppermint for the best results.
Get the Recipe: Apple Cider Vinegar Fly Repellent Spray
13. Budget-Friendly Homemade Fly Spray
This cost-effective DIY fly spray is perfect for keeping insects off your family and livestock.
It uses common household ingredients like vinegar, dish soap, and witch hazel, boosted with tea tree oil for extra punch.
It's quick to whip up and costs very little to make, providing a natural shield against pesky flies.
Key Ingredients:
- Distilled White Vinegar
- Liquid Dish Soap
- Witch Hazel
- Mouthwash
- Vitamin E Capsules (or Aloe Vera Juice, Mineral Oil, Olive Oil)
- Tea Tree Oil
Benefits:
- Affordable
- Effective against flies
- Natural alternative
Pro Tip: Using a bit extra vinegar can make this insect repellent spray even more potent.
Get the Recipe: Budget-Friendly Homemade Fly Spray
14. Simple Natural Fly Spray for Livestock
Designed for your farm animals, this simple homemade fly spray is all-natural and easy to create.
It utilizes a basic essential oil, making it a gentle yet effective option to keep flies from bothering your livestock.
It's a great chemical-free alternative to commercial products.
Key Ingredients:
- Essential Oil (e.g., Eucalyptus)
- Water
Benefits:
- Keeps flies off animals
- All-natural formula
- Gentle and effective
Pro Tip: This spray can be used on most livestock, but avoid using it on cats. Always consult your vet if you are unsure about your pet's reaction.
Get the Recipe: Simple Natural Fly Spray for Livestock
15. Natural Fly Repellent Spray with Essential Oils
This is a fantastic, natural way to create a fly-free zone using the power of essential oils.
By combining refreshing scents like peppermint, lavender, or eucalyptus with water and a touch of vinegar or witch hazel, you can craft a spray that flies absolutely dislike.
It's a simple, safe, and wonderfully effective method for keeping your home and patio pleasant.
Key Ingredients:
- Peppermint Oil
- Lavender Oil
- Eucalyptus Oil
- Lemon Oil
- Tea Tree Oil
- Vinegar
- Water
Benefits:
- Naturally repels flies
- Pleasant home fragrance
- Chemical-free solution
Pro Tip: Experiment with different essential oil combinations to find a scent you love that also keeps flies at bay.
Get the Recipe: Natural Fly Repellent Spray with Essential Oils
16. Herbs for a Naturally Fly-Free Patio
Creating a welcoming patio doesn't have to include flies! Many common herbs, like basil, mint, rosemary, and lavender, naturally repel flies with their strong, fresh scents.
Planting these herbs or placing cuttings around your outdoor space can make it significantly less appealing to buzzing pests, while also adding lovely greenery and fragrance.
Key Ingredients:
- Basil
- Lavender
- Mint
- Rosemary
- Sage
- Thyme
- Lemongrass
Benefits:
- Deters flies with natural scents
- Adds fragrance and beauty to outdoor spaces
- Low-maintenance solution
Pro Tip: Consider growing herbs in pots near doorways and windows to create a natural barrier.
Get the Recipe: Herbs for a Naturally Fly-Free Patio
17. DIY Fly Repellent Strips with Essential Oils
Looking for a simple DIY solution? You can create your own fly-repelling strips using fabric and essential oils.
Simply soak strips of cloth with oils like citronella, lavender, or mint, and hang them around your patio or outdoor areas.
The pleasant, yet repellent, aroma will help keep those annoying flies away.
Key Ingredients:
- Fabric strips
- Citronella oil
- Lavender oil
- Eucalyptus oil
- Mint oil
- Lemongrass oil
Benefits:
- Easy to make and use
- Utilizes natural repellent scents
- Customizable fragrance
Pro Tip: Tie these scented strips to railings, tree branches, or even outdoor furniture for targeted fly deterrence.
Get the Recipe: DIY Fly Repellent Strips with Essential Oils
18. Herbal Powerhouses to Keep Bugs Away
Certain herbs are natural fly deterrents thanks to their potent aromas.
Planting or using herbs like basil, lavender, and mint can make your indoor and outdoor spaces less appealing to flies.
Their fresh scents can be quite pleasant to us while being an absolute no-go for flies, creating a more comfortable environment.
Key Ingredients:
- Basil
- Lavender
- Mint
- Rosemary
- Sage
- Thyme
- Lemongrass
- Catnip
- Marigold
- Garlic
- Pennyroyal
Benefits:
- Naturally repels flies and other bugs
- Enhances home and garden fragrance
- Safe for families and pets
Pro Tip: Crush a few leaves of mint or basil to release their strong scent and maximize their fly-repelling power.
Get the Recipe: Herbal Powerhouses to Keep Bugs Away
19. Natural Plant Barriers for Fruit Flies
Keep fruit flies at bay naturally by incorporating fragrant herbs around your kitchen and dining areas.
Plants like rosemary, lavender, bay laurel, and peppermint release scents that flies find overpowering.
Placing these herbs near fruit bowls or windows can create a subtle yet effective barrier, making your space less attractive to them.
Key Ingredients:
- Rosemary
- Lavender
- Bay laurel
- Peppermint
- Tansy
- Sage
- Lemon balm
- Basil
Benefits:
- Repels fruit flies naturally
- Masks food odors that attract flies
- Adds natural beauty to spaces
Pro Tip: You can also use essential oils extracted from these herbs or even used tea bags to create a repellent scent.
Get the Recipe: Natural Plant Barriers for Fruit Flies
20. Simple Solutions for a Fly-Free Home
Dealing with flies in your home doesn't require harsh chemicals.
This guide offers simple, effective tips, from ensuring screens are intact to creating natural traps.
Utilizing scents that flies dislike, like those from essential oils and certain plants, can make a big difference in keeping your living spaces comfortable and fly-free.
Key Ingredients:
- Golden syrup
- Sugar
- Apple cider vinegar
- Dishwashing soap
- Wine
- Basil
- Mint
- Lavender
- Bay leaf
- Eucalyptus oil
- Orange peel
Benefits:
- Natural and effective fly control
- Prevents flies from entering the home
- Simple, accessible methods
Pro Tip: Fresh orange peel can also be a surprisingly effective, natural fly deterrent due to its citrus scent.
Get the Recipe: Simple Solutions for a Fly-Free Home
21. Proven Tips for Repelling Flies Naturally
Flies can be tenacious, but nature offers powerful solutions! This guide explores various proven methods for repelling flies, including homemade sprays using vinegar and dish soap, using essential oils like lemongrass and peppermint, and incorporating fly-repelling plants.
Combining these gentle yet effective techniques can create a truly fly-free environment.
Key Ingredients:
- Vinegar
- Water
- Blue Dawn dishwashing liquid
- Table salt
- Lemongrass
- Citronella
- Peppermint oil
- Lavender
- Cinnamon
- Basil
- Irish Spring soap
- Clove
Benefits:
- Effective fly deterrence
- Utilizes natural ingredients
- Safe for home use
Pro Tip: A simple spray made with vinegar, water, and a few drops of dish soap can be surprisingly effective for deterring flies.
Get the Recipe: Proven Tips for Repelling Flies Naturally
22. Smart Strategies for a Fly-Free Patio
Keep your patio a fly-free zone with smart, simple strategies.
By eliminating standing water, covering food and trash bins, and using natural deterrents like cloves pressed into apples or fresh herbs, you can make your outdoor space far less inviting to flies.
These methods are easy to implement and create a much more pleasant environment for relaxing.
Key Ingredients:
- Cloves
- Apples
- Mint
- Basil
- Lavender
- Pine oil cleaner
- Yellow light bulbs
- Incense sticks
- Vinegar
- Dish soap
Benefits:
- Effectively reduces flies on patios
- Uses natural and readily available items
- Creates a more enjoyable outdoor experience
Pro Tip: Using yellow light bulbs outdoors can help deter flies as they are less attracted to this spectrum of light.
Get the Recipe: Smart Strategies for a Fly-Free Patio
23. Essential Oil Spray for Flies and Gnats
This easy-to-make DIY spray uses a blend of essential oils like citronella, peppermint, and tea tree to create a scent that flies and gnats can't stand.
It's a natural way to deter pests without harsh chemicals, making it safe to use around animals and on outdoor surfaces.
Just a few sprays can help create a more pleasant outdoor experience.
Key Ingredients:
- Apple Cider Vinegar
- Water
- Dish Soap
- Citronella Essential Oil
- Geranium Essential Oil
- Peppermint Essential Oil
- Wintergreen Essential Oil
Benefits:
- Natural fly and gnat deterrence
- Safe for use around pets and animals
- Pleasant scent for humans
- Easy to make and apply
Pro Tip: For an even more potent blend, ensure you include citronella and peppermint oils, as they are particularly effective deterrents.
Get the Recipe: Essential Oil Spray for Flies and Gnats
24. Natural Fly Repellent with Essential Oils and Vinegar
This recipe offers a natural and effective way to tackle flies using a combination of essential oils and apple cider vinegar.
It's perfect for spraying around doors, windows, and other areas where flies tend to gather.
The pleasant aroma from the oils, combined with the repelling power of vinegar, helps keep your home fly-free.
Key Ingredients:
- Rosemary Essential Oil
- Lemongrass Essential Oil
- Coriander Essential Oil
- Tea Tree Essential Oil
- Apple Cider Vinegar
- Water
Benefits:
- Repels flies naturally
- Can be used on various surfaces
- Aromatic and refreshing scent
Pro Tip: For a dual benefit, this blend also works as a mosquito repellent, making it great for outdoor use.
Get the Recipe: Natural Fly Repellent with Essential Oils and Vinegar
25. Plant-Based Fly Repellents: Herbs and Essential Oils
Discover the power of plants to keep flies at bay! This guide highlights various herbs and essential oils that flies naturally dislike, such as peppermint, pine, rosemary, and lavender.
You can use these as potted plants, dried herbs, or essential oil sprays to create an unwelcoming environment for pests while enjoying pleasant natural scents.
Key Ingredients:
- Peppermint
- Pine
- Lavender
- Rosemary
- Citronella
- Thyme
- Lemongrass
Benefits:
- Natural pest deterrence
- Pleasant aromas for humans
- Versatile application (plants, oils, dried herbs)
Pro Tip: Placing potted fly-repelling plants near doors and windows is a proactive way to stop flies from entering your home.
Get the Recipe: Plant-Based Fly Repellents: Herbs and Essential Oils
26. DIY Fly Repellent Sprays with Essential Oils
Creating your own natural fly repellent is simple and effective.
This method uses a base of witch hazel or vodka mixed with water and a blend of essential oils like citronella, lemongrass, peppermint, or eucalyptus.
It's a great way to protect your outdoor spaces or even yourself from bothersome insects.
Key Ingredients:
- Witch Hazel or Vodka
- Distilled Water
- Citronella Essential Oil
- Lemongrass Essential Oil
- Peppermint Essential Oil
- Eucalyptus Essential Oil
Benefits:
- Natural and safe insect repellent
- Pleasing aroma
- Potent and effective
Pro Tip: For best results, apply the repellent to your skin, clothing, and areas where flies are commonly found.
Get the Recipe: DIY Fly Repellent Sprays with Essential Oils
27. Vinegar and Dish Soap Fly Traps
A simple yet effective way to catch those persistent flies! This DIY trap uses apple cider vinegar to attract them and a drop of dish soap to break the surface tension, preventing them from escaping.
Cover with plastic wrap and poke small holes, then place it where flies are most active for a nearly foolproof solution.
Key Ingredients:
- Apple Cider Vinegar
- Dish Soap
- Plastic Wrap
- Rubber Band
Benefits:
- Catches flies effectively
- Uses common household items
- Simple to make and deploy
Pro Tip: Place these traps near areas with the most fly activity, like near garbage bins or kitchen counters, for maximum effectiveness.
Get the Recipe: Vinegar and Dish Soap Fly Traps
28. Outdoor Fly Control with Natural Methods
Enjoy your patio without the buzz! This guide offers practical tips for keeping flies away from outdoor spaces.
From using citronella candles and planting basil to creating DIY vinegar traps and essential oil sprays, you'll find a variety of natural methods to create a more pleasant and fly-free environment.
Key Ingredients:
- Citronella Candles
- Basil
- Essential Oils
- Apple Cider Vinegar
- Dish Soap
- Lemongrass Plants
Benefits:
- Keeps outdoor spaces fly-free
- Uses natural deterrents
- Enhances outdoor ambiance
Pro Tip: Combining multiple methods, like fly-repellent plants and essential oil sprays, can create a more robust defense against flies.
Get the Recipe: Outdoor Fly Control with Natural Methods
29. Natural Ways to Keep Flies Away Outdoors
Banish buzzing guests from your outdoor gatherings with these simple, natural solutions! Learn how to tidy up your space, create effective essential oil or vinegar sprays, and even use fans to deter flies.
These methods are gentle, eco-friendly, and surprisingly effective for reclaiming your patio.
Key Ingredients:
- Water
- Witch Hazel or Vodka
- Essential Oils (citronella, lavender, peppermint, tea tree)
- White Vinegar
- Dish Soap
- Apple Cider Vinegar
- Orange Peels
- Cloves
Benefits:
- Effective outdoor fly control
- Safe for pets and family
- Uses readily available ingredients
Pro Tip: A simple fan can be incredibly effective, as flies struggle to fly in moving air, making your seating area less appealing to them.
Get the Recipe: Natural Ways to Keep Flies Away Outdoors