9 DIY Fly Repellents That Are Trending Right Now

Introduction

Flies can be a persistent nuisance in homes and outdoor spaces. Instead of relying on chemical-laden solutions, many people are turning to DIY fly repellents that are natural, safe, and effective. Here are nine trending homemade fly repellents that you can try today.

9 DIY Fly Repellents

1. Vinegar and Dish Soap Trap

Mix equal parts apple cider vinegar and dish soap in a bowl. The vinegar attracts flies, and the soap traps them, preventing escape.

✅ Do:

Mix apple cider vinegar with a few drops of dish soap in a jar.
Cover the jar with plastic wrap and poke small holes.
Place it where flies are most active.

❌ Don’t:

Use just vinegar without dish soap; flies may escape.
Leave it out for too long without refreshing the mixture.

2. Essential Oil Spray

Combine water with essential oils like lavender, eucalyptus, or peppermint in a spray bottle. Spritz around windows, doors, and other entry points.

✅ Do:

Mix essential oils like lavender, peppermint, or eucalyptus with water and witch hazel.
Spray around doors, windows, and kitchen areas.

❌ Don’t:

Apply undiluted essential oils directly on surfaces or skin, as they may cause irritation.
Expect long-term effects without reapplying regularly.

3. Clove-Stuffed Lemon

Slice a lemon in half and insert whole cloves into the pulp. Place it on kitchen counters or near doors to repel flies naturally.

✅ Do:

Stick cloves into a halved lemon and place them near windows or dining areas.
Replace every few days for best results.

❌ Don’t:

Let the lemons dry out completely before replacing them.

4. Basil and Mint Plants

Flies dislike the strong scent of basil and mint. Keeping these plants near windows and doorways helps deter them.

✅ Do:

Keep fresh basil or mint plants on windowsills and doorways.
Crush a few leaves occasionally to release their natural oils.

❌ Don’t:

Rely on dried herbs; fresh plants work best.
Forget to water the plants, as dried-out ones lose their effectiveness.

5. Cayenne Pepper Spray

Mix cayenne pepper with water and spray in fly-prone areas. The strong scent keeps flies away effectively.

✅ Do:

Mix cayenne pepper with water and spray it around doorways and windows.

❌ Don’t:

Spray directly on sensitive surfaces or near pets, as it can cause irritation.

6. Honey and Paper Trap

Spread honey on strips of paper and hang them near windows. Flies get attracted to the sweetness and stick to the paper.

✅ Do:

Coat strips of paper with a mixture of honey and sugar to attract flies.
Hang them where flies gather the most.

❌ Don’t:

Place sticky traps near food preparation areas.

7. Cucumber Slices

Flies dislike the smell of cucumber. Place slices around your kitchen or garbage area to deter them.

✅ Do:

Place cucumber slices near entry points or garbage bins.

❌ Don’t:

Expect them to last forever—replace them regularly.

8. DIY Fly-Repelling Candles

Melt wax and add citronella, lavender, or eucalyptus oil. Pour into a jar with a wick to create an effective fly-repelling candle.

✅ Do:

Fill a bowl with vinegar and a few drops of dish soap to attract and trap flies.

❌ Don’t:

Forget to clean and refresh it regularly.

By following these do’s and don’ts, you can naturally and effectively keep flies at bay without harmful chemicals! Which one are you planning to try? 🪰

9. Garlic and Onion Spray

Blend garlic and onion with water, strain, and spray the solution in fly-infested areas to repel them naturally.

✅ Do:

Blend garlic with water and let it steep overnight before straining and using as a spray.

❌ Don’t:

Use too much near seating areas—it has a strong smell.

What to Do

Keep your home clean and free from food scraps.
Use natural fly repellents consistently.
Seal garbage bins tightly.
Place fly-repelling plants around entry points.

What Not to Do

Avoid leaving food uncovered, especially sweets.
Do not use strong chemical repellents if you have pets or children.
Avoid leaving standing water, as it attracts flies.

Benefits of DIY Fly Repellents

DIY fly repellents offer several benefits compared to store-bought alternatives. Here are some key advantages:

1. Natural and Non-Toxic

Many commercial fly repellents contain harsh chemicals that can be harmful to humans, pets, and the environment. DIY repellents often use natural ingredients like essential oils, vinegar, and herbs, making them a safer option.

2. Cost-Effective

Homemade fly repellents are typically cheaper than commercial products. You can use common household items such as lemon, cloves, and apple cider vinegar, saving money in the long run.

3. Customizable

You can adjust the ingredients in a DIY fly repellent based on your preferences and needs. For example, if you dislike the scent of citronella, you can use lavender or eucalyptus oil instead.

4. Eco-Friendly

DIY repellents often eliminate the need for plastic packaging and aerosol sprays, reducing waste and environmental impact.

5. Safe for Pets and Children

Since DIY fly repellents use natural ingredients, they are generally safer for households with kids and pets. However, some essential oils can be harmful to animals, so it’s important to research safe options.

6. Easy to Make

Most DIY fly repellents require just a few ingredients and minimal effort to prepare. Whether it’s a spray, a homemade fly trap, or a herb-based deterrent, they can be made quickly and conveniently.

7. Effective Against Multiple Pests

Many natural fly repellents also work against other pests like mosquitoes, ants, and gnats, providing broader protection for your home and outdoor spaces.

Final Advice

DIY fly repellents are an effective and safe alternative to chemical-based solutions. By using natural ingredients and maintaining cleanliness, you can significantly reduce the presence of flies in your home.

Conclusion

With these nine trending DIY fly repellents, you can enjoy a fly-free environment without relying on harmful chemicals. Experiment with different methods to find what works best for your space.

References

National Pesticide Information Center
Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)
Home Remedies for Pest Control

FAQs

Q: Are DIY fly repellents as effective as chemical sprays?
A: While DIY repellents may take longer to work, they are safer and equally effective with consistent use.

Q: Can I use essential oils to keep flies away?
A: Yes! Essential oils like peppermint, lavender, and citronella are excellent natural fly deterrents.

Q: How often should I reapply DIY fly sprays?
A: It depends on the ingredients used. Most sprays need reapplication every few hours for optimal results.

Q: Do fly-repelling plants really work?
A: Yes, plants like basil, mint, and citronella naturally repel flies with their strong aroma.

Q: Can I mix multiple DIY fly repellents?
A: Absolutely! Combining methods can enhance effectiveness and provide better coverage.