Dealing with flies can be challenging, especially during outdoor activities.
However, there are numerous DIY methods to naturally repel flies and keep them at bay.
These 22 DIY fly repellent ideas utilize common household ingredients and natural materials to create effective solutions.
Whether you’re hosting a summer barbecue or simply relaxing in your garden, these repellent methods will help you enjoy a fly-free outdoor space.
1. Essential Oil Spray
Combine essential oils with water in a spray bottle to create a natural fly repellent.
Oils like eucalyptus, peppermint, lavender, and citronella are particularly effective. Mix 10-15 drops of your chosen oil with 2 cups of water and a tablespoon of witch hazel or vodka.
Spray around your outdoor area to deter flies with a pleasant aroma.
2. Lemon And Cloves
Cut lemons into halves and press whole cloves into the flesh.
Place the lemon halves around your outdoor space.
The strong scent of cloves combined with citrus repels flies and adds a fresh fragrance to your area.
3. Apple Cider Vinegar And Dish Soap
Create a fly repellent by mixing apple cider vinegar with a few drops of dish soap in a bowl.
The vinegar attracts flies, and the dish soap breaks the surface tension, causing them to drown.
Place the bowl in fly-prone areas to reduce their numbers.
4. Basil Plants
Basil is known to repel flies due to its strong scent.
Plant basil in pots around your outdoor space or place small pots of basil on your table.
The aroma will help keep flies away while also providing fresh herbs for your cooking.
5. Mint Leaves
Mint has a strong fragrance that flies dislike.
Crush fresh mint leaves and scatter them around your outdoor area or place them in small containers.
The scent will help keep flies at bay.
6. Garlic Spray
Make a garlic-based fly repellent by blending garlic cloves with water and a bit of dish soap.
Strain the mixture and pour it into a spray bottle.
Garlic’s strong odor repels flies and can be sprayed around your outdoor space.
7. Lavender Sachets
Lavender is a natural fly repellent.
Place dried lavender flowers in small sachets or pouches and hang them around your outdoor area.
The scent of lavender will help deter flies while adding a pleasant fragrance.
8. Citronella Candles
Citronella is a well-known fly repellent.
Make your own citronella candles by melting wax and adding citronella oil.
Pour the mixture into candle molds or jars with wicks. Light the candles during outdoor gatherings to keep flies away.
9. Cucumber Slices
Flies dislike the scent of cucumbers.
Place cucumber slices or peels around your outdoor area or on your table.
They’ll help deter flies while adding a refreshing touch.
10. Eucalyptus Oil Diffuser
Use an essential oil diffuser with eucalyptus oil to repel flies.
Place the diffuser on your patio or outdoor table, and the diffused eucalyptus scent will help keep flies away.
11. Tansy Plants
Tansy is another plant that repels flies.
Plant tansy in your garden or place pots of it around your outdoor space.
Its strong scent acts as a natural deterrent for flies.
12. Coffee Grounds
Flies are repelled by the strong smell of coffee grounds.
Scatter used coffee grounds in areas where flies are a problem.
The grounds not only act as a repellent but also help fertilize your garden.
13. Fly-Repellent Herbs
Grow herbs known to repel flies, such as rosemary, sage, and thyme.
Plant these herbs in pots or garden beds around your outdoor space.
Their natural scents will help keep flies away.
14. DIY Fly-Repellent Pouches
Create small pouches filled with fly-repellent herbs like lavender, mint, or rosemary.
Hang these pouches around your outdoor area or place them on your table.
The herbs’ scents will help deter flies.
15. Red Wine Trap
Fly traps made from red wine can help catch flies.
Pour a small amount of red wine into a bowl and cover it with plastic wrap.
Poke small holes in the wrap to allow flies to enter but not escape.
16. Saltwater Spray
Mix salt and water to create a simple fly repellent spray.
Dissolve a few tablespoons of salt in water and pour the mixture into a spray bottle. Spray it around your outdoor area to repel flies.
17. Bay Leaves
Bay leaves have a strong scent that flies avoid.
Place bay leaves around your outdoor space or in small bowls to help deter flies naturally.
18. Citrus Peels
Flies are deterred by citrus scents.
Scatter citrus peels, such as orange or lemon peels, around your outdoor area. The strong aroma will help keep flies away.
19. DIY Fly-Repellent Gel
Create a gel using gelatin and essential oils.
Mix unflavored gelatin with water, add a few drops of essential oil (like citronella or eucalyptus), and let it set.
Place the gel in small containers around your outdoor space to repel flies.
20. Neem Oil
Neem oil is a natural insect repellent.
Mix neem oil with water and a few drops of dish soap, then pour it into a spray bottle. Spray the mixture around your outdoor area to help keep flies at bay.
21. Red Pepper Spray
Mix red pepper with water to create a spicy fly repellent.
Blend a tablespoon of red pepper with 2 cups of water and a few drops of dish soap.
Spray this mixture around your outdoor area to deter flies with its strong odor.
22. Soda Bottle Fly Trap
Repurpose a soda bottle to create a fly trap.
Cut the top off the bottle and invert it, placing it back into the base.
Fill the base with a mixture of sugar water or fruit juice. Flies will be attracted to the mixture and enter through the funnel but struggle to escape.
Conclusion
These 22 DIY fly repellent ideas offer a range of natural and creative solutions to keep flies away from your outdoor spaces.
From using essential oils and herbs to making your own traps and sprays, each method provides an effective way to manage fly problems while enhancing your outdoor experience.
Implementing these DIY repellents will help you enjoy a more pleasant, fly-free environment during your outdoor activities.
