In the summer, it can be hard to keep the flies away, but there are ways to repel them. One way is to plant fresh herbs. Herbs are natural fly repellents and you can purchase potted herbs in a supermarket. They can also be used as a garnish for foods and drinks during a picnic.
Citronella oil
Citronella oil is a plant-based insect repellent that keeps flies away. The lemony fragrance is a strong deterrent for flies. Moreover, it masks the smell that attracts them. Moreover, citronella also repels other insects such as mosquitoes and wasps.
Moreover, it’s inexpensive and easy to use. There are many commercial products that contain citronella oil, including candles and sprays. These products are ideal for cookouts and barbeques. However, they are not as effective as insect repellents containing DEET and need to be applied frequently.
Although citronella works against most insects, it is particularly effective against some species of flies. These include black house flies, which are larger than mosquitoes. In addition, citronella is also effective against crane flies, which are smaller but still larger than mosquitoes.
However, you should use citronella oil only when you’re sure that it will keep flies away. Flies can also be attracted to other sources of scent, so it’s always best to keep your surroundings clean. If you’ve got fruit trees or vegetable gardens, make sure to remove rotten fruits or vegetables from them. This way, you can prevent flies from entering your home.
Diatomaceous earth
Diatomaceous earth is a natural, nontoxic pesticide that repels flies and other insects. It works well on all crawling insects, but will not work as effectively on flying insects. Make sure that you do not apply the product to flowers or plants, as it can irritate your skin and eyes.
Diatomaceous earth can be applied to furniture, carpets, and mattresses. It can also be sprinkled around the base of cabinets in the kitchen. You can also sprinkle it behind your washing machine and around the perimeter of your garage. Just make sure to clean up the dust after three days. It will work for fleas and roaches, but it will not work on eggs or unhatched insects.
Diatomaceous earth is a natural insecticide that works by killing pests by dehydrating their exoskeleton. It is safe for indoor and outdoor use. However, it is not recommended for use around pets or children, as it may irritate them.
Citronella candles
Citronella candles are effective at repelling flies. You can purchase dozens of brands of incense with citronella oil as the active ingredient. This essential oil is an excellent insect repellent because it only emits a scent while it is burning. Unlike some incense, however, citronella candles are made with nontoxic, plant-based ingredients, making them safe to use around children and pets.
To make a citronella candle, you will first need a wick and a container. You can use recycled containers but remember to clean them before you add the citronella oil. When the wax has melted, add the essential oil and stir until it is evenly distributed.
Citronella candles are generally safe as long as they are used according to the manufacturers’ instructions. However, you should only light them outdoors in well-ventilated areas. There have been some reports of adverse effects in very young and elderly people from the high concentrations of citronella oil. Also, some citronella candles contain carcinogens, so you may want to avoid burning them in enclosed areas.
Planting herbs in your garden
Planting herbs in your garden to keep swarms of biting flies away is an excellent way to protect yourself and your family from flies. While chemical bug sprays aren’t effective, some herbs can act as natural insect repellents. For example, basil can keep flies away by repelling them with its scent. It also has other uses, including being used in pesto and flavoring oil.
Another great herb to plant in your garden to repel flies is rosemary. This herb, sometimes mistaken for lavender, repels flies because of its strong scent. It also makes for a great kitchen herb, especially if you like to have guests over. You can also grow rosemary indoors, on a windowsill. Just make sure that it gets low humidity and sunlight.
Basil is one of the oldest and most effective natural insect repellents. Its oil and aroma repels flies and other insects, making it an excellent choice for sunny garden spots. Lavender also works well as a natural insect repellent, and is a beautiful table ornament.
Using essential oils
Essential oils can be a natural repellent for flies. Depending on the type of fly you’re trying to repel, lavender, lemongrass, eucalyptus, pine, and thyme are all good choices. If you don’t want to buy an expensive fly repellent, you can also mix the essential oils with water or a carrier oil and spray around your house.
Another natural repellent is mint oil. It has a mint scent that many people find appealing. Peppermint, spearmint, and catnip are all excellent fly repellents. Using these essential oils in a carrier oil will ensure maximum effectiveness. Geraniol and neem oil are also effective insect repellents. However, they tend to have shorter-lasting effects than commercial repellents.
Essential oils are compounds extracted from plants that have antimicrobial and antifungal properties. The chemical composition of these compounds makes them effective as repellents for flies. These oils are not only good for the environment, but they can be extremely effective for homeowners who are looking for natural solutions to repel flies.
Hanging a bag of water
Many people believe that hanging a bag of water will keep flies away. They may not have a real fly problem, or they may be hanging the water bag for emotional reasons. Regardless of the reason, the best way to keep flies at bay is to practice good sanitation. Avoid leaving garbage or animal feces lying around, and keep your deck furniture clean. Flies will not want to land on a clean surface.
Another simple way to keep flies away is to use a fly repellent bag. You can fill a gallon-sized zip-lock bag with clean water and 3 to 4 pennies. Hang the bag near a doorway or over outdoor furniture.
Fly repellent bags aren’t 100% effective, but they can keep flies away. Some practitioners claim that the light reflected by the bag confuses the flies’ compound eyes and sends them flying away. Others suggest that putting pennies or flakes of tin foil in the bag will keep flies away.
Using cayenne pepper
Cayenne pepper is a natural repellent for flies. This spice contains capsaicin, a chemical found in peppers. It is also effective against larger pests, such as deer. Flies feed on the leaves of plants and flowers, so it’s important to prevent them from getting into your garden or yard.
You can use a solution of cayenne pepper and water to keep flies away in the garden or at home. You can also put some of this solution around your house and use it as a spray. Another natural fly repellent is dried ginger powder. Adding this to three to four cups of water makes a solution that flies can’t stand. You can spray this solution on plants, drains, and ceilings to keep flies at bay.
For a more natural repellent, you can also use lemongrass oil, which repels a number of garden pests, including flies. You can also use cayenne pepper, which can be found in a variety of varieties. Using boiled malt vinegar as a spray in areas where flies live will also help.
Using a light trap
Using a light trap can be an effective way to keep flies away from your garden. The light trap emits ultraviolet light, which insects are attracted to. A recent study by Thimijan and Pickens found that house flies were most attracted to a specific wavelength of UV light. The intensity of the light also correlated with the number of flies attracted. Light traps should be open in design to maximize the UV light radiation.
Fly light traps need to be maintained regularly. Replace the glue board every week, and change the ultraviolet light bulbs every four to six months. The ultraviolet light bulbs become weak over time, so replacing them is essential to ensure your fly light trap continues to be effective. To learn more about how to maintain your fly light trap, consult its instruction guide.
It is important to note that not all light traps work the same way. Depending on the layout of your infested room, some light traps may work better than others. Pest control professionals can help you choose the right light trap for your situation.
