Having a fly problem in the house isn’t unusual. Sadly, it’s just the opposite. These pests come like clockwork every time spring rolls around, and you know as well as we do that a fly swatter isn’t going to cut it.
As spring turns into summer, all those flies – house flies, horse flies, fruit flies, gnats and every other kind of fly – are only going to get worse.
Your DIY pest control efforts need to be very aggressive if you’re going to get those pesky flying insects out of your hair.
Luckily for you, there are a lot of natural fly repellent methods available. These natural ways can be more effective than flypaper or a fly swatter, and also safer for your family.
Click here to skip to our recommended natural fly repellent!
Ed has been working in the pest control industry for years helping 1,000's of homeowners navigate the world of insect and rodent management. He manages Pest Strategies now helping homeowners around the world!
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Manna Pro Pro Force Fly Spray
Features
- Fast-acting formula
- Lasts for up to 14 days
- Kills a wide variety of flying insects
Cutter 95783 Citro Guard Citronella Candle
Features
- One pound candle lasts
- Recognized Effectiveness
- Area Coverage
Table Of Contents
Top 7 Best Natural Fly Repellents & Deterrents
- Manna Pro Pro Force Fly Spray
- Cutter Citro Guard Citronella Candle
- Homemade Essential Oil Fly Spray
- Farnam Nature’s Defense Fly Spray
What Are Natural Fly Repellents & Deterrents?
How Do Natural Fly Repellents & Deterrents Work?
They take advantage of the natural properties of plants that protect themselves from pests by emitting chemical signatures that confuse or repel the flies. Extracting those natural chemicals and concentrating them creates conditions that repel flies.
Read More: Top 4 Best Fruit Fly Repellents
How Do You Find The Best Natural Fly Repellents & Deterrents?
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Observe Nature
All of today’s natural fly repellents were discovered by researchers watching the behavior of insects to determine which plants they approach and which ones they avoid.
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Consult the Experts
Some of our staff have been pest control technicians for decades, gathering experience about what works and what doesn’t. The school of hard knocks is a harsh but effective one. You can take advantage of our experience and use it for yourself.
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Hire a Pest Control Company
You could open your wallet and shell out some serious bucks to have a local pest control company come to your house or business to tell you what we’re telling you.
The video below provides a closer look at how to naturally repel flies.
Are Natural Fly Repellents & Deterrents Effective?
Yes and no. Some of them, like Oil of Eucalyptus (OLE) and Lemongrass Oil have been scientifically tested for effectiveness. Others only have anecdotal evidence to back them up. It should be noted, however, that anecdotal evidence is still evidence.
Most natural fly repellents & deterrents are effective to a degree. That is, they will repel or deter a certain percentage of any flies that approach. The corollary is, they won’t repel some other percentage of the flies that approach.
The exact numbers are unknown because most of them haven’t been tested, but from our field experience, we have to conclude that the numbers are low. For this reason, we always advocate a multi-layered approach, using several repellents at once.
How To Use A Natural Fly Repellents & Deterrents
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Outside
Put repellents that have a strong odor or use burning fumes around the outside of your house. They’ll be exposed to the effects of sun, wind, and rain so you’ll have to replace them on a frequent, perhaps daily basis. This is the first layer.
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Inside
Put the weaker repellents inside. Spray them around the windows and doors where flies normally find their way into houses and businesses. This is the second layer.
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On Yourself
Put repellent skin lotions on yourself, on all the exposed skin where flies and other biting insects might try to land. This is the third layer.
Are Natural Fly Repellents & Deterrents Safe Around My Pets And Children?
Yes, but… you should always assume that children under the age of 2 are susceptible to being harmed by any repellent or pesticide, natural or otherwise. Some of them are safe though and we’ll mention it when we come to them.
Read More: Top 4 Best Fly Traps Reviewed
Best Natural Fly Repellents & Deterrents Reviewed
Related Articles
Manna Pro Pro Force Fly Spray
This highly effective fly spray from Manna Pro delivers a quick knockdown of several flying insects, including a wide variety of flies. Use it directly on your pets or as a perimeter treatment option for stables, barns, and kennel areas.
Pro-Force Rapid Knockdown Fly Spray works exceptionally well for these flying insects:
- Horseflies
- House flies
- Deer flies
- Fleas
- Ticks
- Gnats
It not only kills these biting pests on contact, but its residual action also keeps working for up to 14 days. It even holds up well to heavy perspiration and most weather conditions.
The Good And The Bad
- Fast-acting formula
- Lasts for up to 14 days
- Kills a wide variety of flying insects
- Can be used safely on animals
- May not hold up well in high temperatures
Cutter Citro Guard Citronella Candle
This is a one-pound bucket candle that puts out a cloud of citronella smoke and fumes. Flies avoid citronella whenever they can. When they detect it in the air, they turn around and look for someplace else that is more inviting to them.
The area of effect is limited to about 10-15 feet around the candle. If the wind is blowing, the protection will be limited to the downwind side of the candle. On a covered patio, it will provide an excellent fly repellent.
The Good And The Bad
- Easy to use
- Lasts as long as its burning
- Open flame is dangerous
- Limited area of effect
Homemade Essential Oil Fly Spray
- Homemade
- All-Natural
- Multiple Essential Oils
To create this DIY fly spray, you’ll need the following ingredients:
- 1 Tablespoon Dish Soap
- 2 Tablespoons Olive Oil (extra-virgin is best)
- 4 Cups Apple Cider Vinegar
- 20 Drops Basil Oil
- 20 Drops Peppermint Oil
- 20 Drops Rosemary Oil
Mix everything in together in a 20-ounce spray bottle. This oil blend has a stronger than ordinary odor to it so you should only use it outside. Spray it around all the windows and doors, around all the plumbing and electrical intrusions.
On the patio, spray it every few feet along the support beams as well as up and down the columns. Spray it in the grass every few feet as well so the odor rises to repel the flies.
The dish soap acts as a surfactant, helping the mixture to spread easier and stick longer to whatever surface it comes in contact with.
The Good And The Bad
- Easy to use
- Make it when you need it
- Outside only
Farnam Nature's Defense Fly Spray
Farnam Nature’s Defense Fly Spray offers a natural alternative to chemical fly repellents. It combines a powerful blend of botanicals to deliver an effective blow to flies and other annoying pests.
The active ingredients include:
- Citronella oil
- Clove oil
- Mint oil
- Thyme oil
It contains no additives, preservatives, or insecticides. It’s alcohol-free, so it won’t burn your skin.
You can be confident that this spray will repel:
- House flies
- Horn Flies
- Stable flies
- Gnats
- Mosquitoes
This potent concentrate makes up to five quarts. All you have to do is add water! It’s also available in ready-to-use, 32-ounce, pre-mixed spray bottles.