Best Natural Fly Repellents & Deterrents

Our top pick is REPEL Plant-Based Lemon Eucalyptus Insect Repellent. It doesn’t have DEET in it but it works just as well, and perhaps even better. It uses an extract from the oil of lemon eucalyptus called p-Menthane-3,8-diol and is registered with the EPA.

It’s important to note that the oil of lemon eucalyptus (OLE) is different than lemon oil eucalyptus. They are similar but the first one is a registered product with the EPA. The second one is not. So keep that in mind when you’re shopping for it. It can get confusing.

Although it only mentions mosquitoes on the label, it’s important to understand that mosquitoes are classified as a true fly in the order Diptera, the same as your good old fashioned house fly. Although they eat and are attracted to different things, they are repelled by the same plants and chemicals.

To repeat: if anything kills or repels mosquitoes, it will kill or repel flies and vice versa.

REPEL is a DEET-free plant-based insecticide repellent. It uses an extract from the oil of lemon eucalyptus called p-Menthane-3,8-diol. It comes in a pump spray bottle. Don’t spray it on infants and children under the age of two, but otherwise, it is safe.

Please note, this is not an essential oil. There is an essential oil of lemon eucalyptus but it is different because of the processing that OLE goes through. The essential oil of lemon eucalyptus shouldn’t be rubbed into your skin.

As an added bonus, REPEL is safe for dogs. Don’t spray it in their eyes, nose, mouth, or ears, of course, but other than that you can use it on them quite safely. And finally, it is very reasonably priced.

Using a natural product to repel flies will typically not kill the pests. If you are wanting to kill pesky flies with organic products, this 100% natural spray by Wondercide does the trick. 

This product uses cedarwood, lemongrass, and sesame oils to actively repel flies, but the inclusion of sodium sulfate will go one step further and kill flies on contact. 

Since the ingredients are all-natural, this spray can be applied in all areas of your home including the kitchen and even near pet bedding or rest areas. In addition to flies, this product can also repel and kill fleas, ticks, and even wasps, making the product versatile and all-purpose for repelling common pests. 

You can also apply the spray to countertops, sinks, and all areas where flies commonly land. 

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. 

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.

As we’ve already seen, coconut oil is believed to be able to repel flies, but lemongrass oil has been researched and found to be effective. Lemongrass is a safe essential oil that can be applied directly to the skin in this lotion. It’s also good for your hair.

It is safe for all ages, including infants.

The combination of coconut and lemongrass has a distinct, fresh scent. It will moisturize your skin to keep it healthy while simultaneously repelling flies that come your way. It will last about 3-4 hours then you’ll have to re-apply it.

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.

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.