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The summer is coming and the flies are already out. Many of you know how much it bothers to swat at them, but did you know that there are plants that repel these pests? There are many different types of plants that will help with fly control.
Some people like using herbs because they can grow them in containers or pots on their deck or patio near the doorways and windows for quick access when needed.
Others prefer planting perennials in groups to create a garden perimeter around their home. No matter what your preference may be, this article has 27 plants that will help keep those pesky flies away!
Have you ever been greeted by a swarm of flies when opening your front door? That is the worst! Fortunately, there are many plants that repel these pests naturally. In this blog post, we will discuss 27 plants, herbs, and flowers (even perennials) that will help keep flies away from you and your home!
Our list of plants that will keep flies away: Chrysanthemums, Bay Leaves, Floss Flowers, Lemongrass, Nasturtiums, Marigolds, Tansies, Wormwood, Parsley, Rue, Lemon Thyme, Lantana, Pennyroyal, Mint, Basil, Geraniums, Lavender, Four O’Clocks, Allium, Venus Fly Trap, Rosemary, Catnip, Pitcher Plant, Sage, Rosemary, Petunias, Citronella.
Plants that repel flies
Chrysanthemums
What are Chrysanthemums?
Chrysanthemums are flowering plants in the Asteraceae family. There are over 18,000 different species of Chrysanthemums!
Why do they repel flies?
The essential oil from Chrysanthemums is a powerful fly repellent. It contains pyrethrum, which is a natural insecticide. This makes Chrysanthemums great fly repellers.
How to use them:
You can grow Chrysanthemums yourself or purchase them as an essential oil. If you are growing your own, place them near doorways and windows where flies tend to congregate. If you are using the essential oil, add a few drops to a diffuser or put it directly on Fly strips.
Where to buy:
Chrysanthemum essential oil can be purchased online or at your local health food store.
Chrysanthemum flowers and plants can be found at many retail garden centers and nurseries. They are also available to purchase online.
Bay Leaves
Bay leaves also repel flies and can be used in the kitchen.
What are Bay Leaves?
Bay leaves come from a tree in the Lauraceae family. They have been used for thousands of years as not only a culinary herb but also as medicine and to repel flies!
Why do they repel flies?
The linalool contained in Bay leaves is what acts as a repellent. It can be found naturally occurring on oil glands located at the bottom of every leaf, which helps protect it from pests such as insects and fungi. The chemical compound called Geraniol gives Bay leaves even more fly-repelling power.
How to use them: You can grow your own or you can purchase dried bay leaves at most grocery stores or online.
Where to buy: If growing your own, purchase a Bay Laurel tree from a nursery or online.
If purchasing dried bay leaves, they can be found at most grocery stores and online and work just great.
Bay leaves can also be purchased as an essential oil.
Floss Flowers
What are Floss Flowers?
Floss flowers come from a perennial flowering plant in the Asteraceae family. They have been used to repel flies and other insects since before medieval times.
Why do they repel flies?
It is believed that it is due to their strong, unpleasant scent. Also known as ‘Pincushion Flower,’ Floss Flowers was once referred to as “pinch-the-flies.” Even today you can find dried plants with pins stuck into them sitting around old homes!
How to use them: You can grow your own or purchase Floss Flower seeds (or plants) online.
Where to buy: If growing your own, place near doorways and windows where fly congregate. Dried flax plants can be found at most grocery stores and online.
Floss flower essential oil is also available for purchase.
Lemongrass
What is lemongrass?
Lemongrass comes from a perennial flowering plant in the Poaceae family. It has been used to repel flies since Egyptian times.
Why do they repel flies?
It contains citronella, which acts as an insect repellent. Lemongrass can be added to potpourri or sachets for this purpose.
How to use them: You can grow your own lemongrass plants indoors or outdoors, purchase dried stalks online, or buy essential oil with citronella at most grocery stores and health food stores.
Where to buy: If growing your own, place near doorways and windows where fly congregate. Dried lemongrass stalks can be found at most grocery stores and online.
Lemongrass essential oil is also available for purchase.
Photo by Laura Mitulla on Unsplash
Nasturtiums
What are nasturtiums? Nasturtiums come from the Tropaeoleum Majus plant, in the Brassicaceae family. They have been used since ancient times to keep insects away!
Why do they repel flies? It is believed that it’s due to their strong scent which could resemble decaying matter or carrion scents, both of which would act as a deterrent for flies because they like clean smells instead. How to use them: You can grow your own nasturtiums indoors or outdoors, purchase dried nasturtium seeds online, or buy essential oil with petrichor at most grocery stores and health food stores. Where to buy: If growing your own, place near doorways and windows where fly congregate. Dried nasturtium flowers can be found at most retail garden centers and nurseries as well as online. Essential oil of nasturtiums is also available for purchase.
Watercress
What is watercress? Watercress comes from the Nasturtium Officinale plant in the Brassicaceae family.
They have been used since ancient times to keep insects away!
Why do they repel flies? It is believed that it’s due to their strong scent which could resemble decaying matter or carrion scents, both of which would act as a deterrent for flies because they like clean smells instead.
How to use them: You can grow your own watercress indoors or outdoors, purchase dried watercress seeds online, at most grocery stores and health food stores.
Where to buy: If growing your own, place near doorways and windows where fly congregate. Dried watercress plants can be found at most retail garden centers and nurseries as well as online.
White Clover (Trifolium repens)
What are white clovers? White Clover comes from the Trifolium repens plant, in the Fabaceae family. They have been used since ancient times to keep insects away!
Why do they repel flies? It is believed that it’s due to their strong scent which could resemble decaying matter or carrion scents, both of which would act as a deterrent for flies because they like clean smells instead.
How to use them: You can grow your own white clover indoors or outdoors, purchase dried white clover seeds online.
Where to buy: If growing your own, place near doorways and windows where fly congregate. Dried white clover plants can be found at most retail garden centers and nurseries as well as online.
Lavender (lavendula angustifolia)
What is lavender? Lavender comes from the Lavendula Angustifolia plant, in the Lamiaceae family. It has been used to repel flies since Egyptian times.
Why do they repel flies? It contains strong scents that could resemble decaying matter or carrion scents, both of which would act as a deterrent for flies because they like clean smells instead.
How to use them: You can grow your own lavenders indoors or outdoors, purchase dried stalks online, or buy essential oil with petrichor at most grocery stores and health food stores. Essential oil of lavender is also available for purchase.
Where to buy: If growing your own, place near doorways and windows where fly congregate. (Dried) lavender plants can be found at most retail garden centers and nurseries as well as online.
Lemon Balm (Melissa officinalis)
What is lemon balm? Lemon balm comes from the Melissa officinalis plant in the Lamiaceae family. It has been used to repel flies since ancient times!
Why do they repel flies? Flies don’t like citrus scents.
How to use them: You can grow your own lemon balm indoors or outdoors, purchase dried stalks online, or buy essential oil with petrichor at most grocery stores and health food stores.
Where to buy: If growing your own, place near doorways and windows where fly congregate. Dried lemon balm plants can be found at most retail garden centers and nurseries as well as online.
Marigolds (tagetes patula)
What are marigolds? Marigolds come from the tagetes patula plant, in the Asteraceae family. They have been used since ancient times to keep insects away!
Why do they repel flies? It is believed that it’s due to their strong scent which could resemble decaying matter or carrion scents, both of which would act as a deterrent for flies because they like clean smells instead.
How to use them: You can grow your own marigold indoors or outdoors, purchase dried stalks online, or buy essential oil with petrichor at most grocery stores and health food stores.
Where to buy: If growing your own, place near doorways and windows where fly congregate. Dried marigold plants can be found at most retail garden centers and nurseries as well as online.
Tansies (Tanacetum vulgare)
What are tansies? Tansies come from the Tanacetum vulgare plant, in the Asteraceae family. They’ve been used for ages to control insects!
Why do they repel flies? They don’t like the scent of Tansies.
How to use them: You can grow your own tansy indoors or outdoors, purchase dried stalks online, or buy essential oil with petrichor at most grocery stores and health food stores.
Where to buy: If growing your own, place near doorways and windows where fly congregate. Dried tansy plants can be found at most retail garden centers and nurseries as well as online.
Basil (Ocimum basilicum)
What is basil? Basil comes from the Ocimum basilicum plant, in the Labiatae family. Since ancient times, it has been used to keep flies at bay!
Why do they repel flies? It contains strong scents that could resemble decaying matter or carrion scents, both of which would act as a deterrent for flies because they like clean smells instead.
How to use them: You can grow your own basils indoors and outdoors, purchase dried stalks online, or buy essential oil at most grocery stores and health food stores.
Where to buy: If growing your own, place near doorways and windows where fly congregate. Dried basil plants can be found at most retail garden centers
Lavender (Lavandula angustifolia)
What is lavender? Lavender comes from the Lavandula angustifolia plant, in the Lamiaceae family. It has been used to repel flies since ancient times! Why do they repel flies? It contains strong scents that could resemble decaying matter or carrion scents, both of which would act as a deterrent for flies because they like clean smells instead. How to use them: You can grow your own lavender indoors or outdoors, purchase
Basil (Ocimum basilicum)
What is basil? Basil comes from the Ocimum basilicum plant, in the Lamiaceae family. It has been used to repel flies since ancient times! Why do they repel flies? It contains strong scents that could resemble decaying matter or carrion scents, both of which would act as a deterrent for flies because they like clean smells instead. How to use them: You can grow your own indoors or outdoors, purchase dried stalks online, or buy essential oil with petrichor at most grocery stores and health food stores
Mint (mentha spicata)
What is mint? Mint comes from the mentha spicata plant, in the Lamiaceae family. It has been used to repel flies since ancient times!
Why does Mint repel flies? We, humans, adore the smell of Mint, but flies and other insects, not so much!
How to use Mint: You can grow your own mint indoors and outdoors (it’s actually a really easy herb for beginners, so you can’t do much wrong with it), purchase Mint plants online, or buy peppermint essential oil with petrichor at most grocery stores and health food stores.
Where to buy: If growing your own, place near doorways and windows where fly congregate. Dried mint plants can be found at most retail garden centers and nurseries as well as online.
Wormwood (Artemisia absinthium)
What is wormwood? Wormwood comes from the Artemisia absinthium plant, in the Asteraceae family. It has been used to repel flies since ancient times!
Why does Wormwood repel flies?
How to use them: You can grow your own wormwood indoors or outdoors, purchase dried stalks online, or buy essential oil with petrichor at most grocery stores and health food stores.
Where to buy: If growing your own, place near doorways and windows where fly congregate. Wormwood plants can be found at most retail garden centers and nurseries as well as online. You can dry your own Wormwood stalks and hang them in your house, preferably places where all of the flies gather.
Eucalyptus (eucalyptus globulus)
What eucalyptus? Eucalyptus comes from the eucalyptus globulus plant, in the Myrtaceae family. It has been used as a way to keep flies away for a long time.
Eucalyptus plants repel flies and other insects because it has a strong smell that they do not like.
How to use Eucalyptus as a fly repellant: You can grow your own indoors or outdoors purchase dried stalks online (they are also great to use in wreaths or dried flower arrangements), or buy Eucalyptus essential oil at most grocery stores and health food stores.
Where to buy: If growing your own, place near doorways and windows where fly congregate. Eucalyptus plants can be found at most retail garden centers and nurseries as well as online. You can dry your own Eucalyptus stalks and hang them in your house, preferably places where all of the flies gather.
Parsley (Petroselinum crispum)
What is parsley? Parsley comes from the Petroselinum crispum plant, in the Apiaceae family. It has been used to repel flies since ancient times!
Why does Parsley repel flies? The strong scent of this plant is unappealing to our flying friends.
How to use Parsley as a fly repellant: You can grow your own indoors or outdoors purchase dried stalks online, or buy parsley essential oil at most grocery stores and health food stores. Place near doors and windows where flies congregate if you’re growing your own.
Where to buy: Parsley plants may be found at most retail garden centers and nurseries, as well as online. You can also hang some Parsley stalks in your house or put them in a little vase, preferably places where all of the flies gather.
Rue (Ruta graveolens)
What is Rue? Rue comes from the Ruta graveolens plant, in the Rutaceae family. For thousands of years, people have known the efficacy of Rue, it has been utilized to drive away insects!
Why does Rue repel flies? The strong scent of this plant is unappealing to flies and other insects.
How to use: You can grow your own indoors or outdoors purchase dried stalks online, or buy essential oil at most grocery stores and health food stores. Place near doors and windows where fly congregate if you’re growing your own.
Where to buy: If growing your own, place near doorways and windows where flies gather.
Lemon Thyme (Thymus citriodorus)
What is Lemon Thyme? Lemon thyme comes from the Thymus citriodorus plant, in the Lamiaceae family. It has been used to repel flies since ancient times!
Why does lemon thyme repel flies? The strong scent of this plant is unappealing to flies and other insects.
How to use: You can grow your own indoors or outdoors purchase dried stalks online, or buy essential oil at most grocery stores and health food stores. Place near doors and windows where fly congregate if you’re growing your own.
Where to buy: If growing your own, place near doorways and windows where flies gather. Lemon thyme plants can be found at most retail garden centers and nurseries, as well as online. You can also hang some Lemon thyme stalks in your house or put them in a little vase, preferably places where all of the flies gather.
Lantana (Lantana camara)
What is Lantana? Lantana comes from the Lantana Camara plant, in the Verbenaceae family. Flies have been repelled with it since ancient times!
Why does lantana repel flies? This plant’s pungent odor repels flies.
How to use: You can produce your own indoors or outdoors, and dried Lantana stalks, whether fresh or dried, may also be purchased online. Essential oils are also readily available. If you grow plants, put them near doors and windows where flies gather.
Where to buy: A variety of lantanas may be found at most garden stores and nurseries.
Pennyroyal (Mentha pulegium)
What is pennyroyal? Pennyroyal comes from the Mentha pulegium plant, in the Lamiaceae family. It has been used to repel flies since ancient times!
Why does Pennyroyal deter flies? The strong scent of this plant is unappealing to flies and other insects.
But, please be careful with Pennyroyal! Pennyroyal is poisonous if ingested, so be sure to keep it away from children and pets!
Where to buy: Some garden centers and nurseries have pennyroyal plants.
Geraniums (Pelargonium)
What are Geraniums? Geraniums come from the Pelargonium plant, in the Geraniaceae family. The Geranium plant has been used to
Why does geranium repel flies? Although us humans are very fond of Geraniums, flies and other insects are definetely not. Geraniums have a very strong scent that flies find unappealing .
If you’re growing your own, place it near doorways and windows where fly congregate.
Four ‘O Clocks (Mirabilis jalapa)
What are Four O’Clocks? Four ‘O Clocks come from the Mirabilis jalapa plant, in the Nyctaginaceae family. Since ancient times, swarms of flies have been kept at bay with it!
Why does Four O’Clock’s repel flies? This plant has a very strong odor that is unappealing to flies and other insects .
How to use: You can grow your own indoors or outdoors, dried stalks may be obtained online as well as essential oil in most supermarkets and health food stores. If you’re growing your own, place it near doorways and windows where fly get together.
Where to buy: Four ‘O Clocks are available at most garden centers and nurseries. You can buy them there.
Alliums
What are alliums? Alliums come from the genus Allium, in the Amaryllidaceae family. Flies have been repelled with it since ancient times!
Why does allium repel flies? The strong scent of this plant is unappealing to flies and other insects .
Where to buy: Alliums are flowers that you can buy at a garden center or nursery.
Venus Fly Trap
What is the Venus Fly Trap? The venus fly trap comes from the genus Dionaea, in the Droseraceae family. Flies have been caught with it since ancient times! How does a Venus Fly Trap work? The plant has a trap that snaps shut when an insect lands on it, trapping the fly!
Why does Venus Fly Trap repel flies? It catches the flies, so you don’t have to!
Where to buy: Venus Fly Traps can be bought online.
How to use: Place a Venus Fly Trap where the flies tend to gather.
Pitcher Plant
What is a pitcher plant? A pitcher plant comes from the genus Nepenthes, in the Droseraceae family. Flies have been caught with it since ancient times!
Why does a pitcher plant repel flies? It catches the flies, so you don’t have to!
Where to buy : Pitcher plants can be bought online.
How to use: Place a pitcher plant in the area where flies tend to gather.
Sage (Salvia officinalis)
What is Sage?
Sage comes from the Salvia officinalis plant, in the Lamiaceae family. The sage has been used to repel flies and other insects since ancient times!
Why does sage repel flies? The strong scent of this plant is unappealing to flies and other insects.
How to use: Grow your own Sage indoors or outdoors, but you can also buy it in most supermarkets and health food stores.
Where to buy: You can buy sage at most nurseries.
Petunias
Petunias come from the genus Petunia, in the Solanaceae family. Flies have been repelled with it since ancient times!
Why do petunias repel flies? The strong scent of this plant is unappealing to flies and other insects.
How to use: Petunias can be grown indoors or outdoors.
Where to buy: Petunias are a type of flower that you can find at most garden centers, nurseries.
Rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis)
Rosemary comes from the Rosmarinus Officinale plant in the Lamiaceae family. Since ancient times, it has been used to repel insects! Why do they repel flies? Rosemary has a strong smell: it contains terpenes, which are known to have insect-repelling properties.
How to use them: You can grow your own rosemary indoors or outdoors, purchase dried stalks online, or buy essential oil with rosemary at most grocery stores and health food stores.
Where to buy: Place outside near entrances and windows where flies congregate to attract them. Most garden shops as well as many internet nurseries carry rosemary plants.
Parsley (Petroselinum crispum)
Parsley comes from the Petroselinum Crispum plant in the Umbelliferae family. Since ancient times, it has been used to keep away pesky insects!
How to use them: You can grow your own, or buy essential oil with Parsley at most grocery stores and health food stores.
Catnip (Nepeta cataria)
Catnip comes from the Nepeta Cataria plant in the Lamiaceae family. It has been used to repel flies since ancient times!
Why does it repel flies? It contains strong scents that could resemble decaying matter or carrion scents, both of which would act as a deterrent for flies.
How to use them: You can grow plants indoors or outdoors. They could be in the supermarket or a health food store. If you’re growing plants, place them near doors and windows where flies congregate.
Where to buy: You can buy Catnip is at some garden centers and nurseries.
Citronella (Cymbopogon nardus)
Citronella comes from the Cymbopogon Nardus plant in the Poaceae family. It has been used for centuries as a way to keep away flies!
Why do they repel flies? Citronella has a strong scent that is unappealing to flies and other insects.
How to use: You can grow your own indoors or outdoors, or buy it online or in a garden center.
Where to buy: Citronella is available at most garden centers and nurseries.
In conclusion
In conclusion: these plants help you repel flies. Not only are they easy to use, but most of them can be grown right in your own home!
Try using these plants or herbs the next time you have a fly problem and see how well they work for you. You may be surprised by just how effective they are!