15 Plants That Repel Flies

Are you tired of dealing with pesky flies in your home? There is a natural solution! By strategically planting certain plants around your home, you can repel flies and keep your space bug-free.

In this post, we’ll cover plants that repel flies and provide simple tips for using them to keep your home fly-free. Read on to learn more!

Do you find yourself frequently swatting away annoying flies from your home, garden, or patio?

If so, you’re not alone! Flies can be pesky and annoying, but you don’t have to resign yourself to living in their presence.

Certain plants can help you fight back against pesky flies and keep them away for good.

We’ll explore some of the best plants that repel flies and offer tips on keeping these buzzing pests out of your home.

Read on to discover the top plants that help you win the battle against flies!

1. Garlic

Not only is garlic a common ingredient in cooking, but it also has insect-repelling properties that make it a great addition to your garden.

Flies are particularly repelled by the strong scent of garlic, making it an effective natural repellent. 

Planting garlic near outdoor seating areas or doorways can help deter flies from entering your home or outdoor space.

Additionally, using garlic in your cooking or creating a garlic spray to use on plants can help keep flies at bay. 

To make a garlic spray, chop up a few cloves of garlic and steep them in boiling water for several hours.

Strain the mixture and then pour it into a spray bottle. Spray the mixture onto plants or around doorways and windows to create a barrier against flies. 

Keep in mind that while garlic is one of the effective plants that repel flies, it can also be potent and overpowering.

Be sure to use it in moderation and consider testing a small area before spraying it throughout your garden.

2. Lemongrass

Lemongrass is one of the popular plants that repel flies. Its citrusy aroma is unpleasant for these pesky insects, so they tend to stay away from areas where this plant is present.

Lemongrass is also commonly used in insect repellent sprays and candles because of its effectiveness.

To use lemongrass as a natural fly repellent, plant it in your garden or keep a few potted plants on your porch or patio.

You can crush the leaves and place them in a small bowl to release their scent and keep flies at bay.

Additionally, lemongrass can be used to make a homemade fly-repellent spray. Combine a few drops of lemongrass essential oil with water and spray them around your home or outdoor furniture.

Lemongrass not only repels flies but also has many other benefits. It has anti-inflammatory properties, can reduce stress and anxiety, and may even help digestion.

So, not only will it help keep your outdoor areas fly-free, but it can also provide a soothing and calming atmosphere.

Lemongrass is a tall, fragrant plant that’s popular for its citrusy scent. But did you know that it’s also great for keeping flies away?

This tropical grass has been used for centuries as a natural insect repellent and is often found in mosquito sprays and candles.

The scent of lemongrass is pleasant to humans, but flies can’t stand it. It contains citronella, a natural compound that repels insects.

Planting lemongrass in your garden or placing a pot indoors can help keep flies away.

If you want to use lemongrass to its full potential, you can make your own natural fly-repellent spray.

Boil a handful of chopped lemongrass in a cup of water for a few minutes, strain the liquid, and pour it into a spray bottle.

You can also add a few drops of essential oil to enhance the scent. This DIY spray is safe and effective for indoor and outdoor use.

In addition to its fly-repelling properties, lemongrass is also a great herb for cooking and making tea. Its zesty flavor can be used in various dishes, from curries to soups to marinades.

Plus, it’s full of antioxidants and has anti-inflammatory properties, making it a great addition to any healthy diet.

Overall, lemongrass is a versatile and useful one of the plants that repel flies in your home or garden.

Not only can it help keep pesky flies away, but it also adds a delicious flavor to your meals and has health benefits too.

So why not add lemongrass to your next grocery list or planting scheme? Your taste buds (and your fly-free home) will thank you.

3. Marigolds

Marigolds are other plants that repel flies. Not only do they have a beautiful bright orange or yellow color, but they also have a pungent smell that flies can’t stand.

In fact, marigolds contain a natural insecticide called pyrethrum, which makes them a popular choice for organic pest control. 

Marigolds are easy to grow and can be planted in various locations, including gardens, flower beds, and containers.

They prefer full sun and well-drained soil. The best part is that they also repel other unwanted insects, such as mosquitoes, nematodes, and aphids. 

When planting marigolds, you can either purchase seedlings or sow seeds directly into the soil. They should be spaced about 8-10 inches apart to allow for adequate air circulation.

Deadheading the spent flowers will encourage new blooms to form and prolong the blooming season. 

Marigold is a bright and beautiful flowering plant that is not only lovely to look at but also serves as excellent among plants that repel flies.

Marigolds contain a compound called pyrethrum, which is commonly used in insect repellents. Pyrethrum effectively keeps away a range of flying insects, including flies.

Marigolds are also easy to grow and require minimal maintenance, making them popular among gardeners.

Plant marigolds as a fly repellent in your garden, or keep potted marigolds around your home. You can also dry and hang the flowers around your home or garden to repel flies.

In addition to being an effective fly repellent, marigolds add vibrant color to your surroundings. So why add some marigolds to your garden or home and enjoy their beauty and practicality?

In addition to their pest-repelling qualities, marigolds are also used in many cultural and religious ceremonies.

They symbolize warmth, love, and devotion and are often used as gifts or decorations.

So, you can enjoy a pest-free environment and add a touch of beauty and tradition to your home or garden with marigolds.

4. Catnip 

Catnip is a popular plant among cat lovers, but did you know it is also one of the plants that repel flies?

This fragrant herb contains a chemical compound called nepetalactone, which is highly effective at repelling various pests, including mosquitoes, ants, and flies.

Catnip is easy to grow and can thrive in a variety of conditions. It’s also a hardy plant, meaning that it requires very little maintenance.

Simply plant catnip in a sunny area of your garden or in a pot on your balcony, and watch as the flies are kept at bay.

You can also use dried catnip leaves to make a DIY fly-repellent spray. Simply steep the leaves in boiling water, strain the mixture, and transfer it into a spray bottle.

This natural spray can be used around the house or while spending time outside to keep pesky flies away.

One thing to remember when planting catnip is that it is also a popular attraction for cats. If you have a feline friend, be sure to plant the catnip in an area where your cat can enjoy it without destroying it.

Overall, catnip is a great option for plants that repel flies while adding greenery and fragrance to your space.

5. Tansy

Tansy is a hardy perennial plant that has been used for centuries to repel flies. Its distinctive yellow flowers give off a strong odor that flies find unappealing.

Tansy also contains a natural insecticide called pyrethrum, which is effective against a wide range of insects, including flies.

To use tansy to repel flies, you can plant it in your garden or in containers on your patio or balcony.

Alternatively, you can dry the leaves and flowers and place them in small sachets to hang around your home.

Tansy is also sometimes used as an ingredient in natural fly sprays and plants that repel flies.

It’s worth noting that while tansy is effective against flies, it’s also toxic to some other insects and cats and dogs if ingested.

If you have pets, make sure to keep them away from tansy plants or products containing tansy.

As with any natural remedy, it’s important to use tansy with caution and do your research before trying it out.

6. Eucalyptus

Eucalyptus is a popular plant that is widely known for its many health benefits, including respiratory and immune system support.

However, it is also an excellent natural insect repellent that can keep flies away from your home.

The strong and distinctive scent of eucalyptus can overpower and deter flies, making it a great plant to grow in your garden or keep in pots around your house.

In addition to repelling flies, eucalyptus is known to keep mosquitoes, ticks, and other bugs at bay. The best part about eucalyptus is that it is easy to care for and requires little maintenance.

Simply place a pot of eucalyptus near doors and windows, or plant it in your garden and let the plant keep the flies away!

7. Chrysanthemums

Chrysanthemums, or mums, are not just pretty flowers to add to your garden or home décor.

These flowers have been found to repel flies and other pesky insects due to the presence of pyrethrum, a natural insecticide.

This makes them a great addition to your home or garden if you want to keep flies away.

Chrysanthemums come in various colors and sizes, so you can choose the ones that best suit your aesthetic preferences.

They require moderate watering and plenty of sunlight, making them relatively easy to care for. You can place pots of chrysanthemums around your home or garden to help keep flies at bay.

It’s important to note that while chrysanthemums are a natural insecticide, they can also be toxic to other insects and even humans if ingested.

If you have pets or small children, make sure to keep them away from these plants.

Also, if you plan on using chrysanthemums as a natural fly repellent, make sure to use them in moderation.

Chrysanthemums are beautiful and effective plants that repel flies away from your home and garden.

Just be sure to take the necessary precautions to keep them from being a hazard to yourself or your loved ones.

8. Citronella

Citronella is a popular plant that is often used in insect-repellent candles and sprays. It has a strong citrus scent that mosquitoes and flies hate, making it a great natural repellent.

Citronella plants thrive in warm weather and can grow up to five feet tall. They can be planted in a pot or directly into the ground.

If planting in a pot, make sure to choose a large one, as the roots of the citronella plant can be extensive.

Nevertheless, Citronella plants prefer well-draining soil and require frequent watering.

The leaves of the plant can be crushed and rubbed onto the skin to provide added protection against flies and mosquitoes.

Citronella is also a popular addition to outdoor entertaining areas as it’s one of the plants that repel flies and other pesky insects.

9. Sage

Sage is a delicious herb to cook with and a great plant to have around if you want to keep flies at bay.

Flies tend to hate sage’s scent, making it one of the natural plants that repel flies. You can grow sage plants in your garden or keep small potted plants around your home to ward off pesky flies.

Not only will you be fly-free, but you’ll also have a beautiful and aromatic plant to admire.

Sage is also known to have a number of other health benefits, including being an antioxidant and an anti-inflammatory, so it’s a win-win situation!

10. Mint

Mint is a popular herb that not only adds flavor to your dishes but also plants that repel flies. It contains a strong fragrance that flies cannot stand.

You can grow it in your garden or keep a small pot on your windowsill. Mint also has the added benefit of attracting beneficial insects such as bees and butterflies.

One way to use mint to repel flies is to crush some of its leaves and scatter them around where flies gather, such as in the garbage bin or the outdoor dining area. You can also make a simple DIY fly-repellent spray using mint.

All you need to do is steep some fresh mint leaves in boiling water, let the mixture cool down, strain it, and pour it into a spray bottle. Spritz it around your home to keep the flies at bay.

However, Mint is a low-maintenance plant that thrives in partial shade and well-drained soil. It also grows well in pots, making it a great choice for apartment dwellers.

With its pleasant aroma and fly-repelling properties, mint is an excellent addition to any home.

11. Rosemary

Rosemary is a fragrant herb that can easily be grown in your garden or in a pot on your windowsill.

Its strong aroma is known to repel flies, making it an excellent addition to your pest control efforts.

To use rosemary as a natural fly repellent, you can crush a few leaves and scatter them around your house or outdoor living areas.

You can also make a rosemary spray by boiling a handful of rosemary leaves in water for a few minutes, straining out the leaves, and then adding the liquid to a spray bottle.

Spritz the rosemary spray around the areas where flies tend to congregate, such as garbage cans, pet areas, and outdoor eating spaces.

Rosemary is not only effective as one of the plants that repel flies, but it is also a versatile herb that can be used in various dishes, from meats to soups to roasted vegetables.

So, if you are looking for a plant that can multitask as a natural pest control solution and a culinary ingredient, consider adding rosemary to your home or garden.

12. Wormwood

Wormwood, also known as Artemisia absinthium, is a perennial plant that has been used for centuries for its medicinal properties.

It is also known for its ability to repel flies, making it a great addition to your home garden. Wormwood has a distinct aroma that is unpleasant to flies, causing them to stay away.

Plant wormwood to repel flies in your garden or a pot near windows or doors. You can crush and rub a few leaves on your skin to repel flies outdoors.

However, it’s important to note that wormwood contains a toxic chemical called thujone, so it should not be ingested.

In addition to repelling flies, wormwood has several health benefits. It can help with digestive issues, reduce inflammation, and even aid in improving mood.

Just be sure to consult with a healthcare professional before using it for medicinal purposes.

Wormwood is a great option for plants that repel flies while offering medicinal benefits. Consider adding this plant to your garden to keep those pesky flies away.

13. Lavender

Not only is lavender a beautiful and fragrant plant, but it also has properties that repel flies. The strong aroma of lavender is offensive to flies, making them want to stay away.

Plant lavender in pots or in your garden to keep flies at bay. Lavender is easy to care for and grows well in dry, sunny conditions.

Its delicate purple flowers make it a great addition to any garden, while its natural repellent properties make it a must-have for those looking to keep their home fly-free.

To make the most of lavender’s fly-repelling abilities, try drying the flowers and hanging them in your home.

Not only will this give your home a lovely scent, but it will also help to keep pesky flies away.

So, if you’re looking for natural and effective plants that repel flies out of your home, be sure to add lavender to your list of must-have plants.

With its beautiful appearance and powerful fly-repelling properties, lavender is a win-win for any home or garden.

14. Allium

Alliums are a genus of flowering plants in the onion family. These plants are not only a staple in the kitchen, but they also make great natural fly repellents.

Alliums have a strong odor that flies cannot stand, making them a natural deterrent for these pesky insects. 

You can plant alliums in your garden or even in pots on your patio or balcony. These plants require minimal maintenance and can grow in various soil types and conditions.

They also produce beautiful blooms in various colors, including pink, white, and purple. 

Alliums are not only great for keeping flies away, but they also have a range of health benefits. They are rich in antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals, making them a great addition to your diet.

Alliums are known for their ability to lower blood pressure and reduce the risk of heart disease. 

Alliums are a great option if you are looking for a natural way to keep flies out of your home.

Planting these easy-to-grow plants can provide both aesthetic appeal and functional benefits. Give alliums a try and say goodbye to pesky flies for good!

15. Basil

Not only does basil add delicious flavor to your favorite dishes, but they are also plants that repel flies.

It can also help keep those pesky flies at bay. The strong scent of basil is unappealing to flies and can keep them from entering your home.

You can easily grow basil in a pot indoors or outdoors in a sunny area. Make sure to water it regularly and trim off any dead leaves to keep it healthy.

Overall, Not only will you have a natural fly repellent, but you’ll also have fresh basil on hand for cooking! Place small basil plants near windows or doors to keep flies from entering your home.

Another option is to make a basil spray by steeping a handful of basil leaves in hot water for several hours, then transferring the mixture to a spray bottle.

Use the spray around your home to repel flies and enjoy a fly-free environment.