What Scents Get Rid Of Flies For Good?

Flies are annoying, unhygienic, and dangerous. What Scents Get Rid Of Flies? This guide from flyermedia.net will dive deep into the most effective fragrances for repelling flies, practical ways to use them, and additional strategies to ensure your home becomes a fly-free sanctuary. By understanding how to use scents to repel flies, you can create a more pleasant and hygienic environment.

Discover the power of natural fly repellents and reclaim your space today; check flyermedia.net for the latest insights on natural pest control, aviation news, and career opportunities in the US.

1. Scents That Attract Flies

Before we dive into the scents that will repel flies, let’s touch on the scents that attract them. Knowing what attracts flies allows you to keep those scents out of your home and make it less appealing to flies.

Here are some of the most well-known scents that can lure flies:

House flies: Unpleasant, decaying smells (rotting meat, decomposing garbage, etc.)
Fruit flies: Sweet, sugary smells (ripe or rotting fruit, spilled soda or juice, alcohol, etc.)
Drain flies: Moist, mildewy smells

Uncovered trash cans can easily entice house flies and sometimes fruit flies, depending on what is left in your trash can.

House flies might also make their way into their yard if they detect the smell of manure or pet feces. Once they’re in your yard, they can travel into your house, especially if you leave the doors or windows open.

Fruit flies may be drawn to overripe or fermenting fruit left sitting on your countertop, as well as spilled drinks or open containers left unattended.

If you haven’t cleaned your drains recently, drain flies may be enticed by the scum inside of them. They’ll try to access your drains so they can lay eggs in them.

2. What Scents Keep Flies Away?

From rotting meat to fermenting fruit, it’s safe to say flies are attracted to unpleasant smells. Fortunately, they’re also repelled by many pleasant smells. This means you can freshen up your home and keep flies out.

Here are some of the most noteworthy scents known to deter flies:

3. Fly-Repelling Scent Effectiveness Ratings

Effectiveness Of Scents For Repelling Flies Bar Chart

Effectiveness of scents for repelling flies is shown in a bar chart

4. Bay Leaves/Laurel Leaves – Effectiveness: 6/10

Bay leaves, or laurel leaves, can also deter flies. As a bonus, their soft scent is also known to keep away other pests like mice. You’ll see the best results by planting fresh bay laurel shrubs in your yard. However, dried leaves can work in a pinch.

Indoor Use: Place dried bay leaves in small sachets or bowls near pantry shelves, windowsills, and entryways.
Outdoor Use: Plant fresh bay laurel shrubs near patio doors, outdoor seating areas, or garden edges to create a natural barrier.
Pro Tip: Crush a few dried bay leaves and sprinkle the powder near trash cans or drains for extra protection.

5. Camphor – Effectiveness: 8/10

Camphor is made by distilling bark and wood from the camphor tree. It can also be made from turpentine oil. Camphor essential oil has a strong smell that flies do not find enticing. You can also burn camphor branches in your yard to encourage flies to turn away.

Indoor Use: Use camphor essential oil in a diffuser to spread the scent throughout your home.
Outdoor Use: Burn camphor tablets or branches in outdoor areas like patios to ward off flies.
Pro Tip: Combine camphor oil with water to create a spray for hard-to-reach areas like high shelves or corners.

6. Catnip – Effectiveness: 9/10

Growing catnip on your windowsill allows you to kill two birds (or flies) with one stone. Not only will you prevent flies from infesting your home, but you’ll also have a tasty treat on hand for your feline friends. If you want to keep flies out of your yard, plant some in your garden as well.

Indoor Use: Grow catnip in pots and place them on windowsills or in kitchens.
Outdoor Use: Plant catnip in your garden to deter flies from entering outdoor seating areas.
Pro Tip: Brew a strong catnip tea, let it cool, and use it as a natural spray for patios and doorframes.

7. Cayenne Pepper – Effectiveness: 7/10

Flies hate the spicy odor of cayenne pepper. If you’ve noticed flies in certain parts of your home, consider sprinkling dried cayenne pepper around the area. You can also mix it with water and spray it in those locations.

Remember that cayenne’s pungent, spicy scent can trigger sneezing or eye irritation in humans, so use it sparingly at first and avoid touching your eyes or nose until you wash your hands.

Indoor Use: Mix cayenne pepper powder with water to create a spray and apply it to areas where flies congregate.
Outdoor Use: Sprinkle cayenne powder along the edges of outdoor dining areas or gardens.
Pro Tip: Add a few drops of vinegar to the cayenne spray for an even stronger repellent effect.

8. Cinnamon – Effectiveness: 7/10

Try cinnamon if you want to keep flies away but aren’t ready to use something as harsh as cayenne pepper. Strategically placed cinnamon sticks or a sprinkle of cinnamon in areas where you’ve seen flies congregating can work wonders. You can also diffuse cinnamon essential oil or light a cinnamon-scented candle for a less messy solution.

Indoor Use: Place cinnamon sticks near windows, vents, or countertops. Diffuse cinnamon essential oil for a mess-free alternative.
Outdoor Use: Use cinnamon-scented candles on patios during gatherings.
Pro Tip: Simmer cinnamon sticks in water with a few cloves for a fragrant, fly-repelling home scent.

9. Citronella – Effectiveness: 9/10

You’ve heard of citronella to deter mosquitos; however, did you know that it also works for flies? Burning citronella candles on your patio will help you prevent flies from making their way into your yard. You can also grow citronella plants and rub the leaves between your hands to release their scent and send a message to flies to buzz away.

Indoor Use: Diffuse citronella oil or use citronella-scented sprays in kitchens and living rooms.
Outdoor Use: Burn citronella candles on patios or plant citronella grass around seating areas.
Pro Tip: Rub fresh citronella leaves between your hands to release oils and rub them on fly-prone surfaces.

10. Citrus – Effectiveness: 6/10

Citrus scents are refreshing and rejuvenating. They can also keep flies out of your home. Use orange or lemon peels to prevent flies from taking up residence in your home. There’s a catch, though.

You must throw citrus peels out before they start to mold or rot. Otherwise, you’ll end up attracting flies — especially fruit flies — into your home.

If you aren’t up to the task of monitoring citrus peels, consider using citrus-scented essential oils or citrus-scented candles instead.

Indoor Use: Place fresh citrus peels near sinks, windows, and garbage bins. Replace them before they begin to rot.
Outdoor Use: Plant lemon or orange trees near your home to create a natural fly barrier.
Pro Tip: Dry citrus peels and grind them into a fine powder. Sprinkle this powder in fly-prone areas for long-lasting fly repellency.

11. Cloves – Effectiveness: 6/10

Cloves are known for their distinct, spicy scent and their unique numbing properties (that’s why they’re often used in natural toothache remedies). If you need another excuse to include cloves in your herb garden, consider the fact that they’re also natural fly deterrents. You can also make sachets of dried clove leaves or boil cloves in water on your stove.

Indoor Use: Boil whole cloves in water to create a fly-repelling aroma that spreads throughout your home.
Outdoor Use: Stick whole cloves into citrus fruits and place them on outdoor tables for a decorative and functional deterrent.
Pro Tip: Combine cloves with cinnamon sticks in a potpourri dish for an added layer of fly protection and fragrance.

12. Eucalyptus – Effectiveness: 7/10

Eucalyptus is another calming and refreshing scent that will drive flies away. Hang a bunch of eucalyptus in your shower for a spa-like feeling (and to encourage drain flies to steer clear), or diffuse it throughout your home. You can also dilute it with water and create a delicious-smelling room spray.

Indoor Use: Hang dried eucalyptus branches in bathrooms or diffuse eucalyptus oil to freshen up rooms and repel flies.
Outdoor Use: Plant eucalyptus trees near patios or garden beds to keep flies away from outdoor areas.
Pro Tip: Mix eucalyptus oil with water in a spray bottle and use it around drains to deter drain flies effectively.

13. Lavender – Effectiveness: 8/10

Known for its relaxing properties, lavender is an herb with a pleasant, calming scent that flies hate. There are lots of ways to incorporate lavender into your home and yard to prevent flies, too. For example, you can plant it in your garden, hang dried bunches of lavender around the house, or diffuse lavender essential oil.

Indoor Use: Hang dried lavender bunches near windows or diffuse lavender oil in common fly-prone areas.
Outdoor Use: Plant lavender bushes around your patio or garden to create a natural barrier against flies.
Pro Tip: Create lavender sachets and place them in cupboards or closets for long-lasting fly protection and a pleasant aroma.

14. Lemongrass – Effectiveness: 8/10

Lemongrass is an herb with an earthy and slightly citrusy scent. The scent of lemongrass will send a clear message to flies that they should stay out of your home. Diffuse lemongrass essential oil, or try growing fresh lemongrass in your garden. You can also purchase dried lemongrass and place it throughout your home if you prefer.

Indoor Use: Diffuse lemongrass essential oil or add a few drops to your mop water when cleaning floors.
Outdoor Use: Plant lemongrass near patios or garden pathways to ward off flies naturally.
Pro Tip: Use lemongrass oil as a base in DIY fly-repellent sprays for dual-purpose cleaning and pest control.

15. Pine – Effectiveness: 6/10

In addition to being associated with the holiday season, the scent of pine is also used in many cleaning products — and for a good reason. Pine has a refreshing scent that naturally discourages flies and other pests from hanging out in your home. Light a pine-scented candle or spritz a pine-scented spray around your house after cleaning. You can also diffuse pine essential oil.

Indoor Use: Diffuse pine essential oil or use pine-scented cleaning products to add a fly-repelling aroma after tidying up.
Outdoor Use: Scatter pine mulch around outdoor plants or garden beds to deter flies.
Pro Tip: Mix pine oil with water to create a room spray for use in garages or storage areas.

16. Rosemary – Effectiveness: 7/10

If you like the idea of growing herbs that deter flies and add extra flavor to your food, rosemary is another good option. The scent of rosemary will keep flies away from your yard or out of your house. This plant grows well in most climates, too although you must protect it from frost or freezing temperatures.

Indoor Use: Grow rosemary in pots on sunny windowsills to naturally repel flies in kitchens or living rooms.
Outdoor Use: Plant rosemary bushes near patios, seating areas, or garden beds for outdoor fly protection.
Pro Tip: Add rosemary sprigs to decorative wreaths for a fly-repelling yet stylish home decor piece.

17. Rue – Effectiveness: 7/10

Rue is a traditional herb that has historically been used for medicinal purposes. Some have compared its scent to that of an orange, which explains why it’s effective at repelling flies (remember, they don’t like citrus scents).

Consider arranging rue plants around your patio and outdoor seating areas, or add a plant to your kitchen. You can also diffuse rue essential oil or mix it with water and spray it around your home.

Indoor Use: Diffuse rue essential oil in rooms prone to flies, such as kitchens or pantries.
Outdoor Use: Plant rue bushes near patios or garden beds to naturally repel flies from outdoor spaces.
Pro Tip: Mix rue oil with lavender or citronella oil for a potent, multi-scent fly repellent.

18. Spearmint/Peppermint – Effectiveness: 8/10

In addition to making your house smell minty fresh, herbs like spearmint and peppermint can also keep flies at bay. Mint grows quickly and makes an excellent addition to your backyard garden or your windowsill. For those who lack a green thumb, spearmint or peppermint essential oils can also prevent fly infestations.

Indoor Use: Place mint pots on countertops or near windows to naturally repel flies. Diffuse peppermint oil for a stronger scent.
Outdoor Use: Plant mint along garden edges or in outdoor planters to keep flies away from outdoor dining areas.
Pro Tip: Combine peppermint oil with water to make a DIY fly spray for kitchen counters or patio furniture.

19. Sweet Basil – Effectiveness: 6/10

Sweet basil is a delicious-smelling (and tasting) herb you can grow indoors or outdoors. Not only will it help you naturally keep flies away, but it also provides you with a never-ending supply of tasty garnishes. If you don’t trust yourself to keep a basil plant alive, you can also purchase sweet basil essential oil and diffuse it throughout your home.

Indoor Use: Grow basil in small pots and place them on windowsills or countertops to repel flies.
Outdoor Use: Plant basil in garden beds near entryways or outdoor seating areas for added protection.
Pro Tip: Blend fresh basil leaves with water and vinegar to create a natural, fly-repelling cleaning spray.

20. Tansy – Effectiveness: 7/10

Tansy is a brightly colored flowering herb known for its bitter taste and warm, spicy scent. Whether you grow tansy in your garden or diffuse tansy essential oil, it does an excellent job of keeping flies away.

Indoor Use: Place dried tansy flowers in bowls around windowsills or hang them in closets to repel flies.
Outdoor Use: Plant tansy in garden borders or near patios for a colorful and functional fly deterrent.
Pro Tip: Mix tansy flowers with rosemary or lavender for a potent fly-repelling herb bundle.

21. Eco-Friendly Tips for Fly Management

Flies are not just an annoyance—they’re also an environmental indicator. Managing flies in an eco-friendly way not only protects your home but also supports a healthier planet. Here are sustainable methods to deter flies effectively:

Composting Strategies: Keep compost bins tightly sealed and away from living areas. Turn the compost regularly to ensure proper aeration, which reduces odors that attract flies.
Fly-Proof Trash Bins: Opt for trash bins with tight-sealing lids. For added protection, line bins with biodegradable trash bags and clean them regularly to eliminate lingering odors.
Natural Yard Maintenance: Plant fly-repellent greenery like basil, lavender, and marigolds around outdoor spaces. Regularly trim vegetation and remove any rotting organic matter, such as fallen fruit or leaves.

22. Seasonal Fly Control

Flies are more active during certain times of the year. Understanding their seasonal behavior can help you tailor your fly control efforts for maximum effectiveness:

Spring: As the weather warms, flies begin breeding. This is the ideal time to plant fly-repelling herbs and flowers, such as citronella and lavender. Make sure to clean yard debris, as flies may lay eggs in damp or decaying organic material.
Summer: The peak season for flies. Use citronella candles during outdoor gatherings, spray natural fly repellents on patios, and keep trash cans sealed. Adding screen doors or window mesh can also help prevent flies from entering your home.
Fall: Flies often seek shelter as temperatures drop. Ensure all cracks and crevices around your home are sealed, and clean gutters to prevent standing water, which attracts flies. Remove any fallen leaves or decaying plants in your yard.

23. Bonus Tips for Preventing Flies

Distributing the scents listed above throughout your home is an easy way to keep flies out. However, you can use other practical strategies to prevent fly infestations and ensure your home stays clean and sanitized, including these:

24. Keep Your Yard Clean

If your yard is full of pungent smells that attract flies, there’s a greater chance that they’ll sneak in through an open door or window and end up in your home. Keep your yard clean to ensure flies stay out of the area altogether.

Clean up animal droppings immediately, and avoid letting produce rot in your garden or on the grass around fruit trees. Don’t let piles of leaves or grass sit in your yard for long periods, either, as this can create the perfect breeding ground for flies.

25. Cover All Trash Cans

Invest in trash cans with lids for inside and outside your home. Covering trash cans keeps flies at bay and discourages them from feasting on rotting, moldy, or smelly items. Clean your trash cans regularly, too — if you let spilled liquids sit, the smell will also bring all the flies to your yard or house.

26. Regularly Clean Sink and Bathtub Drains

Regularly clean your sink and bathtub drains to make your home less hospitable to drain flies. Regular cleaning also helps to prevent clogs or other plumbing issues.

27. Contact a Pest Control Professional

Many pest control professionals offer maintenance plans to help you keep your home pest-free long-term. Work with a pest control expert to get rid of your current fly problem. They’ll work with you to figure out what’s attracting the flies and eliminate them as quickly as possible. After the initial treatment, arrange for them to come back regularly and maintain your home to ensure it stays fly-free.

28. FAQs

29. How Do I Use Citronella to Keep Flies Away?

You can use citronella in several ways to deter flies:

Burn citronella candles outdoors, especially during gatherings or near patios.
Mix citronella essential oil with water in a spray bottle and apply it to doorways, windows, and outdoor seating areas.
Plant citronella grass in your garden for continuous fly-repelling benefits.

30. Are Essential Oils Safe to Use Around Pets for Fly Control?

Many essential oils, like lavender and peppermint, are generally safe for pets when used in moderation. However, some oils, such as tea tree and eucalyptus, can be harmful to certain animals.

Always dilute essential oils with water before spraying or diffusing.
Avoid applying oils directly on your pet unless recommended by a veterinarian.
Monitor your pet for any adverse reactions and consult your vet for advice specific to your pet’s needs.

31. Can I Use These Scents in Outdoor Areas Like Patios and Gardens?

Absolutely. Many of the scents discussed in this guide are highly effective in outdoor spaces:

Plant herbs like basil, rosemary, and lavender around patios and garden borders.
Use sprays made from essential oils like citronella or eucalyptus on outdoor furniture.
Incorporate scented candles or sachets near outdoor dining areas to create a fly-free zone.

32. How Often Should I Reapply Natural Fly-Repellent Sprays?

For optimal results, reapply natural sprays every 4–6 hours, especially in high-traffic areas or on warm days when the scent may dissipate faster. If you notice increased fly activity, consider more frequent applications.

33. What Are the Best Fly-Repelling Plants for Texas Homes?

Some of the most effective plants for repelling flies in Texas include:

Plant	Benefits
Lavender	Drought-resistant, perfect for Texas heat
Marigolds	Repels flies and other pests
Basil	Dual-purpose plant for pest control and cooking
Citronella	Ideal for outdoor spaces like patios and gardens

These plants thrive in Texas’s climate and help keep flies at bay naturally.

34. Say Goodbye to Flies Today

Now, you can say, “shoo fly” and mean it. Follow the tips discussed above so you can say goodbye to flies once and for all.

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