We’ve all been there: you’re enjoying a meal or relaxing outdoors, but those pesky flies are buzzing around and ruining the experience! Those pesky flies are really quite clever, aren’t they? Not only do they feed on decomposing matter, but they also collect microorganisms on their legs and body. So, when they land on food or surfaces, they contaminate everything they touch and can even transmit diseases! You often find them near trash, excrement, and other dirty places, which makes them perfect carriers of bacteria and germs that can cause infections.
So, how can you keep them away? Well, there are a few simple things you can do. Of course, you should always try to keep the house clean, use repellents, and look for any cracks in your home that they could use to nest. But did you know that there are also certain smells that can keep them at bay?
Natural Scents that Repel Flies
According to Natran Green Pest Control, a fumigation and pest control company in the United States, there are several scents that naturally repel flies and can function as natural fumigators in homes:
- Bay Leaves: Both fresh and dried, these leaves emit a scent that repels not only flies but also small rodents like mice.
- Camphor: Derived from the wood and bark of the camphor tree, this compound produces an intense and unpleasant odor for flies. It can be used in the form of essential oil or by burning branches.
- Catnip: In addition to being attractive to cats, this herb is an effective fly repellent. It is recommended to grow it in pots or gardens.
- Cayenne Pepper: The strong flavor of cayenne pepper acts as a deterrent for flies. However, it should be used with caution due to its potential irritant properties.
Other effective repellents include:
- Clove: Its pungent aroma and anesthetic properties make it an effective deterrent for flies.
- Eucalyptus: Known for its refreshing and calming fragrance, eucalyptus is a natural fly repellent.
- Lavender: Besides its relaxing properties, lavender emits an unpleasant scent for flies.
- Pine: The fresh aroma of pine acts as a natural insect repellent, including for flies.
- Rosemary: This culinary herb also has properties that repel flies.
- Rue: Traditionally used for medicinal purposes, rue has a citrus aroma that repels flies.
- Cinnamon: With a milder aroma than cayenne pepper, cinnamon is a viable alternative to repel flies. It can be used in the form of sticks, powder, or essential oils.
- Citronella: Widely known for repelling mosquitoes, citronella is also effective against flies. It is commonly used in candles, plants, and essential oils.
- Citrus: The citrus aroma, especially of orange and lemon, is unpleasant for flies. Fresh peels or products with a citrus scent can be used as a natural repellent.
These natural scents not only help keep flies away but also enhance the ambiance of your home with their pleasant fragrances.
