what really works to keep flies away

Essential oils make a great fly repellent and are good to keep away not only gnats, but also spiders, ants and mosquitoes. Good essential oils that repel flies include lavender, citronella, eucalyptus

, lemongrass, peppermint, neem, cinnamon or tea tree oil.

Full Answer

How do I get rid of flies in my house plants?

Mix 20 drops of LemonGrass oil with 1/2 cup water and spray in the infested areas to get rid of flies. Vinegar and Dish soap fly traps can also be helpful. Plant aromatic herbs like Basil, Lavender, Tansy, Wormwood to keep flies away.

What plants repel flies?

Many plants repel flies and other pests. Marigolds, chrysanthemums, geraniums, nasturtiums, tansy, and lavender are all known to repel mosquitoes and flies. What is the Best Way to Get Rid of Flies?

How to make an outdoor fly repellent?

This is a natural outdoor fly repellent that works mostly against house flies. To make this repellent, you would need the following ingredients: To make this repellent mix 1/4 cup witch hazel and 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar. After this, add 30 – 60 drops of eucalyptus oil to the solution and shake the mixture well.

How do you keep flies out of outdoor events?

Another way to have peace during an outdoor event is to set glasses of water around the food and other areas where guests will gather. After the glasses are in place, add a penny to each glass. This is a method which has been around for many years. No one is exactly sure why flies don’t like the copper in pennies, but they don’t.

How do you keep flies away permanently?

Ways to Get Rid of Flies OutsideFind the Source and Eliminate It. There's nothing that flies love more than decaying organic matter. ... Clean With Pine Sol. ... Host Natural Predators. ... Use Fly Traps. ... Use Fly Paper. ... Use Fans or Light Candles. ... Use Essential Oils.

What is the most effective way to keep flies away?

Here are some tips for how to keep flies away.Hang Bags of Water From Porches to Repel Flies. ... Smoke Flies Out With Citronella Candles. ... Use Fly traps. ... Install Yellow Light Bulbs to Keep Flies Away. ... The BEST way to REPEL Flies is by Not Attracting Them in the First Place. ... Clean Garbage Cans Thoroughly and Frequently.More items...

What will repel flies?

There are many smells that flies hate, and we will be describing the benefits of the most notable scents that repel flies. These include peppermint, basil, pine, rosemary, rue, lavender, eucalyptus, and bay leaves.

Do bags of water keep flies away Mythbusters?

He referenced a 2007 North Carolina State University study, which showed that the use of plastic bags filled with water actually increased fly activity. He said the show Mythbusters also tested the idea and determined that the water bags weren't effective.

Why do pennies in water repel flies?

So, when light hits the bag of water filled with shiny pennies (or even pieces of aluminum foil, in some cases), the thought is that it refracts and confuses the insects. Overwhelmed, they fly away and hang around somewhere else.

What smells do flies hate?

Cinnamon – use cinnamon as an air freshner, as flies hate the smell! Lavender, eucalyptus, peppermint and lemongrass essential oils – Not only will spraying these oils around the house create a beautiful aroma, but they will also deter those pesky flies too.

How do restaurants get rid of flies?

Counter spaces and chopping blocks should be wiped down regularly. All food should remain refrigerated when it is not being used. Keep doors and windows closed as much as possible to prevent fly entry. Screening vents, doors and windows may also help to prevent fly infestations.

Do dryer sheets repel flies?

While their ability to act as a bug repellant hasn't been officially proven, dryer sheets provide other bug-related uses. Dryer sheets can help remove dried insects from the windshield and body of your car. Just dip the dryer sheet in water, or spray the affected area with water, and rub off with the dryer sheet.

Does Irish Spring soap keep flies away?

This viral Facebook post reveals that a strong-smelling bar of soap, like Irish Spring, will keep bugs away with its strong scent. Irish Spring is known for its classic “invigorating” scent, and there are plenty of success stories on the internet from people using it to banish flies.

What scent keeps black flies away?

Vanilla extract, pine, or lavender oil repels biting black flies and mosquitoes too. Herbs like anise, basil, cedarwood, coriander, lemongrass, and mint may work to repel black flies and can be planted in flower boxes or pots and around the edges of your yard. Garlic plants are also reported to have a repelling effect.

Will vinegar keep flies away?

Flies can be easily repelled with white vinegar, so much so that even the smell of boiling vinegar can be an easy-to-make DIY fly repellent on its own. Pour some cider vinegar into a pot or jar to start making your fly repellent. Add one drop of dishwashing liquid.

What is the best way to kill flies?

Using Fly Paper to Kill Flies: Flypapers or fly ribbons are the cheap and best things to trap flies. Flypapers are coated with a sweet fragrant to which flies get attracted. The paper is extremely sticky and sometimes also has a layer of a poisonous substance above it.

How to make a fly repellent for house flies?

To make this repellent, you would need the following ingredients: 1/4 cup witch hazel. 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar. 30 – 60 drops of eucalyptus oil. To make this repellent mix 1/4 cup witch hazel and 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar.

What is bug salt?

Bug-A-Salt is a fly “assault rifle” / “fly killing device”, the rifle uses regular table salt to shoot a concentrated spray pattern of salt granules (more or less like a shotgun), killing the flying insect on contact. The salt will not harm your walls or furniture but it is strong enough to easily kill flies.

How to make homemade fly killer spray?

To make your own homemade fly killer spray take an empty spray bottle. And add 7 – 10 drops of dish soap; add 2 cups of warm water. Now close the lid of the spray bottle, shake the solution and your homemade fly ki ller spray is ready. Spray it directly on the flies and watch them perishing instantly.

What is a fly vacuum?

A fly vacuum is a type of small but powerful portable vacuum cleaner that runs on electricity. You only have to switch on the device and point in the direction of flies to catch them.

How long is a fly swatter?

A fly swatter consists of a thin, flexible net-like small rectangular or round sheet of lightweight plastic, connected to a lightweight wire or plastic handle about 1 – 1.5 feet in length.

How does a swat fly work?

It uses a plastic projectile loaded on a spring to mechanically “swat” flies. Over the projectile there is a round perforated disk, when you fire the projectile along with the round disk, aiming at a fly, it hits the fly and the fly gets killed. It looks more of a toy than a fly killing device.

What is the Best Way to Get Rid of Flies?

Getting rid of flies for the long term requires a combination of methods. A good insecticide will kill flies that are currently bothering you, but a new crop will appear in a few days to take their place. Using all of the methods presented here will have the best results over the long term.

How to keep flies out of vinegar?

The soap reduces the surface tension of the vinegar and flies will drown. Leave a wine bottle on the counter with a small amount of wine in it . Flies will be able to easily enter the bottle but will have trouble finding their way out. Make a simple trap with a glass and a piece of paper.

What is the best insecticide for window screens?

Treat doorways and window screens with a Pyrethrin based insecticide. Pyrethrin is a natural insecticide made from chrysanthemum flowers to repel and keep gnats, flies and other insects away.

What are the most common fly pests?

House flies, fruit flies, biting black flies, horse flies, and whiteflies are the most common fly pests for most homeowners. Not only are they an unsanitary nuisance, but flies carry diseases. For your health and mental satisfaction, we need to get rid of those flies quickly and efficiently.

How to get rid of flies with camphor?

Flies don’t like citronella, camphor, or smoke. That’s why smoke is an effective way to keep flies away. Citronella smoke and camphor smoke are especially effective for discouraging flies.

How to get flies out of soda bottles?

Cut a large soda bottle into two pieces, about two-thirds of the way up the bottle. Invert the spout end and place it back on the base so that the pour spout is pointing down. You can tape the pieces together, but it is not necessary. Pour wine or vinegar into the bottom of the bottle. Flies will be lured into the bottle through the pour spout, but will not find their way out

What is a commercial insecticide?

Commercial Insecticide fly baits are designed to attract flies and poison them with insecticidal ingredients. You will find fly baits in many forms, including traps, pellets, liquids, and window decals.

What to spray on flies to keep them away?

Ginger is a scent flies don’t like. If you want to keep them away, create a spray with ginger as the base. Put a few sprinkles of ginger into a spray bottle.

How to keep flies away from my house?

Be sure to empty your trash regularly, clean up any animal waste in your yard, and remove any dead plants from inside or outside of your home as well.

How to get rid of flies in a bowl?

Vinegar and dish soap is one of the oldest tricks in the book. Flies are naturally drawn to vinegar. Place some in a bowl and add a few drops of dish soap.

How do flies enter a house?

Flies will enter your home through tiny spaces. If you have gaps in your windows or doors, these are great ways for flies to enter. If you see areas like this in your home, consider adding insulation to them, caulking the areas, or adding more weather stripping. 18.

What to do if you have flies in your house?

If you have flies swarming in a certain area in or around your home, consider sucking them up with a vacuum cleaner.

What to plant around house to keep flies away?

Consider planting basil, bay leaf, lavender, and mint around your home. You can plant them in containers to be able to move them closer to your doors and other areas where flies draw to.

How to deter flies from eating onions?

Finally, onions are a great defense against flies. You can cut an onion in half or finely chop it and place it in a bowl around the inside of your home to deter flies.

How to keep bugs out of your kitchen?

If you’re looking for other ways to keep pesky insects off your summer eats, try out these nets, traps and other products that keep bugs away. Your kitchen is a prime target for insects who are attracted to food, but simple solutions like eating all your ripe fruit and cleaning out your cupboards make keeping bugs out of your kitchen a no-brainer.

How to keep pests out of my garden?

You need to get a mesh or nylon bag, place the bar of soap inside and hang it on your patio or porch. Most pests, including larger animals like rabbits and deer, hate the smell of strong soap, so this trick should keep your social gatherings and garden pest-free all summer.

Is it annoying to swat away bugs?

It’s annoying to have to swat away bugs, especially when you’re eating. No one wants to see a fly walking across their slice of watermelon! Fortunately, deterring flying pests is probably easier than you think. Here are a handful of secret weapons to pull out in the fight against bugs.

Does Irish Spring soap keep bugs away?

Some People Are Using a Bar of Soap. This viral Facebook post reveals that a strong-smelling bar of soap, like Irish Spring, will keep bugs away with its strong scent. Irish Spring is known for its classic “invigorating” scent, and there are plenty of success stories on the internet from people using it to banish flies.

What is the best way to repel flies?

Depending on which flies you're battling, this may be an option for you. Use essential oils or leave out some orange or lemon peels in a bowl . Your guests will love the smell. The (house) flies will not.

How to keep flies off your deck?

Hang a fly zapper like this one on your back deck to keep the flies and other insects at bay. And if you want a more direct approach, here's a handheld fly zapper.

How to keep flies away from table?

Put a couple pots of basil on or near your table so the flies don't come near. It will make the table setting smell wonderful, and hopefully keep away the pesky flies. Here are some plants that will repel flies.

Can you put cloves in a lemon?

You can either put some whole cloves in a halved lemon, or use clove and lemon oil in your essential oil diffuser. The scent of clove and lemon are supposed to deter flies.

Do flies come for food?

The flies come for the food. Cover the food and you'll at least keep the flies from spreading all those germs on those dishes. I bought two of these large covers for food. I like that they fold down and are easy to store.

How to make a fly repellent spray?

Make the fly spray. Mix the original Pine-Sol cleaner with the water. Mix well. Pour into the spray bottle. Use the fly repellent spray on tables, screens and other hard surfaces outdoors.

Why does Pine-Sol repel flies?

Pine oil is quite expensive, but very effective at keeping houseflies away. You can test this by putting a few drops on a cotton ball and placing it near flies. They should quickly fly away.

How to make pinesol fly repellent?

Flies seem to HATE pine-sol. To make the fly repelling spray, mix the original Pine-Sol with water, at a ratio of 50/50 and put it in a spray bottle. Use to wipe counters or spray on the porch and patio table and furniture to drive the flies away.

Does pine oil repel flys?

Does it contain pine oil? Unfortunately for those wanting to make a homemade fly repellent spray, the answer is “it depends.”. The original Pine Sol, a widely used pine oil based cleaner, contained 8-12% pine oil, along with other ingredients. Alas, two things have happened over the years.

Can you use pine sol to wash a car?

I do not recommend using Pine-Sol® to wash a car, since it is know to damage a car's finish. The FAQ page on Pine Sol website says this:

Can vinegar be used in fly traps?

Please mix vinegar in your fly/mos quitoes /wasp traps. Bees are not aggressive and are endangered. Thanx for the pinesoil tip.

Can you use pine sol fly repellent on pets?

Note: Please take notice that this homemade fly repellent spray is not meant to be used on children, pets, on your skin or near food. Treat Pine-Sol fly repellent spray just as you would any other chemical in your home.

What are some natural ways to repel flies?

You can take advantage of this trait by using scents they dislike, such as peppermint, basil, pine, rosemary, rue, lavender, eucalyptus, and bay leaves.

How to keep flies away from my house?

Peppermint is yet another popular, natural, and effective way to repel flies. Like lavender, you have the option to use peppermint in many different ways. Planting peppermint in your garden and around high trafficked outdoor areas is a great way to protect vulnerable plants and keep swarms of flies away from your home.

What is the best smell to repel flies?

These include peppermint, basil, pine, rosemary, rue, lavender, eucalyptus, and bay leaves.

How to get rid of flies in yard?

A very common and easy way to use lavender to repel flies is to have lavender plants growing in your yard. This can be especially helpful when planted around patios, decks, swimming pools, and other high traffic outdoor areas. You can also mix these plants in with your vulnerable vegetation to offer these plants some protection.

What are the most common flies?

Some of the common flies that you may be aiming to repel are: 1 Gnats 2 Little black fly 3 Horsefly 4 Common house fly 5 Moth flies 6 Fruit flies 7 Blow flies 8 Deer flies 9 Whiteflies

How far away from pine oil do flies keep?

Long story short, the study found that when approaching the pine oil-treated honey-based solution, 95% of flies kept at least 6mm away from the pine oil-treated honey.

Why do flies like garbage cans?

Most flies are attracted to garbage cans. This is because the smell of rotting fruits, vegetables, and even meat and dairy products attract s flies. In addition to this, the warm, wet, and dark environment of a garbage can is an ideal place for a female fly to lay her eggs and have her larvae develop.