Last Updated on September 26, 2023 by The Bug Experts Team

Flies are a common nuisance that can turn a pleasant summer day into an annoyance. The buzzing, the swatting, and the constant intrusion can be frustrating. While commercial fly sprays are readily available, they often come with a host of chemicals that we’d rather not have in our living spaces. The good news is that there’s a natural alternative that works effectively and is safe for you, your family, and your pets. In this article, we’ll explore a Natural Fly Spray Recipe that Really Works. This recipe is a simple yet potent homemade natural fly spray recipe that can help you keep those pesky flies at bay.

Understanding the Need for Natural Fly Control

Before we dive into the recipe, let’s take a moment to understand why natural fly control is a preferred choice. Flies are more than just a nuisance; they pose health hazards by transmitting diseases. Traditional fly sprays often contain chemicals like DEET and pyrethroids, which can lead to skin irritation, neurological symptoms, and environmental pollution. For households with children and pets, the risks are heightened.

Natural fly control offers a safer and eco-friendly alternative. Ingredients like apple cider vinegar and essential oils effectively repel flies without harsh chemicals. They are biodegradable and customizable, allowing you to create a pleasant, natural aroma. This approach safeguards your health, minimizes environmental impact, and grants you more control over what goes into your living spaces, making it a superior choice for fly control.

Ingredients for Your DIY Natural Fly Spray

To create an effective natural fly spray, you’ll need a few simple ingredients that you probably already have in your kitchen. Here’s what you’ll need:

Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup of apple cider vinegar
• 1/2 cup of water
• 20-40 drops of essential oils (choose one or a combination – eucalyptus, citronella, lavender, or peppermint)

1. Essential Oils: Start with essential oils known for their fly-repelling properties. Some popular options include citronella, eucalyptus, peppermint, lavender, and lemongrass. You can use a single oil or create a blend for added effectiveness.
2. Water: You’ll need a base for your spray, and water works perfectly. Distilled water is preferable, but tap water will do.
3. Vinegar: This versatile ingredient is a key component in our fly spray. Its strong scent is a natural repellent for flies. Adding a small amount of Apple Cider Vinegar or white vinegar can enhance the repellent properties and also help preserve the mixture.
4. A Spray Bottle: Choose a clean, empty spray bottle to store and apply your homemade fly spray.

Creating Your Natural Fly Spray: Now that you have your ingredients ready, let’s put together your natural fly spray:

Instructions:

1. Measure Ingredients: Start by measuring your ingredients. For a basic recipe, you can use approximately 30-40 drops of essential oil per 8 ounces (240 ml) of water. Adjust the concentration based on your preference and the strength of the essential oil.
2. Mix the Essential Oils: In your empty spray bottle, combine the essential oils. You can mix and match scents to create a customized blend. Remember, some oils may have a stronger odor than others, so consider this when blending.
   • See our full list of popular essential oils for fly spray – including our top two picks
   • Use a funnel if needed to prevent spills.
3. Add Water: After mixing the oils, add the water to the spray bottle. Leaving some space at the top allows room for shaking the mixture.
4. Include Vinegar: If you choose to include vinegar, add a small amount to the mixture. About a tablespoon of apple cider vinegar or white vinegar should suffice.
5. Shake Well: Close the spray bottle and shake the mixture vigorously to ensure the essential oils are well-distributed in the water.
6. Test and Apply: Before using the spray indoors or on fabrics, test it on a small, inconspicuous area to ensure it doesn’t stain or damage surfaces. Once you’re confident it’s safe, apply the spray in areas where flies are a nuisance.
7. Storage: Store your natural fly spray in a cool, dark place, away from direct sunlight. Label the bottle clearly to avoid any confusion with other household products.
8. Reapply as Needed: Natural fly sprays are typically safe for humans and pets, but they may need to be reapplied periodically, especially if you’re in an area with heavy fly activity.

Applying Your Homemade Fly Spray:

1. Mix Before each use, shake the bottle to remix the ingredients.
2. Indoor Use: For indoor application, spray your homemade fly repellent in areas where flies tend to congregate. Focus on spaces like kitchens, dining areas, and near windows and doors. You can also lightly mist fly-prone areas such as garbage bins and pet feeding areas.
   • Remember that essential oils can be potent, so ensure proper ventilation when using the spray indoors. Additionally, always exercise caution and perform a patch test before using it on sensitive surfaces or fabrics.
3. Outdoor Use: When using the spray outdoors, consider targeting fly hotspots like picnic areas, patio furniture, and outdoor dining spaces. Spray around the perimeter of your home, particularly near entry points, to create a barrier that deters flies from coming inside.
4. Pet and Livestock Areas: Apply the spray around your pet’s bedding, kennels, or stables. Be cautious with essential oil concentrations when using it around animals, as some oils may be harmful to certain pets. Consult your veterinarian for guidance if you have concerns.
5. Plant Protection: Some essential oils in your spray can also help protect plants from pests. Lightly spray your garden or potted plants to keep flies away while benefiting your greenery.
6. Frequency of Application: The effectiveness of your natural fly spray may vary depending on factors like the concentration of essential oils used and the presence of other attractants. As a general guideline, reapply the spray every few hours or as needed, especially after rain or when you notice a decrease in effectiveness, or increased fly activity.

Additional Tips:

1. Ventilation: While the natural fly spray is safe for humans and pets, ensure proper ventilation when spraying indoors. Open windows and doors to disperse any strong odors.
2. Patch Test: Always perform a patch test on fabrics and surfaces before spraying the solution directly. Some essential oils may stain or damage certain materials.
3. Storage: Store your homemade fly spray in a cool, dark place, away from direct sunlight, to maintain its effectiveness.
4. Safety Considerations: If you have respiratory issues or are particularly sensitive to scents, use the fly spray in moderation and consider wearing a mask when applying it indoors.
5. Experiment with Blends: Don’t hesitate to experiment with different essential oil combinations to find a scent that you find pleasant while remaining effective against flies.
6. Pets and Essential Oils: Be cautious when using essential oil-based sprays around pets. Cats, in particular, are more sensitive to essential oils, so it’s advisable to consult with a veterinarian for guidance.

By following these guidelines, you can effectively use your homemade natural fly spray to repel flies and create a more comfortable environment both indoors and outdoors.

Yes, you can enhance the effectiveness of your indoor fly repellent by adding non-essential oil ingredients that flies find unappealing. Here are some additional ingredients you can incorporate into your fly repellent solutions:

1. Vinegar: White vinegar, especially apple cider vinegar, can be mixed with essential oils to create a potent fly repellent. Flies dislike the smell of vinegar and will steer clear of areas where it’s present.
2. Citrus: Citrus fruits like lemon, lime, and orange can be used to create a natural fly repellent. Simply cut up citrus peels or use citrus juice in your spray or solution. The strong citrus scent deters flies.
3. Herbs: Fresh or dried herbs like basil, mint, and bay leaves can be added to your indoor fly repellent mixtures. The aromatic compounds in these herbs can help repel flies.
4. Garlic: Crushed or minced garlic cloves can be used in your fly repellent solutions. The pungent odor of garlic is a natural deterrent for flies.
5. Dish Soap: A few drops of dish soap can be added to water-based fly repellent sprays. Dish soap can help the solution adhere to surfaces and improve its effectiveness.
6. Baking Soda: Mixing baking soda with powdered sugar can create a baited trap for flies. Flies are attracted to the sugar but are deterred by the baking soda, which can harm them when ingested.
7. Cayenne Pepper: Sprinkle cayenne pepper in areas where flies gather. The spice can irritate flies and discourage them from landing.
8. Coffee Grounds: Used coffee grounds can be placed in shallow dishes or bowls around your home. The strong coffee scent is unpleasant for flies.

What do Experts Say About This Natural Fly Spray Recipe?

Experts strongly support the use of homemade fly sprays like The Natural Fly Spray Recipe that Really Works as a safe and environmentally friendly alternative to commercial fly repellents. However, it’s essential to use the recipe correctly and be aware of some considerations:

1. Effectiveness: Essential oils like eucalyptus, citronella, lavender, and peppermint are known for their fly-repelling properties. While they can be effective, the degree of success may vary depending on the concentration used in the mix, the specific fly species being targeted, and environmental factors. Some flies may be more resilient to these natural scents, and sometimes the scents may wear off after a period of time.
2. Safety: Homemade fly sprays are generally safe for humans and pets when used as directed. However, it’s important to perform a patch test on your skin to ensure you don’t have any allergic reactions to the essential oils. When applying the spray on skin, use it sparingly and avoid contact with sensitive areas like the eyes. Pets and animals can be sensitive to certain essential oils, it’s important to look into the essential oil you plan to use and make sure it’s compatible with your situation.
3. Residue: Homemade fly sprays can leave a slight residue on surfaces where they are applied. This residue can be easily cleaned but might be a consideration if you’re using the spray indoors on certain materials.
4. Duration: The effectiveness of homemade fly sprays tends to diminish over time. You may need to reapply the spray more frequently, especially in outdoor settings.
5. Environmental Impact: Using natural ingredients in homemade fly sprays is eco-friendly and avoids the potential harm that chemical insecticides can cause to the environment.

Overall, experts recommend using homemade fly sprays for a natural and safe way to repel flies, especially in situations where you want to avoid chemical exposure. However, it’s essential to manage your expectations regarding the duration and degree of effectiveness, as well as consider individual sensitivities to essential oils.

Creating Fly Spray for Horses:

To adapt this natural fly spray recipe for horses, you’ll want to make a slightly larger batch to ensure adequate coverage for their larger bodies and living areas. Start by doubling or tripling the recipe, depending on the size of your horse or the number of horses you intend to treat.

When applying the fly spray to horses, be mindful of their sensitive skin and eyes. You can adjust the concentration of essential oils, diluting them with water if needed, to avoid any potential irritation. Always test a small area of the horse’s skin before applying the spray more broadly to ensure there are no adverse reactions.

Remember that horses can be more sensitive to certain essential oils, so you may want to consult with a veterinarian or equine expert for specific recommendations based on your horse’s individual needs. With proper preparation and care, you can create a natural fly spray that helps keep your horse comfortable and protected from annoying insects during outdoor activities.

Which Essential Oils are Best in a Fly Spray for Horses?

See our Article on The Best Essential Oils for Fly Spray – which includes information on Which Essential Oils to use in a Fly Spray for Horses

Natural Fly Spray Recipe

With this simple DIY natural fly spray recipe, you can enjoy a fly-free environment without the worry of harmful chemicals. Keep your home and outdoor spaces comfortable and pest-free, all while being eco-friendly. Say goodbye to those pesky flies and hello to a safer, more enjoyable summer!

Give this natural fly spray recipe a try, and experience effective fly control the natural way.