Last Updated on September 27, 2023 by The Bug Experts Team

Flies can quickly become unwelcome guests, buzzing around our homes and outdoor spaces during warm months. While chemical solutions exist, many are turning to natural alternatives that not only keep flies at bay but also enhance the beauty of their surroundings. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore the best plants to keep flies away, offering an eco-friendly and visually appealing approach to pest control. Discover how these plants not only deter flies but also add natural charm to your environment while reducing the need for harmful chemicals.

Why Use Plants to Repel Flies

When it comes to repelling flies and maintaining a pest-free environment, many homeowners are opting for a greener approach by incorporating specific plants into their surroundings. This section will delve into the compelling reasons why using plants to repel flies is not only effective but also beneficial for various reasons.

Safety and Aesthetics

One of the primary advantages of utilizing plants as natural fly repellents is their safety for both humans and the environment. Unlike chemical insecticides, these plants pose no harm to your family, pets, or beneficial insects like bees and butterflies. You can rest easy knowing that your pest control method won’t compromise the well-being of your loved ones or the ecosystem.

Moreover, plants that repel flies often boast visually appealing features, adding an extra layer of charm to your indoor and outdoor spaces. Imagine fragrant herbs on your kitchen windowsill or vibrant flowers in your garden—these botanical guardians not only keep flies in check but also enhance the aesthetics of your surroundings.

Eco-Friendly Approach and Reduced Reliance on Chemicals

In today’s environmentally conscious era, using plants to naturally deter flies aligns with eco-friendly practices. Traditional fly control methods often rely on chemicals, which can have harmful effects on the environment, lingering in the air and water, and potentially endangering beneficial insects and wildlife.

In contrast, plants provide a sustainable and eco-conscious solution. They serve a dual purpose by acting as effective fly repellents and contributing positively to the ecosystem. By reducing the need for chemical pesticides, they help maintain a healthier environmental balance, fostering biodiversity and safeguarding our surroundings.

In the sections ahead, we’ll introduce you to a variety of remarkable plants known for their fly-repelling properties. These plant choices not only assist in keeping flies away but also create a pest-free sanctuary, all while appreciating the beauty and sustainability of the natural world.

What Are The Best Plants to Keep Flies Away?

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Now that we’ve explored the many benefits of using plants to repel flies let’s dive into the specifics of which plants excel in this role. In this section, we’ll introduce you to a range of plant species known for their fly-repelling abilities We’ll include information on how effective that plant can be at repelling flies, how easy it is to care for and grow that type of plant, and the ideal growing environment for each plant.

1. Lavender – A Natural Fly Repellent

Plant Characteristics:

• Aromatic Foliage: Lavender is recognized by its gray-green leaves covered in fine hairs, which emit a sweet, floral scent when touched.
• Spike-Like Flowers: Lavender plants produce tall spikes adorned with small, tubular flowers that come in various shades, including lavender-purple, blue, pink, and white.

Why Lavender is Good at Keeping Flies Away:

• Potent Scent: Lavender’s captivating aroma, pleasant to humans, acts as a powerful natural repellent for flies and other flying pests.
• Effective Compounds: Lavender essential oils contain linalool and linalyl acetate, among other compounds, creating a fragrance barrier that hinders flies’ navigation and food-finding abilities.

Effectiveness Compared to Other Plants:

• Highly Effective: Lavender ranks among the most effective fly-repelling plants due to its robust fragrance and essential oil content. It surpasses many other plants in its fly-deterrent capabilities.

Ease of Growth and Care:

• Moderate: Lavender requires proper sunlight (6-8 hours of direct sunlight daily), well-drained, slightly alkaline soil, and adequate spacing (18-24 inches apart) for optimal growth.
• Drought-Tolerant: Once established, lavender is relatively low-maintenance, capable of enduring periods of drought.
• Pruning: Occasional pruning helps maintain its shape, stimulate growth, and enhance oil release. Prune in the spring or after flowering by trimming back about one-third of the plant.

Ideal Growing Environment:

• Sun-Loving: Lavender thrives in full sunlight, making it perfect for gardens, landscapes, or containers in sunny locations.
• Well-Drained Soil: Opt for well-draining soil or amend heavy soils with sand or gravel to improve drainage.
• Dry Climates: Lavender particularly flourishes in regions with dry, arid climates, where it can thrive with minimal watering.

Incorporating lavender into your outdoor spaces not only adds visual charm and a soothing fragrance but also provides effective fly control. Its ease of care and adaptability to various environments make it a valuable addition to any garden or landscape.

Also check out our article on the Best Essential Oils for a Natural Fly Spray

2. Mint: A Natural Fly Repellent

Plant Characteristics:

• Fragrant Leaves: Mint plants are recognized for their bright green, serrated leaves that exude a refreshing and invigorating minty aroma when crushed.
• Clustering Flowers: These plants produce dense spikes of small, tubular flowers that range in color from white and pink to purple.

Why Mint is Good at Keeping Flies Away:

• Strong Scent: Mint’s strong, crisp fragrance is highly effective at repelling flies, as they find it overpowering and unpleasant.
• Menthol Oil: Mint contains essential oils like menthol and pulegone, which contribute to its insect-repelling properties.

Effectiveness Compared to Other Plants:

• Highly Effective: Mint is highly effective at repelling flies due to its potent fragrance and essential oil content. It competes well with other plants in deterring flies, and ranks as one of the best. The Huffington Post says Mint is the one herb to grow if you hate flies in your house.

Ease of Growth and Care:

• Easy: Mint is known for its resilience and can thrive in various conditions. It grows best in well-drained soil and partial to full sunlight.
• Vigorous Growth: Be cautious when planting mint in the ground, as it can spread rapidly and become invasive. Consider growing it in containers to control its growth.

Ideal Growing Environment:

• Sunlight: Mint adapts to various light conditions, from partial shade to full sun, making it suitable for both indoor and outdoor cultivation.
• Soil: Well-drained soil is essential. Mint can tolerate different soil types but prefers slightly moist, fertile soil.
• Container Gardening: Growing mint in containers is a practical way to prevent it from taking over your garden.

Mint’s refreshing aroma and fly-repelling properties make it a popular choice for natural pest control. Its easy-care nature and adaptability to different environments make it a valuable addition to gardens, pots, or indoor spaces.

3. Rosemary: A Natural Fly Repellent

Plant Characteristics:

• Fragrant Leaves: Rosemary features narrow, needle-like leaves that exude a robust, pine-like fragrance when brushed against or crushed.
• Small Flowers: In the spring, rosemary plants produce tiny, pale blue to white flowers that grow in clusters along their stems.

Why Rosemary is Good at Keeping Flies Away:

• Intense Aroma: Rosemary’s aromatic leaves emit a powerful scent that disrupts flies’ attraction to food sources and deters them effectively.
• Repellent Compounds: Rosemary contains essential oils like camphor and eucalyptol, which contribute to its fly-repelling properties.

Effectiveness Compared to Other Plants:

• Highly Effective: Rosemary ranks among the most effective fly-repelling plants due to its potent fragrance and high essential oil content. It outperforms many other plants in deterring flies.

Ease of Growth and Care:

• Moderate: Rosemary requires well-drained soil and full sunlight to thrive. It’s relatively drought-tolerant once established and prefers slightly alkaline soil.
• Pruning: Regularly prune rosemary to maintain its shape, encourage bushier growth, and stimulate the release of aromatic oils. Pruning in the spring or after flowering helps keep the plant healthy.

Ideal Growing Environment:

• Sunlight: Rosemary thrives in full sunlight, making it suitable for gardens, pots, or containers in sunny locations.
• Well-Drained Soil: Ensure the soil drains well; adding sand or gravel to heavy soils can improve drainage.
• Dry Climate: Rosemary thrives in regions with dry, arid climates, making it an excellent choice for hot and sunny environments.

Rosemary’s robust fragrance and fly-repelling properties make it an excellent choice for naturally deterring flies from your outdoor spaces. Its moderate care needs and adaptability to various environments make it a valuable addition to gardens and landscapes.

4. Chrysanthemums: Nature’s Fly Deterrent

Plant Characteristics:

• Colorful Blooms: Chrysanthemums, or mums, are well-known for their vibrant and diverse array of colors, including white, yellow, red, and purple.
• Variety of Forms: They come in various forms, from daisy-like singles to pom-pom shapes, offering versatility in garden design.

Why Chrysanthemums are Good at Keeping Flies Away:

• Pyrethrum Compound: Chrysanthemums contain pyrethrum, a natural insect repellent. This compound is commonly used in commercial insecticides.
• Strong Scent: Mums emit a fragrance that repels flies and other insects, making them a natural deterrent.

Effectiveness Compared to Other Plants:

• Highly Effective: Chrysanthemums are highly effective at repelling flies due to their pyrethrum content. They outperform many other plants in deterring these pests.

Ease of Growth and Care:

• Moderate: While mums are not overly demanding, they require adequate sunlight (at least 6 hours per day) and well-draining soil.
• Pruning: Regular deadheading (removing spent flowers) helps promote continuous blooming and reduces the risk of attracting pests.

Ideal Growing Environment:

• Sunlight: Chrysanthemums thrive in full sunlight but can tolerate partial shade, especially in hot climates.
• Well-Drained Soil: Plant them in well-draining soil with good organic content.
• Seasonal Blooms: These flowers are often associated with autumn, but they can bloom in other seasons with the right care.

Adding chrysanthemums to your garden not only enhances its visual appeal with a burst of color but also provides effective fly control. Their moderate care requirements and ability to bloom in various seasons make them a valuable addition to any landscape.

5. Marigolds: Nature’s Fly Fighters

Plant Characteristics:

• Vibrant Colors: Marigolds are known for their bright and cheerful blooms in shades of yellow, orange, and red.
• Variety: They come in different sizes, from small border marigolds to larger African marigolds, providing versatility in garden design.

Why Marigolds are Good at Keeping Flies Away:

• Pungent Scent: Marigolds emit a strong odor that flies find repugnant, deterring them from the area.
• Natural Insecticide: They contain compounds like pyrethrum, which are used in many commercial insect repellent products.

Effectiveness Compared to Other Plants:

• Moderately Effective: Marigolds are moderately effective at repelling flies, making them a useful addition to your garden but not as potent as some other plants.

Ease of Growth and Care:

• Easy: Marigolds are hardy and low-maintenance flowers. They thrive in full sunlight and well-drained soil.
• Deadheading: Regularly remove faded flowers to encourage continuous blooming.

Ideal Growing Environment:

• Sunlight: Marigolds love full sunlight and will produce the most blooms when they get at least 6-8 hours of direct sun daily.
• Well-Drained Soil: Plant them in well-drained, fertile soil.
• Spacing: Ensure proper spacing between marigold plants to allow for good air circulation.

Marigolds not only add vibrant color to your garden but also help keep flies at bay. Their ease of care and ability to thrive in sunny environments make them a valuable addition to any outdoor space.

6. Basil: A Flavorful Fly Repellent

Plant Characteristics:

• Aromatic Leaves: Basil plants feature bright green, fragrant leaves with a strong, sweet, and slightly peppery scent.
• Small Flowers: As basil matures, it produces small clusters of white or pink flowers.

Why Basil is Good at Keeping Flies Away:

• Intense Fragrance: Basil’s aromatic leaves emit a powerful scent that acts as a natural fly deterrent, disrupting their attraction to food sources.
• Essential Oils: The essential oils found in basil, such as eugenol and linalool, contribute to its insect-repelling properties.

Effectiveness Compared to Other Plants:

• Moderately Effective: Basil is moderately effective at repelling flies, making it a useful addition to your garden but not as potent as some other herbs like mint or rosemary.

Ease of Growth and Care:

• Easy: Basil is relatively easy to grow, making it an excellent choice for beginners.
• Sunlight: It thrives in full sunlight, so ensure it receives at least 6-8 hours of direct sunlight daily.
• Well-Drained Soil: Basil prefers well-drained, fertile soil. Regular potting mix or garden soil with good drainage is suitable.
• Watering: Keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged. Water when the top inch of soil feels dry to the touch.
• Pruning: Regularly pinch off the tips of branches to encourage bushier growth and more leaf production.

Ideal Growing Environment:

• Sunlight: Basil requires abundant sunlight and warmth to grow successfully, so plant it in a sunny spot in your garden or use containers on a sunny windowsill.
• Moisture: Consistent moisture is essential, so avoid letting the soil dry out completely between waterings.
• Pest Control: Basil’s fly-repelling qualities also help protect nearby plants from insect pests, making it a valuable addition to vegetable gardens.

While basil may not be the most potent fly repellent compared to some other herbs, it is a versatile and flavorful addition to your garden or kitchen. Its pleasant aroma and culinary uses make it a practical choice for natural fly control while enhancing your cooking.

7. Citronella: The Natural Fly Barrier

Plant Characteristics:

• Grass-Like Foliage: Citronella plants resemble tall grass with slender leaves that release a distinct lemony fragrance when crushed.
• No Showy Flowers: Citronella is prized for its fragrant leaves rather than its flowers, which are small and inconspicuous.

Why Citronella is Good at Keeping Flies Away:

• Lemony Scent: The lemony aroma of citronella is a natural fly repellent, discouraging flies from approaching.
• Citronella Oil: Extracts from citronella plants are commonly used in commercial insect repellents due to their effectiveness in repelling flies and mosquitoes.

Effectiveness Compared to Other Plants:

• Highly Effective: Citronella ranks among the most effective fly-repelling plants, often used in candles and sprays designed to deter insects.

Ease of Growth and Care:

• Moderate: Citronella requires a warm climate to thrive but can be grown in pots and brought indoors in cooler seasons.
• Sunlight: It loves full sun but can tolerate partial shade.
• Well-Drained Soil: Citronella prefers well-drained soil, so ensure the pot or garden bed has good drainage.
• Watering: Keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged.

Ideal Growing Environment:

• Warm Climate: Citronella thrives in warm, tropical or subtropical climates, making it an excellent choice for outdoor gardens in such regions.
• Containers: In colder climates, grow citronella in containers that can be moved indoors during the winter to protect it from frost.

Citronella is a superb choice for those seeking effective fly control without the need for chemical repellents. Its pleasant lemony scent not only keeps flies at bay but also adds a refreshing fragrance to your outdoor spaces.

Incorporating these natural fly repellents into your garden not only beautifies your outdoor space but also provides a sustainable solution to pesky fly problems. With their remarkable abilities to deter flies and their ease of care, these plants stand out as eco-friendly pest control options. Embrace the natural world’s power to protect your home from flies, all while enhancing the beauty of your surroundings. By choosing the best plants to keep flies away, you can create a welcoming, pest-free haven for you and your family to enjoy year-round.