54 Cheap and Easy Ways to Keep Flies Away
Keep flies out of your home and garden with these 54 cheap and easy tricks. From lemon and cloves to DIY traps and plants, this guide has everything you need for a fly-free summer. #FlyRepellent #NaturalPestControl #DIYGarden #HomeHacks #ChemicalFreeLiving
A few summers ago, my kitchen turned into a fly magnet. Every time I opened the door, a swarm would buzz in. I tried store-bought sprays, but they smelled terrible and cost a fortune.
I was about to give up when a friend told me about a lemon and clove trick. I was skeptical, but I tried it. Within hours, the flies were gone. That one experiment opened my eyes to a whole world of cheap, natural fly repellents.
I started trying everything—plants, sprays, traps, and simple kitchen hacks. Now I have a whole arsenal of tricks that keep my home fly-free without spending a penny on chemicals. Here are 54 of the best ones.
Herbs and Plants That Repel Flies
Plants are one of the easiest and most beautiful ways to keep flies away. They release natural oils that flies cannot stand. Plus, they make your home look and smell great.
1. Basil
Basil emits natural oils that produce a rich, earthy scent that flies hate. Place a pot on your windowsill or by the back door. You can buy a pot for as little as £1.50. Rustle the leaves as you pass by to release more scent into the air.
2. Lavender
Lavender is a well-known fly repellent. Place pots on windowsills or plant it in your garden. Even dried lavender flowers work—make sachets and put them in drawers and wardrobes.
3. Mint
Mint plants repel flies with their sweet, strong scent. Grow them in small pots on countertops or near windows. Mint is cheap—you can buy it for about £1.
4. Rosemary
Rosemary is a drought-tolerant evergreen with aromatic leaves that repel flies. It also works well as a natural repellent for mosquitoes.
5. Marigolds
Marigolds contain pyrethrum, a compound that affects the nervous system of flies and mosquitoes. They are a cheap, attractive first line of defense.
6. Lemon Balm
Lemon balm has a pleasant citrus scent that humans love but flies and mosquitoes hate. Rustle the leaves to release the scent.
7. Bay Leaf
Bay leaves are known to repel house flies. Place dried bay leaves near windows and doors.
8. Nasturtiums
Nasturtiums repel house flies and add color to your garden.
9. Catnip
Catnip is known to deter flies and mosquitoes. Plant it in your garden or keep a pot indoors.
10. Lemongrass
Lemongrass is the “queen” of natural repellents. Place it near doors and windows.
11. Citronella Plant
The citronella plant is well-known for its insect-repelling properties.
12. Chrysanthemums
Chrysanthemums contain pyrethrum, a natural insecticide that repels flies.
13. Tansy
Tansy is an old-fashioned herb that repels flies and other insects.
14. Pennyroyal
Pennyroyal has a strong minty scent that flies dislike.
15. Garlic
Planting garlic in your garden can help mask scents that attract flies.
DIY Fly Repellent Sprays
These sprays are cheap, natural, and easy to make. You probably already have most of the ingredients in your kitchen.
16. Essential Oil Spray
Mix 10-15 drops of essential oil (lavender, eucalyptus, peppermint, or lemongrass) with 1 cup of water and a teaspoon of rubbing alcohol or witch hazel. Pour into a spray bottle and spritz around doorways and windows. Reapply every few days.
17. Peppermint Oil Spray
Mix 10-15 drops of peppermint oil with 8 ounces of water. Spray near entrances and where flies gather.
18. Vinegar and Essential Oil Spray
Combine equal parts vinegar and water in a spray bottle. Add 10-15 drops of essential oil (peppermint, lavender, or eucalyptus). The acetic acid in vinegar interferes with insects, while the essential oils repel them.
19. Vinegar, Alcohol, and Soap Spray
Mix 1 part vinegar, 1 part rubbing alcohol, 2 parts water, 1 tablespoon dish soap, and 10-15 drops of essential oil. This powerful spray repels flies on contact.
20. Cayenne Pepper Spray
Mix 1 teaspoon of cayenne pepper with 1 cup of water. Spritz near entrances and wherever you spot flies. Cayenne pepper is a brilliant natural fly and ant deterrent.
21. Witch Hazel and Essential Oil Spray
Combine 1 cup of water, 1 cup of witch hazel, and 10-15 drops of essential oil (peppermint, lavender, eucalyptus). Spray around your home.
22. Citrus Oil Spray
Mix citrus essential oils (like lemon, orange, or lemongrass) with water in a spray bottle. Spray near doors and windows.
Homemade Fly Traps
Traps are great for catching flies that are already inside. These DIY versions cost almost nothing.
23. Apple Cider Vinegar and Dish Soap Trap
Mix equal parts apple cider vinegar and dish soap in a bowl or jar. Sprinkle a little sugar on top. The vinegar attracts flies, and the soap breaks the surface tension so they sink and drown.
24. Plastic Wrap Jar Trap
Pour apple cider vinegar into a jar. Cover the top with plastic wrap and secure with a rubber band. Poke small holes in the plastic. Flies enter through the holes but cannot escape.
25. Paper Cone Trap
Roll a piece of paper into a funnel and place it in a jar with apple cider vinegar at the bottom. Flies enter through the funnel and cannot find their way out.
26. Soda Bottle Trap
Cut the top third off a plastic bottle. Invert the top and place it inside the bottom half. Fill with sugar water, vinegar, or overripe fruit. Flies enter but cannot escape.
27. Honey or Syrup Paper Trap
Slather honey or syrup on paper. The sweet smell attracts flies, and the stickiness traps them.
28. Egg Carton Trap
Cut a cardboard egg carton in half. Punch small holes in each cup. Add sweet bait like honey or syrup. Flies enter and get stuck.
29. Jar with Holes in Lid
Take an old jar and make small holes in the lid using a hammer and nail. Fill with vinegar or fruit juice. Flies enter through the holes but cannot escape.
30. Sugar and Yeast Trap
Mix sugar and yeast with warm water. The yeast releases CO₂, which attracts flies. Place in a cut plastic bottle.
31. Old Fruit Trap
Place overripe fruit in a bowl and cover with plastic wrap with holes poked in it. Flies are attracted to the fruit and get trapped.
32. Stale Wine or Beer Trap
Use stale wine or beer instead of vinegar. Their mature scents are a magnet for flies. Mix with dish soap in a bowl.
Kitchen Hacks and Natural Repellents
These simple tricks use items you already have in your kitchen to repel flies.
33. Lemon and Cloves
Cut a lemon in half and pierce the flesh with whole cloves. Place near windows and doors. The combination of lemon (limonene) and cloves (eugenol) confuses flies and drives them away. This is one of the most popular natural fly repellents.
34. Cucumber Slices
Cut a few slices of cucumber and place them near entry points like windows and doors, or near the trash can. Flies cannot stand the smell of cucumbers, especially the more bitter varieties. Even fruit flies tend to avoid cucumbers.
35. Orange or Citrus Peels
Place orange peels in containers around entrances and windows. Flies detest the aroma of citrus.
36. Dried Cloves in Bowls
Place dried cloves in pots or bowls by open windows. Flies do not like the strong smell.
37. Dried Mint in Bowls
Put dried mint in bowls near windows. The strong scent repels flies.
38. Cinnamon in Bowls
Place cinnamon in pots or bowls near open windows. Flies dislike the strong smell.
39. Vinegar Bowls
Place small bowls of white vinegar near entry points. The strong smell repels flies.
40. Coffee Grounds
Sprinkle used coffee grounds near windows and doors. The strong smell can deter flies.
41. Vanilla Extract
Mix vanilla extract with water and spray around the house. Flies dislike the scent.
42. Clove-Studded Orange
Stick cloves into an orange and place it near windows. The combination of citrus and clove repels flies.
Prevention and Maintenance
The best way to deal with flies is to stop them from getting inside in the first place.
43. Keep Food Covered
Flies are attracted to food and waste. Keep food sealed and dispose of garbage regularly.
44. Clean Surfaces Regularly
Regularly clean surfaces to remove any residue that might attract flies.
45. Use Screens on Windows and Doors
Install screens on windows and doors to prevent flies from entering.
46. Take Out the Trash Daily
Flies breed in garbage. Take out the trash every day, especially in summer.
47. Empty Recycling Bins
Rinse out bottles and cans before putting them in recycling. Flies are attracted to sugary residues.
48. Clean Pet Food Bowls
Do not leave pet food out for long periods. Wash bowls regularly.
49. Fix Leaky Faucets
Flies need water to breed. Fix any leaky faucets or pipes.
50. Use Citronella Candles
Place citronella candles and incense close to open doors and windows. The smoke repels flies.
51. Hang Bags of Water with Coins
Fill a clear plastic bag with water and add a few coins. Hang it near doors and windows. Flies think it is a bee nest and stay away. The coins create a prism that reflects colors and “projects the image of water”.
52. Use Flypaper
Hang fly ribbons near doors, windows, or any other entry points.
53. Keep Doors and Windows Closed
This seems obvious, but keeping doors and windows closed or using screens is the most effective prevention.
54. Plant a Barrier Garden
Plant fly-repelling herbs and flowers around your home’s perimeter. This creates a natural barrier that flies will not cross.
Quick Reference Table: 54 Ways at a Glance
| Category | Best Options | Effort | Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| Herbs & Plants | Basil, Lavender, Mint, Marigolds | Low | Very Low |
| DIY Sprays | Essential Oil Spray, Vinegar Spray | Low | Very Low |
| Homemade Traps | Apple Cider Vinegar Trap, Bottle Trap | Low | Very Low |
| Kitchen Hacks | Lemon & Cloves, Cucumber Slices | Very Low | Free/Low |
| Prevention | Screens, Clean Surfaces, Trash | Medium | Low |
My Personal Fly-Repelling Routine
Here is what I actually do to keep flies away. You can copy this.
Spring:
- I plant basil, mint, and lavender in pots on my windowsills.
- I put screens on my windows.
Every day:
- I take out the trash every evening.
- I wipe down kitchen counters after cooking.
- I keep food covered.
As needed:
- If I see flies, I make a lemon and clove repellent.
- If they keep coming, I set up an apple cider vinegar trap.
Weekly:
- I spray essential oil spray around doors and windows.
- I check for any gaps or cracks and seal them.
Since I started this routine, I have had almost no flies in my home. It takes very little effort and costs almost nothing.
The Bottom Line
You do not need expensive chemicals to keep flies away. Basil, lavender, mint, and other plants naturally repel them. DIY sprays with essential oils and vinegar work great.
Simple traps with apple cider vinegar catch flies that are already inside. Kitchen hacks like lemon and cloves or cucumber slices are cheap and effective. Prevention—like keeping food covered, taking out trash, and using screens—stops flies before they even enter.
I used to dread summer because of the flies. Now I have a simple routine that keeps them out without any chemicals. Your home can be fly-free too. Try these 54 tips and enjoy a pest-free summer.
