Which are the best natural ways to keep flies away? I really don’t want to spray insecticide around my apartment. I also don’t like dealing with fly traps like those hanging strips.
Juliet Ackley, Casper, Wyoming
There are many natural ways to keep flies away that don’t involve hanging traps or using commercial sprays. One of the simplest methods is to turn on a fan to keep air moving in the area where you don’t want flies. Either a ceiling fan or a box fan works well. Another way is to light a citronella candle or two. Surprisingly, you can even hang half-full transparent bags of water in the doorway or window to keep flies away.
Next, it’s possible to make traps that you don’t need to hang. In fact, you don’t even need to see the dead flies inside them. For example, one is made from a wine bottle. You can see the full list at this page:https://www.tipsbulletin.com/how-to-keep-flies-away/
Then, there are essential oils that repel flies, as well as repel bees outside. You can make a fly repellent or bee deterrent with lemongrass, lavender, eucalyptus, cinnamon, orange, or clove oils. Even cayenne pepper discourages flies.
Try this simple recipe and see for yourself. You’ll need a half cup of water or a half cup of witch hazel (which dries faster) and a glass sprayer bottle. Mix in five drops each of cinnamon and clove oils. After you shake it, use this homemade fly spray where flies appear and watch them flee.
There’s another recipe that you might like, too. It calls for a cup of vodka plus one teaspoon each of eucalyptus and lemon oils.
After that, try houseplants that naturally repel flies and will keep gnats away naturally. These include basil, mint, and rosemary, and lavender. Of course, these plants only get rid of flies if you crush their leaves to release the scent.
Finally, remove any items that attract flies like food leftovers and juice spills. If the flies have no reason to come close, they are less likely to stick around.