Reading Time: 10 minutes 17 Natural Remedies to Keep Flies Away Permanently
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House flies can quickly turn a comfortable home into a frustrating place, raising serious health and hygiene concerns. These tiny pests carry bacteria and germs that can contaminate food surfaces and increase the risk of illness.
For homeowners, managing house flies can be frustrating, especially when they seem to come back no matter what. Rather than turning to harsh chemicals that can impact indoor air quality or pose risks to pets and kids, there are natural and effective ways to keep house flies out.
These methods are designed to disrupt the fly’s environment, repel them with natural scents, and trap them without the use of toxins. Many of these solutions also double as eco-friendly practices that add a touch of nature to the home while enhancing cleanliness and comfort.
In this guide, you’ll find 17 natural and highly effective solutions to rid your home of flies once and for all. With easy-to-follow tips and practical strategies, you’ll be equipped to take control and enjoy a fly-free home.
If you want more safe and natural ways to handle pests, be sure to check out our guide, “Get Rid Of Pests Quickly Without Harsh Chemicals” for extra tips and ideas.
Table of Contents
Apple Cider Vinegar Traps
Apple cider vinegar traps work well because flies are naturally drawn to the scent of fermentation. To set up a trap, pour a bit of apple cider vinegar into a jar, add a few drops of dish soap, and cover the opening with plastic wrap poked with small holes.
The vinegar lures the flies into the jar, and the dish soap makes it hard for them to escape. This method is not only effective but also quick to prepare with household items you likely already have.
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Essential Oils (Lavender, Eucalyptus, and Peppermint)
Essential oils such as lavender, eucalyptus, and peppermint have strong aromas that flies dislike. Mixing a few drops of any of these oils with water in a spray bottle creates a natural repellent spray for flies.
Simply spritz it around doorways, windows, and kitchen surfaces where flies tend to gather. This solution not only keeps flies away but also leaves your home with a pleasant, fresh scent.
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Basil Plants
Basil plants offer a natural fly-repelling option, thanks to their strong aroma that flies avoid. Place basil plants in kitchen windows, near doorways, or other entry points where flies might sneak in.
Beyond its pest control benefits, basil is a useful herb to have on hand for cooking. Incorporating basil plants around your home can improve air quality and add a touch of greenery.
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DIY Fly Paper with Sugar and Corn Syrup
Making fly paper at home is a simple way to catch flies without harmful chemicals. Combine sugar and corn syrup to create a sticky mixture, then coat strips of brown paper with it. Hang the strips around the house where flies tend to gather.
The sweet scent attracts flies, and they become trapped in the sticky coating. This is a low-cost, highly effective solution to reduce fly populations in common areas.
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Vinegar and Dish Soap Spray
A vinegar and dish soap spray is a quick and effective way to repel flies and even kill them on contact. Mix equal parts vinegar and water with a few drops of dish soap in a spray bottle, and spray the solution around the house.
This homemade spray is safe to use around most areas in your home and serves as a great alternative to chemical-based fly repellents. The vinegar’s acidity and the soap’s slickness make it difficult for flies to stay.
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Lemon and Clove Combination
Lemon and clove together create a scent that drives flies away. To use this method, press a handful of whole cloves into a halved lemon and place it on a plate in areas where flies gather, like near trash bins or in the kitchen.
The refreshing lemon aroma, combined with the strong scent of clove, is pleasant to humans but unpleasant to flies, making it an easy way to discourage them from lingering indoors.
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Cucumber Slices
Cucumber slices can work surprisingly well as a natural fly repellent. Flies are repelled by the odor of cucumber, making it a good option to place cucumber slices near food preparation areas or around trash bins where flies may gather.
This simple method is both natural and effective, although it’s best to replace the slices every few days for continued success. Plus, cucumbers offer an additional layer of freshness to your kitchen environment.
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Homemade Cayenne Pepper Spray
Cayenne pepper is a natural irritant to flies, making it a powerful yet safe repellant. To make a spray, mix a small amount of cayenne pepper with water in a spray bottle and spritz around doors, windows, and fly-prone areas.
The strong scent of cayenne keeps flies at bay without causing harm to people or pets. This method offers a natural, low-cost alternative to chemical sprays, providing lasting relief from flies in your home.
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Lemongrass Oil Spray
Lemongrass oil, known for its bright, citrusy aroma, can also repel flies effectively. Mixing a few drops with water in a spray bottle creates an easy, natural repellent. Spray this mixture around doors, windows, and kitchen areas to discourage flies from lingering.
Not only does lemongrass leave a refreshing scent, but it’s also known for repelling other pests, making it a useful addition to any natural pest-control routine.
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Fans to Create Airflow
Flies struggle to fly in areas with high airflow, making fans a simple yet effective deterrent. Set up fans near windows or doorways to prevent flies from entering, or place one in areas where flies tend to gather.
A steady breeze disrupts their flight path, making it difficult for them to settle. Fans not only keep flies away but also improve air circulation, making this an easy solution for warmer months.
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Homemade Citrus Peels Repellent
Flies are not fans of the fresh, tangy smell of citrus peels. After enjoying oranges, lemons, or limes, place the peels near windowsills, doors, or trash areas. Replace the peels every few days for continued effectiveness.
This method is a great way to repurpose kitchen scraps and add a pleasant scent to your home. Citrus peels are simple to use and provide an extra layer of defense against flies.
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Clean Drains and Garbage Disposal
House flies are often drawn to drains and garbage disposals, where food residue can accumulate. Regularly cleaning drains with a mixture of vinegar and baking soda, followed by hot water, can help remove these attractants.Â
This prevents flies from breeding or lingering in these areas, making your kitchen less inviting to pests. Clean drains keep your kitchen smelling fresh and help reduce the risk of fly infestations.
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Salt and Turmeric Mixture
A salt and turmeric mixture can create an inhospitable environment for flies. Mix equal parts salt and turmeric, and sprinkle it around areas where flies enter or gather, such as doorways and windowsills.
The smell and texture discourage flies, and this natural mixture is safe for both humans and pets. This easy-to-apply solution works best when refreshed weekly, keeping flies away without the use of chemicals.
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Herbal Sachets (Rosemary, Mint, and Bay Leaves)
Herbal sachets filled with rosemary, mint, or bay leaves offer a natural way to repel flies. The strong, earthy scents of these herbs deter flies from entering the home. Place sachets near windows, doors, or other high-traffic areas.
Not only are they effective, but they also add a decorative, aromatic touch to your home. Herbal sachets provide a lasting solution that is both natural and pleasant for people.
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Keep a Clean Home (Reducing Food Sources)
One of the most reliable ways to manage flies is to keep food sources to a minimum. Flies are attracted to food scraps, spills, and trash, so regularly cleaning surfaces, promptly disposing of garbage, and keeping counters free of crumbs can make a big difference.
This proactive approach discourages flies from entering and staying in your home in the first place. Cleanliness creates an environment that’s simply uninviting to flies, helping you maintain a pest-free space.
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Close Doors and Windows (Physical Barriers)
Physical barriers like doors and windows are key to keeping flies out. Using fine mesh screens on windows and keeping doors closed can make a substantial difference. If you enjoy fresh air, use screens that fit tightly without any gaps.
Repair any small tears or holes to ensure flies can’t find an entry. This simple habit reduces the number of flies indoors and adds a layer ofÂ
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Outdoor Compost Management
If you keep compost outdoors, managing it properly can reduce the number of flies drawn to your home. Keep compost bins covered and away from doors and windows to prevent flies from detecting food sources nearby.
Regularly turn the compost to help it decompose faster and avoid adding meat or dairy, which attracts more flies. This proactive step ensures that your composting efforts stay fly-free and contribute to a healthier environment.
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Final Thoughts on Banishing House Flies Naturally
House flies don’t have to be a constant annoyance. With these natural, effective strategies, you can create a home environment that keeps flies at bay without relying on harsh chemicals.
Simple changes like using essential oils, keeping surfaces clean, and setting up traps can make a big difference. Each method complements the others, helping to ensure a fly-free home that’s safe, fresh, and inviting.
With a little persistence, you’ll enjoy a comfortable space where flies are no longer an issue.
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