Flies can be a major nuisance when you’re trying to enjoy the great outdoors. Whether you’re having a picnic, hosting a barbecue, or simply relaxing on your patio, these pesky insects can quickly ruin the experience. Fortunately, there are several effective DIY outdoor fly repellents that you can make at home. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore various methods to keep flies at bay, ensuring a more pleasant outdoor experience.
Understanding the Fly Problem
Flies are more than just annoying; they can also pose health risks. They are known to carry various diseases and can contaminate food and surfaces. Understanding why flies are attracted to certain areas can help you implement more effective repellent strategies.
Flies are attracted to food, waste, and moisture. They thrive in warm weather, making outdoor gatherings during the summer a prime target for these insects. Identifying and eliminating these attractants is the first step in controlling the fly population around your outdoor spaces.
Natural Fly Repellent Plants 🌿
One of the most natural ways to repel flies is by using plants. Certain plants have natural fly-repelling properties and can be strategically placed around your outdoor areas.
Basil
Basil is not only a delicious herb but also a powerful fly repellent. Its strong scent deters flies, making it an excellent choice for outdoor spaces. Plant basil in pots and place them around dining areas, patios, and other fly-prone spots.
Lavender
Lavender’s soothing fragrance is pleasant for humans but repels flies and other insects. Plant lavender around your garden or in pots to create a fly-free zone.
Marigold
Marigolds are not only vibrant and beautiful but also effective at repelling flies. Their strong scent deters flies and other pests. Plant them around your garden borders or in pots near outdoor seating areas.
Mint
Mint is another versatile plant that can help keep flies away. Its strong aroma is a natural deterrent. Plant mint in pots to prevent it from spreading uncontrollably and place them around outdoor areas.
DIY Fly Repellent Sprays 💧
Creating your own fly repellent sprays is a cost-effective and natural way to keep flies at bay. These sprays can be made with simple ingredients you likely already have at home.
Essential Oil Fly Spray
Essential oils are potent and effective at repelling flies. Here’s a simple recipe for an essential oil fly spray:
Ingredients:
- 1 cup water
- 1 cup witch hazel or rubbing alcohol
- 20-30 drops of essential oil (eucalyptus, lavender, or peppermint)
Instructions:
- Combine the water and witch hazel in a spray bottle.
- Add the essential oil drops and shake well to mix.
- Spray around outdoor areas where flies are a problem.
Vinegar and Dish Soap Spray
Vinegar is another effective ingredient for repelling flies. Combined with dish soap, it creates a potent fly repellent spray.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup apple cider vinegar
- 1 cup water
- 1 tablespoon dish soap
Instructions:
- Mix the apple cider vinegar and water in a spray bottle.
- Add the dish soap and shake well.
- Spray around outdoor areas, focusing on areas where flies are most active.
Lemon and Clove Spray
Lemon and clove have natural repellent properties. This spray is not only effective but also has a pleasant scent.
Ingredients:
- 2 lemons
- 20-30 whole cloves
- 1 cup water
Instructions:
- Slice the lemons and insert cloves into the lemon slices.
- Boil the water and add the lemon slices with cloves.
- Let it simmer for 10 minutes, then cool and strain the mixture.
- Pour into a spray bottle and use around outdoor areas.
DIY Fly Traps 🪤
Fly traps are an effective way to capture and eliminate flies. You can make simple yet effective fly traps with household items.
Sugar and Water Bottle Trap
This classic fly trap uses sugar to attract flies and trap them in a bottle.
Materials:
- 1 empty plastic bottle
- 1 cup water
- 2 tablespoons sugar
- Tape
Instructions:
- Cut the top third of the bottle off.
- Mix the water and sugar, and pour it into the bottom part of the bottle.
- Invert the top part of the bottle and place it inside the bottom part, creating a funnel.
- Tape the two parts together and place the trap in fly-prone areas.
Apple Cider Vinegar Trap
Apple cider vinegar is highly attractive to flies and can be used to make an effective trap.
Materials:
- 1 jar
- 1 cup apple cider vinegar
- Plastic wrap
- Rubber band
- Toothpick
Instructions:
- Pour the apple cider vinegar into the jar.
- Cover the jar with plastic wrap and secure it with a rubber band.
- Poke small holes in the plastic wrap with a toothpick.
- Place the trap in areas where flies are most active.
Homemade Fly Repellent Candles 🕯️
Repellent candles are a great way to keep flies away while adding ambiance to your outdoor space. You can make your own fly repellent candles using essential oils.
Citronella Candle
Citronella is a well-known natural insect repellent and works effectively against flies.
Materials:
- Soy wax
- Citronella essential oil
- Candle wicks
- Candle containers
Instructions:
- Melt the soy wax in a double boiler.
- Add 20-30 drops of citronella essential oil to the melted wax.
- Place the wick in the candle container and pour the wax into the container.
- Let the candle cool and harden before using it outdoors.
Lavender and Lemon Candle
This candle combines the repellent properties of lavender and lemon with a pleasant scent.
Materials:
- Soy wax
- Lavender essential oil
- Lemon essential oil
- Candle wicks
- Candle containers
Instructions:
- Melt the soy wax in a double boiler.
- Add 10 drops of lavender essential oil and 10 drops of lemon essential oil to the melted wax.
- Place the wick in the candle container and pour the wax into the container.
- Let the candle cool and harden before using it outdoors.
Fly Repellent DIY Tips for Barbecue and Picnics 🍖
Barbecues and picnics are prime targets for flies. Here are some additional tips to keep flies away during these outdoor events.
Cover Food and Drinks
Flies are attracted to food and drinks, so it’s essential to keep them covered. Use mesh food covers, lids, or plastic wrap to protect your dishes.
Use Fans
Flies are weak fliers and can be deterred by a steady breeze. Set up fans around your outdoor dining area to keep flies away from your food.
Set Up Fly Traps
Place DIY fly traps around your picnic or barbecue area to catch and eliminate flies. This can significantly reduce their presence.
Serve Citrus Fruits
Flies dislike the smell of citrus. Incorporate citrus fruits like lemons and oranges into your menu or place slices around the dining area to repel flies.
Table: Quick Reference for DIY Fly Repellents
| Repellent Type | Ingredients | Application Method |
|---|---|---|
| Essential Oil Fly Spray | Water, witch hazel, essential oils | Spray around outdoor areas |
| Vinegar and Dish Soap | Apple cider vinegar, water, dish soap | Spray around outdoor areas |
| Lemon and Clove Spray | Lemons, cloves, water | Spray around outdoor areas |
| Sugar and Water Trap | Sugar, water, plastic bottle | Set up in fly-prone areas |
| Apple Cider Vinegar Trap | Apple cider vinegar, jar, plastic wrap | Set up in fly-prone areas |
| Citronella Candle | Soy wax, citronella essential oil | Burn candle outdoors |
| Lavender and Lemon Candle | Soy wax, lavender and lemon essential oils | Burn candle outdoors |
Important Note: When using essential oils, always dilute them properly and perform a patch test to avoid any allergic reactions.
Conclusion
Keeping flies at bay while enjoying the outdoors doesn’t have to be a daunting task. With these DIY fly repellent strategies, you can create a more comfortable and enjoyable outdoor environment. Whether you choose to use natural plants, homemade sprays, or DIY traps, these methods are effective and easy to implement. Say goodbye to pesky flies and hello to peaceful outdoor gatherings!
