What are the Best Essential Oils to Keep Flies Away?

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Last Updated on October 15, 2024

Is there a list of the Best Essential Oils to Keep Flies Away? As we’re now much more inclined to use natural products, we can’t help but wonder if there are some essential oils specifically made for flies. While there is no such thing as essential oil made solely for dealing with flies, as there are a lot of essential oils that have qualities that repel pests, they are often used to get rid of flies. 

If you’re interested to know more about essential oils and which ones are effective when it comes to repelling flies, below is an informative guide and a list for you to take note of:

What are Essential Oils?

First, let’s identify what these oils are. Basically, essential oils are often used in aromatherapy and are deemed as an alternative form of medicine. However, it goes beyond that as they are also used in other aspects like home remedies, cosmetics, and now as repellents. Yes, some do use these oils for such cases.

This is because these oils, which are extracted from plants, are very potent, and some of their properties are effective repellents.

Each essential oil has its own aroma, flavor, essence, and usage. They have a lot of varieties as their sources are varied as well. With all of these options, it may overwhelm you, but choosing an essential oil that keeps flies away is easier now that we’ve come up with a list that you can follow.

Why Use Essential Oils

Before we proceed with the list, you must know what these oils’ benefits are. Aside from the health benefits you’ll get, these are also some advantages you’ll have when you opt for an essential oil to use as a repellant:

Natural

If don’t want to use repellents that are loaded with chemicals, then switching to essential oils is the best route to go. They are much more natural, so this makes them good for the environment. What’s more, is that some oils have a pleasing aroma, so this means that you’re not drowning your room with fake scents but natural ones only. 

Safer

Because most oils are not mixed with other harsh chemicals, they are safer. If you’re worried about the flies in your home, you don’t have to rely on dangerous chemicals just to get rid of them. Instead, why not use essential oils?  

Potent

As mentioned above, as these oils are extracted from plants, they are very potent. Their essence is bottled in this tiny container, yet you don’t need much as they are potent. So, you can certainly make a repellent out of them and not waste your resources. They are effective, and they don’t cost you that much. 

Accessible

Because essential oils are consistently popular in the market, getting one is not so difficult. You can buy essential oils from your local health and wellness shops, and you can also purchase them on the internet. As long as you know that the seller is reliable and is selling you pure essential oil, then you’re good to go. Just don’t forget to read reviews to ensure that the oil you’re buying is high-quality. 

Affordable

Lastly, while essential oils, especially pure ones, are quite pricey, as they’re potent, you don’t need much to make an effective repellent anyway. So, you can save money in the long run. Besides, certain brands are not as expensive, so you can still buy them even if you’re short on money. 

Essential Oils to Keep Flies Away

Now that you’re aware of this, we can now proceed to the list of the best essential oils that you can use to keep the flies away. Chose from any of the oils below:

Basil – It has a calming aroma and can also be used in food preparation when not in a form of potent oil.

Citronella – It’s an excellent bug repellent not only for flies but mosquitoes as well. It has a floral and grassy smell.

Clove – It can stimulate the brain, making you more alert. It’s a great pest and weed killer as well.

Eucalyptus – It has a powerful, soothing smell to us humans, but insects hate it.

Geranium – With just a few drops of it, it can already repel ticks, bugs, and other pests.

Lavender – Pleasant to smell, lavender gives off a sweet, lovely fragrance that humans like but insects don’t. 

Thyme – Another plant that can be used for cooking is Thyme. It’s most effective when used against mosquitoes, but it’s also great when repelling flies. 

Lemongrass – It has a sharp yet pleasant smell to it. It can be used not only in cooking but in repelling insects too. 

Mint – Just like the eucalyptus, mint has this refreshing, cool aroma that repels insects right away. 

Rosemary – This can be used in the kitchen as well. It has a lovely aroma that we like but insects don’t. 

Tansy – This has been a plant that has been cultivated for years to be used as one of the ingredients for insect repellents. 

These are some of the most popular oils that you can use to make fly-repellent sprays. You can either use one or a combination of them. Just blend the ones that you like and see if the mixture is effective. As they are great insect repellents anyway, I’m sure that the flies will hate them, no matter what combination you’ll use. 

Check the next inexpensive Natural Fly Repellent Recipe that you can use outside or inside your home:

These are the essential oils used for this recipe:

• Clove oil
• Peppermint oil
• Citronella oil
• Rosemary oil
• Lemon Grass oil
• Cinnamon oil
• Cedar Wood oil
• Geraniol
• Linseed oil
• Beeswax Pellets
• Plastic hangers

How to Get Rid Of Fruit Flies Using Essential Oils?

Fruit flies can be a nuisance in the kitchen, but you can use essential oils to help get rid of them naturally and effectively. If you want to get rid of them, find out what you have to do below.

Ingredients:

• 1/4 cup of apple cider vinegar
• 10-15 drops of essential oil (our recommendations go for peppermint, lemongrass, or tea tree oil)

Material:

• 1 small bowl or jar
• Plastic wrap or cling film

Instructions:

#1: In a small bowl or jar, combine the apple cider vinegar and essential oil to create the fruit fly trap.

#2: The next thing you should do is cover the bowl or jar with plastic wrap or cling film, securing it tightly around the rim of the bowl or jar.

#3: Be sure to make a few tiny holes in the plastic wrap or cling film with a toothpick or skewer that are just big enough for the fruit flies to squeeze through.

Once you finish making it, place the fruit fly trap in the area where you have seen fruit flies, the most ideal, and proven-working locations are near the fruit bowl or the trash can. The fragrance of apple cider vinegar will attract wine flies, so they will crawl through the holes in the plastic wrap or cling film. Once they are trapped inside, they will be unable to escape and will eventually drown in the liquid.

As for disposal, the easiest way to do this is to remove the plastic wrap or cling film and empty the contents into the trash can. Also, before the next use, be sure to clean it completely. Final note, you can also make additional traps and place them in other areas where you have seen fruit flies get rid of them.

What Essential Oil Repels Horse Flies?

Horse flies are big, biting insects that may be bothersome to both horses and people. If you have a horse fly infestation, you may use essential oils to naturally repel these pests. Citronella, lemongrass, and peppermint oil are among the essential oils that are good at repelling horse flies.

Truth be told, citronella oil is one of the most effective essential oils for repelling horse flies as it has a strong, citrus-like aroma that is unpleasant to each and every biting insect. But that’s not all, lemongrass and peppermint oil also have quite strong and unique odors that can deter horseflies as well as other pests.

All you need to do is mix a solution of essential oils and water in a spray bottle and apply it to your skin, clothing, and any areas where horseflies are commonly found.

How Do You Make Natural Insect Repellent With Essential Oils?

There is nothing better than making healthy preparations for yourself and your loved ones. With so many benefits to be found in nature as well as in our pantries, why would you use potentially dangerous compounds to repel insects? Find out below how to make a natural insect repellent with essential oils.

Ingredients:

• 1/4 cup of witch hazel or vodka
• 1/4 cup of distilled water
• 15-20 drops of essential oils (such as citronella, lemongrass, peppermint, or eucalyptus)

Material:

• A funnel
• A small, dark-colored glass spray bottle

Instructions:

#1: In a bowl, mix the witch hazel or vodka, water, and your favorite essential oils. We usually opt for citronella, lemongrass, peppermint, or eucalyptus.

#2: Once mixed, pour into a spray bottle using a funnel to avoid making a mess, and shake well to combine.

The witch hazel or vodka aids in dispersing the essential oils and extending their shelf life, while on the other hand, the water thins the mixture and makes application simpler. You should apply repellant to your wrists, ankles, and neck, as well as around your clothing and hat. Are you ready for a great idea for your next camping, fishing, or casual picnic in nature? Feel free to apply the repellent to your camping gear, picnic blankets, and any other items that you will be using outdoors. Insects will literally run away from you!

Conclusion

Flies are dangerous as they can possibly give us diseases. However, now that we’re aware of what essential oils to use, we can now rest knowing that we’re not only getting rid of the flies, but we’re also using a much more natural and safer product. 

Do you have questions about the oils suggested above? Leave your comments below if you have suggestions. Let’s have a cleaner and safer environment by sharing our ideas with others. Remember, flies should not be tolerated, so use any of the recommended oils above.  

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