These 7 Herbs are Natural Fly Repellants

Flies can ruin your mood when you are enjoying your favorite outdoor spot. And while most of them are just annoying, some are actually carriers of dangerous diseases.

The good news is you can win the battle against flies and mosquitoes without using sprays filled with toxins. You just need to place certain herbs in your garden or patio to repel flies.

These herbs won’t make your home insect-free but you will have fewer insects. But unlike toxic bug sprays, they have a naturally pleasant smell and make your home look attractive.

NATURAL FLY REPELLANTS

1. Lavender

Lavender has a scent that is appealing to us but hated by flies. This herb can thrive in different climates, depending on the type you choose. You may want to choose types that grow in pots, if you want to place them in different places around your house.

You may also apply lavender oil on your skin to repel mosquitoes.

2. Rosemary

Planting rosemary in your garden will give your home a natural, fresh look. This herb stays evergreen and can grow up to four feet tall. The best part is that its strong aroma can repel flies.

3. Basil

I won’t be surprised if you already have basil in your garden. It’s one of the most popular herbs.

In addition to its health benefits and its power in the kitchen, a basil plant helps repel flies and mosquitoes. Plant it in containers and place them next to your door. Note that planting it near your vegetable patch can help repel insects that attack tomatoes and other veggies.

4. Lemon Thyme

This mosquito-repelling herb does not need much to grow. It can thrive in shallow and dry soil, and it’s great at repelling mosquitoes.

Lemon thyme does not repel mosquitoes naturally. You need to bruise the leaves in order to release the chemicals mosquitoes hate. Simply rub a few leaves between your palms and then apply them on your skin.

To be safe, apply the leaves on a small part of your arm to make sure they don’t cause any reaction.

5. Bay Laurel

You can use fresh or dried leaves of bay laurel to repel insects. Place the leaves in cupboards to repel flies, roaches, mice, and other insects.

Grow bay laurel in a pot and keep it outdoors during the summer. Then bring it indoors during the cold months. With this plant, you won’t deal with the hassle of changing pots regularly, since it’s a slow grower.

6. Mint

Herbs in the mint family (peppermint, sweet mint, citrus mint, and so on) contain mentha, a compound that repels insects and flies. It is better to grow mint in a pot, since it spreads fast and becomes hard to manage when planted in the garden.

You can get more out of your mint plant by making mint tea with the leaves.

7. Tansy

This herb was traditionally used as a remedy for digestive problems, joint pain, and intestinal parasites. While these benefits have not been backed by science, it can’t hurt to have this herb in your home, since it does repel flies and insects.