Flies are among the most annoying pests you can find in your home. Not only do they buzz around your ears, but they can also transmit diseases, making them a serious health concern. Thankfully, there are some plants that you can use to deter flies and keep them away from your home. In this article, we will take a closer look at what plants deter flies and how you can use them effectively.
Understanding Flies
Before we proceed to the best plants for deterring flies, it’s important to understand flies and their habits. Flies are attracted to decaying organic matter and sweet smells. They also need moisture to breed. Adult flies are active during the day and rest at night. By understanding this, you can make your home less attractive to them and reduce their population.
Best Plants for Deterring Flies
Basil
Basil is a popular herb that you can easily grow in your garden or in pots. It has a strong smell that flies hate, making it effective in repelling them. You can place pots of basil near doors and windows or use the leaves to make a natural fly repellent spray.
Lavender
Lavender is a beautiful and fragrant plant that also happens to repel flies. Its scent is pleasant to us but intolerable to flies. You can grow lavender in your garden or pots and place them in areas where flies are most active, such as near garbage cans or compost bins. Alternatively, you can dry the lavender flowers and make sachets to hang in your home.
Mint
Mint is another herb with a strong scent that flies hate. You can grow it in pots or in your garden and crush the leaves to release the scent. You can also make a natural fly repellent spray using mint leaves and vinegar.
Lemongrass
Lemongrass is a popular herb in Southeast Asian cuisine, and it also happens to be an effective fly repellent. You can grow it in your garden or patio, or use the leaves to make a natural fly repellent spray. The scent of lemongrass is also pleasant to us, making it a great addition to your home.
Marigold
Marigolds are not just pretty flowers, but they also have the ability to repel flies. They contain a chemical called pyrethrum, which is commonly used in insecticides. You can plant marigolds near doors and windows to keep flies away from your home.
Using Plants to Repel Flies
Now that you have an idea of the best plants for deterring flies, it’s time to learn how to use them effectively. Here are some tips:
Plant them strategically
Place the plants in areas where flies are most active, such as near garbage cans or compost bins. You can also plant them near doors and windows to keep flies from entering your home.
Crush the leaves
Crush the leaves of the plants to release their scent. This will make the plants more effective in repelling flies.
Make a natural fly repellent spray
You can make a natural fly repellent spray using the leaves of the plants and water, vinegar, or alcohol. It’s important to test the spray on a small area first to ensure that it doesn’t damage the surfaces in your home.
Use them in conjunction with other fly-repelling methods
Plants alone may not be enough to keep flies away from your home. You should also use other fly-repelling methods, such as keeping your kitchen clean, covering your garbage cans, and fixing any leaks.
Conclusion
Using plants to repel flies is a natural and effective way to keep your home fly-free. Basil, lavender, mint, lemongrass, and marigold are just some of the plants that you can use to repel flies. Remember to plant them strategically, crush the leaves, and use them in conjunction with other fly-repelling methods for best results.
Common Questions and Answers
- What are other ways to keep flies away from my home?
- Keep your kitchen clean and free of food debris
- Cover your garbage cans and compost bins
- Fix any leaks and remove standing water
- Are there any plants that attract flies?
- Yes, some plants such as some flowers and herbs can attract flies.
- Can I use essential oils instead of plants to repel flies?
- Yes, you can use essential oils such as peppermint, eucalyptus, and citronella to repel flies.
- Are natural fly repellent sprays safe to use?
- Natural fly repellent sprays are generally safe to use, but it’s important to test them on a small area first to ensure that they don’t damage the surfaces in your home.
- Do I need to get rid of my plants if they attract flies?
- No, you don’t necessarily need to get rid of your plants if they attract flies. However, you should place them in areas where flies are less active or use other methods to keep flies away.
References
1. Alford, D. V. (2010). Pests of ornamental trees, shrubs and flowers: a colour handbook. CRC Press.
2. Besselink, M., & Bailey, S. (2018). Essential oils for a clean and healthy home: 200 + amazing household uses for tea tree oil, peppermint oil, lavender oil, and more. Simon and Schuster.
3. Eldhose, M., & Mussagy, M. (2018). Mosquito Repellent Property of Lemon Grass Leaf Extracts. International Journal of Engineering and Technology (UAE), 7(4.15), 129-133.