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Today we are talking about how to repel flies with these easy proven tips!

Last week, we shared our DIY fly repellent method. I wanted to dedicate a post just for that recipe because it really is a great base to enjoying a fly free porch this summer.

But, there are so many other methods to use and try. Sometimes, you need many other methods to get rid of flies. If you live out in the country, have animals, or live near a dairy like so many of my friends do, you need a lot of methods because the flies are vicious!

This post has everything you need! From scents, to home remedies, to fly traps that really work.

How To Repel Flies With These Proven Tips

We have many bug repelling posts on Chemistry Cachet, but I have never tackled flies. Flies to me are the most difficult to deal with because they are relentless and can be very dependent on the area you live.

When we had cows around our back porch, the flies were horrible. If you don’t have livestock or animals, you probably don’t have them as bad.

There are many factors that come into play with flies, and they can be the hardest (and GROSSEST to kill). But after researching methods and tips for years, we have a great guide for you to use and reference this summer.

Let’s get started.

Tip #1 Homemade Fly Repelling Spray

I have been asked this question dozens of times over the years. I like to always go back to my tried and true ant spray which is also fantastic for many bugs including flies. The trick to killing flies though is catching them. If you can, this spray is the best little home remedy for that. Be sure to check out the original post to read the science behind how this works.

Ingredients needed:

• 2 cups of vinegar, distilled
• 2 cups of water
• 3 tablespoon blue Dawn dishwashing liquid
• 3 tablespoons table salt
• Spray Bottle

DIRECTIONS:

1. Mix ingredients together, add to a spray bottle.
2. Shake well before spraying each time.
3. I use blue Dawn for all my solutions on Chemistry Cachet because it has worked better for me. You can use any dishwashing liquid you have on hand, but I prefer Dawn ?

Tip #2 Utilize Scents That Flies Hate

There are certain scents flies (and almost all insects) don’t like, so it is sure to deter them. Scents like lemongrass, citronella, peppermint oil, lavender, and cinnamon are proven to deter flies. You can use essential oils, and spray them around doors, porches, and even kitchens to keep flies away. Check out our tips in this roach post about peppermint oil or try some of these DIY citronella candles.

Tip #3 Use Fly Repelling Plants

You can use essential oils like we talk about in tip #2, but you can also utilize scents by keeping plants around your area that deter flies! One of the best plants which you can keep in small containers is basil. Basil has volatile compounds known to deter and disrupt insects. It can work for mosquitoes too! But it is especially great at repelling flies.

Tip #4 Use our DIY Fly Repellent

Just last week we posted this amazing DIY fly repellent recipe using Irish Spring soap and citronella. I have already had readers email me saying it works great! It has been my favorite thing yet to use for fly repelling.

Tip #5 Use a Good Fly Trap

Combining a fly trap with some of these tips is also a really surefire way to keep flies away. I will use a fly trap towards the outside of the porch and have my fly repellent set up inside the porch. This is a good idea if you really struggle with flies if you have animals around. These are the highest rated fly traps on Amazon.

Tip #6 Minimize Things Around Your Porch That Attract Flies

This tip is a simple one, but often overlooked. Keep things away from your porch that attract flies. Flies love dirty things. Not just food or pet based dirtiness, but even just dirt and grim. Cleaning your porch often including the furniture is a good place to start. You can spray down patios and walls to get rid of grim, wipe down furniture and tables daily (especially after eating or drinking something), and make sure everything stays clean. Keep your lawn mowed also. Flies love overgrown grass! Keep compost piles far from your house because those really attract flies and other bugs. Also, promptly remove food and trash if you are eating outside. The quicker you clean up, the less likely flies are going to come around.

Tip #7 Keep a Fan On Your Porch

We have a ceiling fan on our porch. When it is on high, it keeps all the bugs off of our porch including flies! You can also get an outdoor box fann to blow on your porch, and it will deter flies too. My friend has a pool, and they have a large outdoor fan that circulates around the tables when people eat. Flies are less likely to come around the food when there is air blowing. This tip is especially good to utilize with another method listed above.

Do You Need To Use Multiple Methods To Repel Flies?

This depends on what type of environment you live around. Our back yard is next to just an open field without any animals like cows or horses, so I have had luck just using the DIY fly repellent. I have a friend who lives near several dairies, so she typically uses the fly repellent, fly trap, and she has a fan going at all times. This keeps her porch free from flies despite the environment.

How To Repel Flies The Natural Way?

All these methods listed are great home remedies, safe, and almost all of them are considered natural remedies. You can try them all or just pick one or two to enjoy a fly free porch this summer. The DIY fly repellent has been our go to this season already and it has been SUCH a game changer so we can enjoy being on our porch.

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