Did you know there are over 1.2 million species of flies worldwide? No surprise they invade our spaces when the weather warms up. Carrying bacteria on their bodies, they pose a genuine health risk.
Luckily, time-tested natural remedies offer effective, chemical-free solutions to keep flies out permanently. As experts in natural pest control, we've relied on these methods for years to protect homes safely.
Here are 13 proven natural tips to banish flies from your home:
Flies carry millions of bacteria on their hairy bodies, drawn to feces, garbage, and rotting food. They don't bite but contaminate surfaces and food by landing on them.
Consuming fly-tainted food risks serious illnesses like dysentery, typhoid, diarrhea, and cholera. Protecting your home is essential.
Maintain a clean home, dry sinks, and cover food to prevent infestations. House flies target decomposing organic matter; fruit flies seek sugars in ripe fruit, sodas, and alcohol. Flies lay eggs in moist areas like drains.
Commercial fly paper uses toxic chemicals harmful to humans and pets. Our DIY version is equally effective, safer, and budget-friendly.
- 120 ml corn syrup
- 50g sugar
- Paper (kraft or cardboard)
- Scissors
- String
1. Cut paper into 5 cm wide strips.
2. Punch a hole at one end of each strip for hanging.
3. Mix corn syrup and sugar.
4. Coat both sides of strips.
5. Hang in fly-prone areas; place a container below if dripping.
Flies stick and can't escape.
This simple trick repels flies at entrances. Market vendors swear by it.
Flies mistake the water-filled bag for a spider web due to their compound eyes or get disoriented by light reflections.
- 1 transparent freezer bag
1. Fill halfway with water.
2. Seal with a knot, string, or rubber band.
3. Hang at all home entrances.
Ideal for fruit flies, drawn to fermenting vinegar. Warming enhances the scent.
- 100 ml apple cider vinegar
- 1 jar
- 1 funnel (or rolled paper)
1. Warm vinegar.
2. Drill holes in lid or use funnel.
3. Fill jar, insert funnel narrow end down.
4. Place in fly areas. Flies enter but can't exit.
Lavender's scent repels flies, moths, mosquitoes, fleas, beetles, and aphids—trusted for generations.
- 100-200 ml lavender essential oil
- Tin box with lid
- Cloth or sponge
1. Soak cloth in oil.
2. Place in box, close for 24 hours.
3. Open and position in fly zones; refresh oil as needed.
4. Close when not in use. Avoid skin contact—undiluted oil irritates.
Alternatives: citronella, eucalyptus (dilute 1:3 with water/alcohol).
Flies detest cloves and lemon scents—perfect natural repellent.
- 2 lemons
- 25-50 cloves
1. Halve lemons.
2. Insert 6-12 cloves (pointed end in, buds out).
3. Place on plate in fly areas or in cheesecloth bags.
Bonus: aromatic decor for picnics.
Dual-purpose: repels flies and freshens air with revitalizing scent.
- 10-12 drops lemongrass essential oil
- 4 tbsp hot water
- Spray bottle
1. Add oil to bottle.
2. Pour in hot water; shake well.
3. Spray at entrances or directly on flies.
Leftover wine lures flies—any type works.
- ½ glass wine
- Glass or bowl
- 3-5 drops dish soap
1. Place wine in container.
2. Add soap to prevent escape.
3. Or use bottle with plastic wrap hole—flies enter, drown.
Flies hate basil's scent; it's also antiviral and antibacterial.
1. Plant pots near entrances.
2. Or use dried leaves in cheesecloth bags hung at entry points.
Other plants: lavender, bay, tansy, mint, rue, wormwood, marigolds.
Diluted clove oil repels flies safely on skin.
- 1 tsp clove essential oil
- 10 tsp carrier (olive or witch hazel oil)
- Small bottle
1. Mix in bottle (1:10 ratio).
2. Shake before use; apply as needed.
Classic remedy for fruit flies.
- 50 cl milk
- 50g caster sugar
- 4 tsp ground black pepper
1. Simmer milk, sugar, pepper 10-15 min.
2. Pour into shallow dishes in fly areas. Flies drown.
Honey's sweetness traps flies effectively.
- Empty soda can/bottle
- 1-2 tsp honey
- Water
- Dish soap
1. Cut can in half (bottom larger).
2. Half-fill bottom with soapy water.
3. Invert top, place neck in water.
4. Coat neck with honey. Flies enter and drown.
Camphor's strong scent repels flies; antibacterial too. Avoid if pregnant.
- 2 camphor tablets
1. Place on warm surface or in hot water bowls in fly areas.
Confuses flies by masking human scents. Dilute for safety; avoid if pregnant, epileptic, or hypertensive.
- Eucalyptus essential oil
- Cotton ribbons/fabric strips
1. Soak strips in oil.
2. Hang at entrances.
Most ingredients are readily available:
- Corn syrup
- Kraft paper
- Card stock
- Freezer bags
- Organic apple cider vinegar
- Funnel
- Organic lavender essential oil
- Organic cloves
- Clove essential oil
- Organic witch hazel oil
- Camphor tablets
