12 Plants That Will Help Keep the Flies Away

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Flies are a scourge. They can spread germs and you will be swatting aimlessly like you are auditioning for a slapstick comedy. Fortunately, nature has solutions of its own.

Before you whip out the chemical sprays, here’s a more natural (and pleasant) option to spray! Luckily for us, there are some plants with some serious power to keep these pests away, and at the same time, add some greenery to your space.

As a result, since you’ve had it with all those pesky little invaders, these plants might be what you need. These plants are ready to become your new secret weapons in the war against flies from their potent scents to their pest repelling oils.

Rosemary

Another culinary herb that rises of its own accord is rosemary, another one that flies simply cannot stand. The pleasant woody scent is pleasant to humans but excellent as a fly repellent. This herb will keep you fly free either if you plant rosemary outdoors or keep in pots inside. Just as basil is a handy thing to have on hand in the kitchen, so too is always having some fresh rosemary on hand.

Bay Leaf

Now, if you didn’t know, bay leaves are fantastic to flavor soups, and stews and now, to drive flies away! The evergreen plant can be grown inside or out and does an excellent job keeping flies away. Bay leaves have a pungent scent that repels flies, and you can even scatter some dried bay leaves around your pantry or kitchen to stop them getting at your food storage areas.

Lemongrass

Not only does lemongrass smell amazing, it’s one of the top plants for repelling flies. Citronella, a natural oil that flies can’t stand, is also found in it. But the actual plant is even better; You’ll often see citronella used in candles and sprays. To keep flies away and add a touch of tropical feel to your home, grow lemongrass in your garden or keep a pot by the windows along.

Catnip

For cats that is irresistible but flies have a very different response to catnip. Studies have shown that catnip actually works better than a lot of chemical insect repellents do. Since we’re already giving our feline friend a treat, why not double that goodness by keeping our home free from flies, too. You’ll just have to be ready for a few extra playful cats hanging around.

Tansy

It turns out that this fly-repelling plant isn’t the most common in households, but it certainly gets the job done. Centuries ago, this flowering plant has been used as pest repellent for flies and ants. Around your outdoor spaces tansy can be planted and its bright yellow flowers will sprinkle some happiness in your garden while discreetly working to keep flies at bay.

Eucalyptus

Though certain folks praise eucalyptus for its strong medicinal scent, the truth is eucalyptus does NOT sit well with flying, frankly. If you want to fight flies naturally, planting eucalyptus may help — outdoors or grow dried leaves around your house to keep them from sneaking in. If you want to go the extra mile and rub some on window sills or door frames, its essential oils are also a great alternative.

Mint

Mint — it’s best known for flies to hate, plain and simple. Mint is known for it’s strong smell and that drives flies away, whichever varietal it is, spearmint, peppermint, or what have you. It’s easy to grow and keep so it’s great for having at home. Use it for a quick and natural way to keep flies away, or plant it in pots around your house.

Venus Flytrap

This one is, okay, so a bit different. Unlike ‘just’ repelling flies, the Venus flytrap does in fact catch and eat them. It’s like getting your own personal bodyguard, for flies, basically. A Venus flytrap is a bit more demanding than some of the other plants, but it does eliminate the fly population in the house and offer a bit of the exotic plant collection.

Lavender

Flies are more than a nuisance, they can be dangerous as can be, especially for fruit and veg growers. Lavender, however, is more than a wonderfully purple flower with a calming scent, it is a powerful weapon against them. It’s a repellent and also soothing of the strong fragrance that we find pleasing which makes them stay away from flies. So if you would like to deter flies from entering your home, you can plant lavender outside near doorways, or keep a potted lavender plant inside. It’s also a natural air freshener, and hey, multitasking!

Basil

In addition to being a fantastic go-to ingredient for great meals, basil is armed and ready to fight flies. This herb has a pungent smell they absolutely hate. Basil growing around your kitchen or outdoor sitting area keeps flies from buzzing in your face, so keep growing it in evergreen pots. And, a bonus, you’ll have fresh basil leaves that will work perfectly in your favorite pasta dishes!

Marigold

Not only do they give a pop of color to your yard, they drive flies right out of town. It is a natural fly repellent: their unique scent. They are marigolds and they thrive in sunny spots and are perfect for planting near entry points to keep flies from barging in into your home. In addition, they help keep other pests (like mosquitos) away.

Peppermint

Flies think differently about peppermint, perhaps as a less-than-refreshing tea or hardly tasty treat. They have no filter to the overwhelming smell of peppermint. Grow this in the garden or indoors as potted, and peppermint will come to the rescue if you have flies. And you can even crush up some leaves and use them to rub around your windows or door frames for added protection.

Disclaimer: This list is solely the author’s opinion based on research and publicly available information.