Flies can be a real nuisance, especially when they start showing up around the kitchen, patio, or garden. Before reaching for a spray, you can try adding certain herbs and plants that have strong scents that flies tend to avoid.
Plants won’t replace basic fly control, such as keeping food covered, cleaning spills, and making sure windows have screens. Still, these 12 options can add some greenery to your home while giving flies one more reason to stay away.
Rosemary
Rosemary has a strong woody scent that many people enjoy, while flies tend to avoid it. Grow it in a sunny spot in the garden or keep it in a pot near a window, and you’ll have fresh rosemary for cooking.
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Bay Leaf
Bay leaves are a kitchen staple, but the plant’s strong scent may also help discourage flies. Grow bay laurel outdoors in a suitable climate or keep dried bay leaves around pantry areas as an extra deterrent.
Lemongrass
Lemongrass has a fresh citrus scent and contains citronellal compounds often associated with insect repellents. Grow it in a sunny spot, or keep a pot near a window or on a patio where you spend time.
Catnip
Catnip may send cats into a playful frenzy, but flies react very differently to it. Research has found that nepetalactone, a compound in catnip, can repel certain insects, so growing it may give you another natural option for your yard.
Related: 14 Plants That Turn Vertical Gardens Into Living Walls
Tansy
Tansy has small yellow flowers and a strong scent long associated with insect control. It can be grown around outdoor areas, but keep in mind that tansy can spread aggressively and is toxic if eaten, so choose its location carefully.
Eucalyptus
Eucalyptus has a strong aroma that can be unpleasant to many insects. Growing it outdoors in the right climate or keeping dried leaves around entryways may help discourage flies, but eucalyptus plants can grow large and should be kept away from pets that might chew on them.
Mint
Mint has a strong scent that flies tend to avoid, and it’s one of the easier herbs to grow at home. Keep peppermint or spearmint in pots near doors, windows, or outdoor seating areas to help make the area less inviting to flies.
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Venus Flytrap
The Venus flytrap takes a different approach because it actually catches and digests small insects rather than simply repelling them. According to Kew, this carnivorous plant uses modified leaves to trap its prey.
Lavender
Lavender has a strong fragrance that many people enjoy, and its scent can help deter certain insects. Plant it near sunny doorways, windows, or patios, or keep it in a pot indoors where it gets plenty of light.
Basil
Basil is useful in the kitchen and may also help keep flies away from areas where you grow or place it. Keep pots near sunny windows, outdoor dining areas, or garden spaces for fresh leaves and a strong herbal scent.
Marigold
Marigolds add bright flowers to garden beds while their scent may help discourage some unwanted insects. They do well in sunny locations, so plant them near patios, garden borders, or entry areas where you want a little extra greenery and insect deterrence.
Peppermint
Peppermint has a strong scent that flies tend to avoid, making it another useful herb for areas where insects are a problem. Grow it in containers near windows or doors, and crush a few leaves to release more of that fresh aroma in outdoor areas.
