Fly repellents work similarly to mosquito, cockroach, ant, lice and flea repellents and can naturally repel or kill insects.
In this article we will show you how to make natural fly repellents without the use of toxins so as not to poison ourselves and other living beings with which we share this beautiful planet.
First, there are some common sense things that most of us know but that are important to remember. Flies are attracted to dirt. A dirty house is an ideal place to attract flies when we leave unwashed dishes in the sink or in the trash can without a lid. They attract flies and like cockroaches, a clean and tidy home is essential to avoid attracting certain types of unwanted guests.
Unlike mosquitoes, flies don’t like darkness. If the house is dark in the summer, when these insects are usually a big problem, very few insects will enter the house.
Fly repellent: air freshener
In this recipe, to make homemade fly repellent, you need to take a jar with a lid and place a piece of cotton or gauze inside. An old kitchen sponge also works. Then soak the cloth or sponge in a solution of one cup of water and 15-20 drops of one of the following essential oils:
- lavender essential oil
- Eucalyptus essential oil
- Peppermint essential oil
- Citronella essential oil
Cover our container and let it rest for a day. We will open them when we need to repel flies. To ensure a longer lifespan, it is important to close the lid after use.
If it loses its scent, it is easy and convenient to refill it with the same mixture. Since it has a pleasant scent (not for flies, of course), we can use it as a natural air freshener at home.
Fly spray
We have two ways to make these natural fly repellents. One made from vinegar and one from plants.
Repellent vinegar version
To make this spray we need the following ingredients:
- 1/2 cup apple cider vinegar.
- 20 drops of eucalyptus oil.
Mix in a container with a spray bottle and use.
Vinegar alone works against flies.
For example, cleaning the dining table with this spray before eating can help keep flies away from the dining room and meals.
Vegetable version
This herbal version of fly repellent contains the following ingredients:
- A glass of water
- Two tablespoons of dried herbs such as mint, lavender or lemongrass.
- It could be a combination of all of them or just one of them.
- 1/2 cup denatured alcohol 70° (available at the pharmacy).
Boil the water. Once boiling, add the herbs and simmer for two minutes.
Then let it cool, filter it and pour the alcohol into a container with a spray bottle.
This mixture can be applied to the skin.
With information from: