Essential oils & home remedies against flies – natural remedies against flies

The first flies appear in our homes as soon as it gets warmer outside. Often, all it takes is an open window, and the little insects are looking for food or a cosy place to rest. Flies are useful, but indoors they can be a nuisance or burden. Fortunately, there are several natural ways to gently keep flies out of your living space, including essential oils. Various scents extracted from plants can help keep flies at bay.

Here you can find how to keep your living space fly-free – naturally fragrant and without much effort. We explain which essential oils are particularly suitable, how to use them and what other home remedies can help.

Estimated reading time: 4 minutes

You will find out in this article

Why essential oils are a good choice against flies
Which essential oil is best against flies?
Correct use of essential oils against flies
Other natural home remedies against flies
Safe use of essential oils
Conclusion

Why essential oils are a good choice against flies

There is little scientific research on houseflies. However, studies on insect species such as mosquitoes and fruit flies show promising results regarding the effect of essential oils. You can find out more about this in another blog article. Practical experience suggests that this effect can be transferred to flies.

Essential oils are a natural scent barrier. The terpenes and phenols they contain are secondary plant compounds that plants use to protect themselves from predators and insects, among other things. We can take advantage of this effect. The intense scents are unpleasant or disorienting to flies and cause them to instinctively avoid the room.

A published study, for example, highlights the effect of lemon eucalyptus oil, which is used successfully in many natural insect repellents. Which essential oil is effective against flies?

Which essential oil is effective against flies?

Not all essential oils are equally effective against flies. However, the following scents have proven themselves many times over.

Lavender oil: the sweet and tart scent overwhelms the senses of flies.
Lemongrass oil: the citral it contains is avoided by flies.
Eucalyptus oil: the fresh scent deters flying insects.
Tea tree oil: in addition to its antiseptic properties, this scent also disrupts the sense of direction of the insects.
Peppermint oil: the cool and intense aroma irritates flies.
Basil oil: the substance estragole is often described as an insect repellent.

In summary, it can be said that the oils described produce an unpleasant odour for flies. The exact mode of action has not been conclusively researched in all cases. The effects are based in part on practical application and traditional use but may vary from individual to individual.

Correct use of essential oils against flies

To ensure that essential oils are effective against flies, it is important to use them correctly. Here are some tried and tested methods:

Aroma diffuser or fragrance lamp: distribute the scent evenly throughout the room.
Scented sachets or soaked cotton pads: place directly on windows, doors or near fruit baskets.
Spray: mix 15–20 drops of essential oil with 150 ml of water and spray onto door and window frames. Make sure that the material is not sensitive to oils before use.

Other natural home remedies against flies

In addition to essential oils, classic home remedies can also repel flies naturally.

Basil or mint as potted plants: these herbs give off scents that flies find unpleasant.
Lemon slices with cloves: the combination of fresh acidity and the strong spicy scent helps keep flies away, especially in the dining area.

Safe use of essential oils

Essential oils offer a natural way to keep insects away. Care should be taken to use the correct dosage. As the oils consist of concentrated plant extracts, it is important to use the recommended amounts and to adjust or discontinue use in the event of skin irritation or allergic reactions. Special care should be taken in households with babies and small children, as some essential oils are not suitable for use on children. We recommend seeking professional advice from a doctor or pharmacist.

Conclusion

Flies play an important role in our ecological balance. They serve as food for birds and decompose organic material. However, you don't want them in your living space all the time. Essential oils, combined with tried-and-tested home remedies, create a pleasant environment for you and keep the flies out. No stress, just a hint of natural fragrance.

Would you like to learn more about how aromatherapy works and how it can help you feel better and improve your mood?

More about aromatherapy

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