Flies can make even the cleanest home feel unpleasant, thanks to their constant buzzing, circling, and tendency to land on food. While regular cleaning and removing things that attract them is important, one of the most reliable long-term solutions is to use scents that flies naturally dislike. Many strong, natural fragrances overwhelm a fly’s senses or mask the odours they depend on to find food and breeding spots. By introducing these scents around key areas of your home, such as entry points, kitchens, and outdoor seating spaces, you can create an environment that feels far less inviting, encouraging flies to stay away.







6 scents that help keep flies away



1. Lavender

Lavender’s soft floral scent is soothing for humans but unpleasant for flies. Its strong essential oils act as a natural deterrent, making it ideal for indoor and outdoor use.



How to use lavender:

• Place dried lavender sachets in kitchens, cupboards, and entryways.


• Add lavender essential oil to diffusers to spread the scent throughout a room.


• Plant lavender shrubs near doors, windows, patios, or balconies to repel flies outdoors.

2. Eucalyptus



With its sharp, medicinal aroma, eucalyptus masks food smells and naturally repels flies. It’s one of the best options for bathrooms, kitchens, and damp areas where flies gather.



How to use eucalyptus:

• Add a few drops of eucalyptus oil to a spray bottle filled with water and spritz around entry points.


• Use eucalyptus-scented candles to keep flies away during mealtimes.


• Hang fresh eucalyptus stems near windows or vents to release their natural oils.

3. Peppermint

Peppermint’s crisp, cooling fragrance is highly effective at disrupting a fly’s sense of smell. It helps mask food odours and discourages flies from settling on surfaces.



How to use peppermint:

• Diffuse peppermint essential oil in busy areas like kitchens and dining rooms.


• Create a natural fly spray by mixing peppermint oil with water and a few drops of dish soap.


• Keep potted peppermint plants near doors, patios, or windowsills.

4. Cinnamon



Cinnamon has a warm, spicy aroma that flies find overpowering. It’s especially useful in enclosed spaces where scents linger longer.



How to use cinnamon:

• Burn cinnamon candles or wax melts to fill your home with fly-repelling fragrance.


• Place whole cinnamon sticks near windows, bins, or food storage shelves.


• Sprinkle a small amount of ground cinnamon near problem areas (avoid placing it where pets or children can reach).

5. Basil

Basil produces aromatic oils that naturally deter flying insects. Because it’s also a popular cooking herb, it works especially well in kitchens and outdoor dining spaces.



How to use basil:

• Keep fresh basil pots on kitchen counters, windowsills, and balconies.


• Crush basil leaves lightly to release their oils before placing them in bowls on tables.


• Use basil essential oil in diffusers or cleaning sprays to enhance its effect.

6. Catnip

Catnip contains a powerful compound called nepetalactone, known for repelling a variety of insects. Although famous for attracting cats, its scent is unpleasant to flies.



How to use catnip:

• Dilute catnip essential oil with water and spray around doors, windows, and bins.


• Plant catnip around outdoor seating areas or garden edges to keep flies at bay.


• Place small sachets of dried catnip near entryways to deter flies from entering.

Other scents that help repel flies

If you want additional options, these fragrances are also known to keep flies away:

• Rosemary


• Lemongrass


• Cloves


• Citronella

These can be used in diffusers, candles, sprays, or potted plants, depending on your preference.









How to use these scents effectively

Using fly-repelling fragrances is most effective when applied consistently and strategically. Here’s how to maximise their impact:






1. Target entry points



Spray or diffuse repellent scents around:



Door frames

Windowsills

Vents

Patio doors






2. Refresh scents regularly



Natural aromas fade over time. Ensure you:

Replace sachets every few weeks

Refresh essential oils daily or as needed

Trim or replace aromatic plants to keep them fragrant






3. Use multiple methods at once



Combining diffusers, candles, sprays, and plants creates a stronger barrier that makes it less likely for flies to cross.







Flies rely heavily on smell, so using scents they can’t tolerate is one of the simplest, most natural ways to keep them out of your home. Whether you prefer the freshness of peppermint, the florals of lavender, or the herbal notes of basil, incorporating these fragrances into your space can drastically reduce fly activity and make your home feel cleaner and more comfortable.