10 Plants to Keep Houseflies Away
Houseflies are more than just a nuisance; they can carry diseases and contaminate food. While there are many chemical repellents available, these can be harmful to both the environment and your health.
Luckily, nature provides us with some amazing plants that can help keep houseflies at bay. Let’s explore these natural solutions that are not only effective but also add beauty to your home.
Benefits of Using Plants to Repel Houseflies
Using plants to repel houseflies has numerous benefits. First and foremost, it’s a natural solution that doesn’t involve harmful chemicals.
This makes it safer for your family, pets, and the environment. Additionally, many of these plants are aesthetically pleasing and can enhance the beauty of your home or garden.
Plus, some of them have added benefits like being useful in cooking or having a pleasant aroma.
How Plants Repel Houseflies
You might wonder how exactly plants manage to repel houseflies. The secret lies in the essential oils and natural compounds they produce.
These substances can be unpleasant or even toxic to flies. When released into the air, they create an environment that houseflies find inhospitable, thus driving them away.
Top 10 Plants to Keep Houseflies Away
Now, let’s dive into the top 10 plants that can help you keep those pesky houseflies away.
Basil
Why it works: Basil emits a strong scent that flies find unattractive. The essential oils in basil are what make it so effective.
How to grow and care for basil: Basil is relatively easy to grow. It prefers a sunny spot with well-drained soil. Water it regularly, but be careful not to overwater. You can grow basil in pots indoors or in your garden.
Lavender
Why it works: Lavender has a pleasant aroma for humans but is repellent to flies. The essential oils in lavender are effective at keeping flies and other insects away.
How to grow and care for lavender: Lavender needs full sun and well-drained soil. It’s drought-tolerant, so you don’t need to water it frequently. It can be grown both indoors in pots and outdoors in gardens.
Mint
Why it works: Mint has a strong, fresh scent that repels flies. The menthol in mint is particularly effective against houseflies.
How to grow and care for mint: Mint is a hardy plant that can grow almost anywhere. It prefers partial shade and moist, well-drained soil. It spreads quickly, so it’s best grown in pots to control its growth.
Marigold
Why it works: Marigolds produce a distinct smell that flies and other pests dislike. The pyrethrum in marigolds is a natural insect repellent.
How to grow and care for marigold: Marigolds are easy to grow from seeds or seedlings. They prefer full sun and well-drained soil. Water them regularly, especially during dry periods.
Rosemary
Why it works: Rosemary’s woody scent is unpleasant to flies. The oils in rosemary act as a natural repellent.
How to grow and care for rosemary: Rosemary thrives in full sun and well-drained soil. It’s drought-tolerant once established and can be grown in pots or directly in the garden.
Citronella Grass
Why it works: Citronella is well-known for its mosquito-repelling properties, but it also works against flies. The strong citrus scent is what keeps flies away.
How to grow and care for citronella grass: Citronella grass prefers full sun and well-drained soil. It’s a tropical plant, so it needs warmth to thrive. You can grow it in pots to bring indoors during colder months.
Lemongrass
Why it works: Similar to citronella, lemongrass has a strong citrus scent that repels flies. The essential oils are what make it effective.
How to grow and care for lemongrass: Lemongrass prefers full sun and rich, well-drained soil. It’s a tropical plant, so it needs plenty of warmth and moisture.
Bay Laurel
Why it works: Bay leaves have a strong scent that flies dislike. The essential oils in bay laurel are effective at repelling flies.
How to grow and care for bay laurel: Bay laurel prefers full sun to partial shade and well-drained soil. It’s a slow-growing plant that can be grown in pots or directly in the ground.
Chrysanthemum
Why it works: Chrysanthemums contain pyrethrins, natural compounds that repel flies and other insects.
How to grow and care for chrysanthemum: Chrysanthemums prefer full sun and well-drained soil. Water them regularly and deadhead spent flowers to encourage more blooms.
Venus Flytrap
Why it works: Unlike the other plants, Venus flytraps actually trap and consume flies, reducing their population.
How to grow and care for Venus flytrap: Venus flytraps require a sunny spot and moist, acidic soil. They are best grown in pots with a mix of peat moss and sand.
Conclusion
Using plants to repel houseflies is a natural, eco-friendly solution that also enhances the beauty of your home.
These plants not only help keep your space fly-free but also provide various other benefits, from aromatic scents to culinary uses. Give these plants a try and enjoy a fly-free environment.
FAQs: 10 Plants to Keep Houseflies Away
Can these plants be grown indoors?
Yes, most of these plants can be grown indoors in pots as long as they receive adequate sunlight and care.
How effective are these plants compared to chemical repellents?
While they might not be as instantly effective as chemical repellents, these plants provide a safer and more sustainable long-term solution.
Do these plants repel other insects as well?
Yes, many of these plants repel a variety of insects, including mosquitoes and ants, in addition to houseflies.
How often should I water these plants?
Watering needs vary by plant, but generally, they should be watered when the top inch of soil feels dry. Be cautious not to overwater.
Are these plants safe for pets?
Most of these plants are safe for pets, but it’s always good to check specific plant toxicity if you have pets that like to chew on plants.