With summer right around the corner, we thought we'd introduce you to 6 fly repellent plants you should have around your home. Summer is great and all, but what's NOT great are all the flies and insects that come along with it. Unfortunately, flies carry a lot of diseases that can spread very easily, so it's important to keep them at bay. Chemical sprays are horrible for the air we breathe as well as for other insects, so stay away from those. Instead, check out these 6 fly repellent plants that will keep flies and other pesky insects away. No harm, no foul – flies just detest these plants and won't come near the area!
6 Fly Repellent Plants
#1. Sweet Basil
Not only is basil a wonderful, floral herb that adds much dimension to any dish, but it also repels flies and mosquitoes! The aromatic oils from the basil is a natural bug repellent. To learn more about basil, check out how to grow basil indoors.
- Basil needs well drained, nutrient rich soil.
- Ensure your basil plant gets at least 6 hours of sunlight per day.
- Soil should be moist, but never water logged.
#2. Bay Laurel
Repel insects such with bay laurel leaves. Dried bay leaves are also great at keeping mice, cockroaches, and moths away if placed in cupboards and other dark places. Additionally, bay laurel leaves also repel mosquitoes.
- Plant in spring and choose a sunny location.
- Use rich, well draining soil and amend with manure.
- Repot every 2-3 years.
#3. Lavender
Lavender adds a wonderful addition to any garden and will make your yard and house smell heavenly. While we may love the smell, flies, moths, and fleas hate lavender.
- Lavender prefers well drained soil.
- Water immediately after planting and then water every day during hot, summer months.
- Prune the tops of lavender to ensure continuous growth.
- Tolerant to heat waves and dry spells.
#4. Tansy
Tansy is a natural insect repellent that works SO well, it's widely used around the world to repel not only flies but moths, mosquitoes, larvae, and other pesky insects.
- Grow in well drained and fertile soil.
- Can be planted in full or partial sun.
- Winter hardy to up to -40C.
#5. Wormwood
Wormwood is best known for its distillation of the spirit absinthe. But the oils that are secreted by the plant actually repel flies, mosquitoes, mice, moths, and ants!
- Choose a sunny location and well drained soil to grow wormwood.
- Don't over-water – wormwood doesn't like to sit in wet soil.
- Only water once soil is completely dry.
#6. Citronella Grass
Citronella grass looks great as a decorative plant, but is also one of the most popular and widely used insect repellents. Plant it in pots or directly around your garden, and big, beautiful bushes will grow!
- Grows best in rich, moist soil.
- Fertilize often and plant in an area where the plant will receive afternoon shade.
- May be grown in pots or containers so you can easily move them around.
