Flies can turn any indoor or outdoor spot from pleasant to downright annoying in no time. Chemical repellents might seem like an easy answer, but the smell alone can be overwhelming, not to mention the health concerns. A natural alternative exists that actually works and looks good, too.
Certain plants naturally repel flies through their scent compounds and oils, offering an eco-friendly solution that beautifies your space while keeping pests at bay.
This guide gives you twenty plants that actually help keep flies away. There’s a mix: classic herbs, colorful flowers, and even a few carnivorous types if you’re feeling adventurous.
1) Basil
Basil’s strong, pungent aroma makes it a surprisingly effective fly repellent. Flies just don’t like the scent, so it’s a solid choice for kitchens, patios, or anywhere you want to keep them out.
Try putting basil near windows, doorways, or outdoor tables – basically, wherever flies tend to appear. It grows fine indoors if you’ve got a sunny spot, so you can keep that protection going year-round.
Bonus: Basil also helps fend off mosquitoes and a few other garden pests, which is always a win.
2) Mint
Mint’s sharp scent is another thing flies can’t stand, so it works well as a natural repellent. There are tons of mint varieties, like peppermint and spearmint, and you can stick them in containers or right in the ground.
Put mint near doors, windows, or anywhere you hang out outside. It likes partial shade and needs regular watering to stay strong. Crush a few leaves now and then if you want to ramp up the scent and really keep the flies away.
3) Lavender
Lavender’s essential oils are famous for keeping flies at bay. Plant it along borders, near entrances, or around your patio for a fragrant shield against flies.
It also helps with mosquitoes, fleas, and moths. Dried lavender in sachets or a quick DIY spray with lavender oil and water can give you some extra backup indoors, too.
4) Rosemary
Rosemary’s natural oils are a turn-off for flies, so it’s a solid choice for deterring them. Keep a rosemary plant near your patio or entryway, and you might notice fewer flies hanging around.
It’s pretty easy to grow, whether in the ground or in a pot, and it’s tough enough to handle different climates. Rosemary’s scent also masks the stuff that attracts flies in the first place, so they’re less likely to stick around.
5) Marigold
Marigolds have a strong scent that naturally drives away flies and plenty of other pests. Their bright blooms are loaded with compounds that push off mosquitoes, aphids, and more, plus they attract good pollinators like bees and butterflies.
French Marigolds are especially effective, thanks to their powerful aroma. Plant them along garden edges or by outdoor tables for a pop of color and a natural fly barrier.
6) Catnip
Catnip’s oils are like kryptonite for flies. Plant it near patios or doorways to create a little force field against pests.
It’s easy to grow, doesn’t ask for much, and while cats might get a kick out of it, its fly-repelling powers make it worth the space. Crush the leaves if you want to boost its effect.
7) Bay Leaf
Bay leaf plants have aromatic leaves that keep flies, mosquitoes, and other bugs away. Bay laurel does fine as a shrub in pots or right in the garden, as long as it gets some sun and well-drained soil.
Try leaving fresh or dried bay leaves in your kitchen, pantry, or near doors, anywhere flies might go after your food. The scent is strong enough to work as a natural deterrent without resorting to chemicals.
8) Eucalyptus
Eucalyptus is a go-to for repelling flies with its intense, unmistakable fragrance. The leaves release a scent that most fly species just can’t deal with.
Stick a few eucalyptus branches in vases near doors or spots where flies gather. Some studies even say eucalyptus oil can wipe out fly larvae and stop adults from developing!
It likes full sun and well-drained soil, and once it’s established, you don’t need to fuss over it much.
9) Lemongrass
Lemongrass is packed with citronella, which is famous for keeping flies and mosquitoes away. The citrusy scent is nice for us, but pests steer clear.
This tropical grass is perfect for patios, entryways, or anywhere you want fewer bugs. It likes warm weather and regular watering to keep those oils flowing.
10) Peppermint
Peppermint is a seriously strong fly deterrent, useful indoors or out. Thanks to menthol, it also keeps mosquitoes and a bunch of other pests away.
Put potted peppermint by windows, doors, or outside seating. The scent throws off flies’ sense of smell, making it harder for them to find food, and it leaves the place smelling fresh.
11) Tansy
Tansy’s fern-like leaves and bright yellow flowers look great, but more importantly, the plant’s natural compounds make flies want to steer clear.
It’s both decorative and functional, and it’ll help with ants, fleas, and beetles, too. Not a bad deal for one plant.
12) Sage
Sage gives off a strong, earthy scent that flies just don’t like. The oils in its leaves form a protective barrier against all sorts of flying insects.
Grow sage in pots by doors or windows and you’ll probably notice fewer flies getting inside. It’s a hardy plant that doesn’t need much attention after it settles in.
13) Thyme
Thyme’s strong aroma is enough to keep flies from hanging around your garden or home. Plant it near doors, windows, or outdoor tables for a little extra protection.
It does well in sunny, well-drained spots and isn’t fussy. Crush a few leaves if you want to amp up its fly-repelling action in a pinch.
14) Rue
Rue is another plant flies avoid, thanks to its strong scent. It does best in dry, sunny spots with sandy soil, and once it’s established, it barely needs any care.
15) Nasturtium
Nasturtiums are bright annuals that naturally push away flies and other bugs. Their scent keeps pests off while bringing in pollinators.
Plant nasturtiums by outdoor dining areas, near doors, or next to your veggies. They’re handy as companion plants and trap crops, luring pests away from more delicate plants and keeping flies away with their unique fragrance.
16) Bee Balm
Bee balm (Monarda) gives off a spicy scent that flies and mosquitoes hate. It loves sunny spots and brings a splash of red, pink, or purple to the garden.
It does double duty: repels flies, attracts pollinators. Plant it near patios or spots where flies gather. The leaves are most fragrant when you brush past or crush them a bit.
17) Geranium
Geraniums aren’t just pretty, they’re also natural fly deterrents! Scented types, especially citronella and lemon-scented ones, really do the trick.
Pop them in containers, window boxes, or garden beds near doors or patios. The scent keeps flies away, but most people find it pleasant. Plus, they’re low-maintenance and give you both beauty and pest control.
18) Citronella
Citronella is packed with citronellal and geraniol, which send flies and mosquitoes packing. Its strong scent covers up the smells that usually attract pests.
You can grow citronella around patios or use the oil in candles and sprays. The plant’s aroma forms a pretty reliable barrier against all sorts of flying bugs.
19) Carnivorous Plants
Carnivorous plants like Venus flytraps and pitcher plants take a different approach, they trap and eat flies. Their modified leaves lure flies in with sweet smells or colors, then snap shut or trap them in slippery tubes.
Venus flytraps have those snap traps, while pitcher plants use a kind of pitfall design. Place them near spots where flies are a real problem for a bit of natural pest control, plus they’re just cool to have around.
20) Feverfew
Feverfew pops up with these small, daisy-like flowers that flies and plenty of other pesky bugs just can’t stand. Something in the leaves and blooms throws them off, so it’s a handy little plant for keeping your garden or patio a bit more comfortable.
If you’ve got a spot by a doorway, patio, or even near a window where flies seem to hang out, feverfew is worth a shot. It doesn’t ask for much – most soil is fine, and once it settles in, you can pretty much let it do its thing.
