OS/natural fly repellent?

wendy+5

Any suggestions as to what I can use to keep these pesky flies out of the house? I don't like using sprays cos of the kidlets, and I don't want paper hanging up.

Thanks.

Lorian

In my experience generally they don't like the smell of oranges.

sandy2_2

wendy+5 wrote: »

Any suggestions as to what I can use to keep these pesky flies out of the house? I don't like using sprays cos of the kidlets, and I don't want paper hanging up.

Mossie screens/nets on the windows and chain or beaded fly curtains on the doors

Gingernutmeg

Citronella oil is generally used as a fly/gnat repellant. You can buy citronella candles or maybe you could try putting a few drops of the oil on something and hang it up near the windows.

wendy+5

Thanks everyone. Will try citronella oil.

Toonie

Both mint and eucalyptus are supposed to be good for repelling flies and other bugs. I use a mixture of eucalyptus, tea tree oit and citronella (with either a carrier oil or water in a spray bottle) as a mosquito repellent.

morwenna

To repel moths and flies use lavender oil, peppermint repels mosquitoes. Lorian is on the right tracks with orange, but that too is more effective with moths. (Peppermint will also deter ants and mice.) A blend of ten drops citronella and three drops peppermint on ribbons at the window would be very effective here - blend the two oils together and oak the ribbon in the mix. Used together in the right proportions, essential oils enhance each other's properties which results in a blend which is more effective than the same oils used side by side IYSWIM

mary43

I tried citronella last year with no joy and I heard somewhere that a pot of basil on the window sill would work.........no joy with that either.
Pitcher plants can work, or venus fly catchers but I'm afraid what works best for us seems to be the dreaded fly strips and my fly swat