Make Your Own Non-Toxic Fly Repellent

Bothered by house flies? Forget those nasty fly papers, chemical sprays, or fly swatter. Use lemons and cloves instead.

Flies are highly sensitive to scent, and the pairing of lemon and cloves overloads their olfactory senses, causing them to stay away.

The volatile oils in lemon and cloves is what make this remedy work. Lemons release limonene, a strong citrus compound which disrupts a fly’s ability to locate food. Cloves contain eugenol, a chemical which gives them a sharp, spicy scent that flies find highly offensive.

How to prepare: Simply cut a fresh lemon in half and push the pointed ends of whole cloves into the juicy, fleshy side of the lemon halves until the exposed surface is fully covered.

Place the clove-studded lemon halves in areas where flies tend to gather (eg: kitchen counter, dining table, or near windows).

Replace the lemons every few days once the fruit begins to dry out to maintain effectiveness.

This non-toxic fly repellent also serves as a natural air freshener.

TIP: Plants and herbs like basil, mint, lavender, rosemary, and lemongrass can also ward off flies. Consider planting a little herb garden made up of these, outside or on your kitchen windowsill.