Citronella Grass is the plant to go to if you’re looking for some in your face , plant-based, insect-be-gone action. The plant itself is a great accent to many gardens and can be easily used as a decorative feature around landscaping while providing the function of keeping insects away. One of the most relaxing, feel-good aromas, is one of the most hated by flies. I mean they do prefer garbage, so it’s no wonder they’d hate something so light and clean smelling! Adding lavender in essential oil form or in plant form around your outside and inside landscapes will help keep flies and insects away. Peppermint Citronella oil is also a great option to use in a diffuser, or you can dilute the citronella oil and add it into a lotion or a carrier oil like coconut oil, and apply it to your skin! This will help keep flies and insects away from you at all times, and even help lessen mosquito bites! With its rounded nature, and what can be said to be a clump of grass, the foliage grows long and out and then down, leaving you with this hearty-looking, green delight. However, if you’re planting these babies, there’s a way to get them to their highest potential of insect repel. To do this, crushing and crunching the leaves and agitating the foliage a bit will release the oil.

A 2013 study evaluated the antifungal activity of citronella oil against a strain of fungus known as Aspergillus niger. This common fungus is thought to cause lung and sinus infections in people with weakened immune systems. Marigolds are a pretty flower with aromas, much hated by insects and flies and even animals like deer. Plant marigolds in your garden for some added decoration, and you will get more than just a beautiful flower – you will now have a functional and purposeful plant in your garden to keep the flies at bay. Bay Leaves Optional step: Essential oils don’t dissolve in water. Consider adding a dispersing agent such as solubol to your solution.If you’re having a BBQ or frequently eating outside, citronella candles and citronella oil is a good inexpensive investment. Citronella candles work wonders when burning because the aroma will become so overwhelming for those insects, making a very natural shield if you will. A natural stress-relief if you will, mint is a no-go for flies and most insects. Its strong peppermint smell overpowers the insects’ senses, making it something they will surely avoid. If you’re looking for a great peppermint natural spray, try out Wondercide’s Natural Pest Control Spray. The study found that citronella oil had the ability to destroy the cell wall of the fungus and kill the organisms within the cell that can cause infection. This led the researchers to suggest citronella oil may have the potential to be used as a safe and environmentally friendly fungicide. Yoon JK, et al. (2015). Comparison of repellency effect of mosquito repellents for DEET, citronella, and fennel oil. DOI:

Speaking of keeping the flies at bay, bay leaves are another smell that is loved by humans and hated by flies. Crumbling some bay leaves and sprinkling them around the perimeter of your garden or home can actually be an effective measure in keeping flies and insects away. Other Ways to Keep Flies Away If you’re having a fly problem, it would be best to try a natural method like citronella before any other route.Flies are attracted to the stinkiest of smells. Seriously, they don’t particularly love any smells that smell good. I am sorry in advance for even saying this – Think garbage. Think rot. Think dampness. Think food waste. Makes you want to hold your nose, doesn’t it? Batubara I, et al. (2015). Effects of inhaled citronella oil and related compounds on rat body weight and brown adipose tissue sympathetic nerve. DOI: To use citronella indoors, starting with an aromatherapy diffuser is a great idea! Placing the diffuser in fly-prone spots like near the front door, or on a window sill will be effective, and will keep the flies from breaking and entering. Now we know of the best ways to use aroma to keep those nasty flies away – there are some other things you can also try that will help! Keep Your Garbage Tidy

Citronella is an oil that comes from the leaves of Citronella grass, and the Citronella Geranium plant. Often used as a plant-based, natural alternative in keeping bugs away, citronella oil is often added to candles, bug repellents, and sprays as a means to repel bugs. Besides citronella, many other smells will keep flies away that you can add in addition to citronella. Like we said earlier, flies hate all those amazing smells that we humans love – so let’s start with that.

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Citronella can be used pretty much anywhere where you need some protection, and where you are using it, depends on which form will work best.

House Flies are those annoying flies that get into buildings, hover around people, and land on your food. They tend to eat overripe fruit and veggies, sugary substances, and decomposing excrement.If you need to keep flies out of your trash, you can read our guide on keeping flies out of your garbage here. Keep Windows, Doors and Vents Closed Bowl/Bottle flies eat the worst of the worst – these are those flies that feed on rotten and decomposed substances, and if you’re wondering how to tell the difference between a housefly or bowl fly – a bowl fly has that metallic sheen to it – chills.