15 Fly Repelling Plants to Naturally Keep Flies Away

Flies can turn a calm home or yard into a frustrating space. If you’re tired of using sprays and traps, it may be time for a safer option. Fly-repelling plants are the answer!

Some plants can help keep flies away, and they do it in a natural, simple way. These plants use their scent to deter flies from approaching, eliminating the need for strong chemicals.

In this guide, you’ll learn:

• Which plants work best
• Where to put them
• How to take care of them
• And where can you get them

Let’s find out how the right plants can help you keep them away, the easy, natural way.

Fly Repelling Plants: Natural Ways to Keep Flies Away

Plants can do more than brighten your space; they help repel flies without the need for sprays or chemicals. These natural options are easy to grow and add something fresh to your home or yard.

If you’re tired of battling flies, try planting a few of these helpful greens and let nature do the work for you.

Indoor Fly Repellent Plants

These plants are ideal for small spaces, such as kitchens and entryways. They’re easy to keep in pots or small planters and help stop flies before they become a problem.

Many release oils or strong scents that flies find unpleasant. Some even catch flies on their own. These choices are safe, simple, and a natural fit for indoor use.

1. Basil

Basil is one of the easiest herbs to grow indoors, and it does double duty as a fly repellent. Its bold scent comes from essential oils that flies dislike.

Place it near kitchen counters or windows to help keep bugs away from fresh produce. Basil needs plenty of sunlight and well-drained soil, but it’s fairly low-maintenance.

You can also clip fresh leaves for cooking while enjoying their pest-repelling benefits every day. For added strength, gently rub a few leaves to release more of the natural scent into the room.

2. Lavender

Lavender works well in sunny indoor spots and brings both scent and function. While humans enjoy its smell, flies are repelled by the strong aroma.

You can grow it in a pot or place dried lavender bundles near doors and windows. It helps freshen up the air while keeping flying pests out.

The plant prefers good airflow, sunlight, and some space, making it ideal for shelves, sills, or small stands indoors. Water it sparingly and use loose, well-draining soil to keep the roots from staying damp.

3. Mint

Mint has a crisp, sharp scent that flies try to avoid. It’s a great indoor herb that grows well in pots and spreads quickly. Place it near your sink or on a shelf by the window to keep flies from hovering around.

Mint also needs regular trimming to avoid overgrowth. The bonus? The leaves can be used in drinks and recipes.

Just be sure to keep it slightly moist and away from direct, harsh sun. It also helps freshen the air, especially in bathrooms or stuffy corners.

4. Lemon Balm

Lemon balm gives off a gentle citrus smell that drives flies away without being overpowering. It’s a hardy plant that grows well indoors in pots with partial sunlight.

You can keep it near entryways or anywhere flies tend to sneak in. Its leaves can be lightly crushed to boost the scent on hot days.

The plant is also known to calm nerves, so it’s a nice dual-purpose herb to have in your living space. Prune it often to encourage thick growth and prevent it from getting too leggy indoors.

5. Carnivorous Plants (e.g., Venus Flytzap)

Unlike scented herbs, carnivorous plants like the Venus flytrap trap flies instead of just keeping them away. These plants have leaves that snap shut or contain sticky fluids to catch and digest insects.

They’re useful for small fly problems indoors and also work as conversation starters. Keep them in bright, humid areas and water them with distilled water only.

They require a bit more care but offer direct results for fly control. For best health, avoid feeding them manually and let them catch live prey naturally.

Outdoor Fly Repellent Plants

These plants are great for gardens, patios, and porch areas where flies tend to gather. They bring scent, color, and usefulness to outdoor spaces.

Most of them grow well in beds, borders, or large pots, and some even double as herbs for cooking. Plant them near seating areas, doorways, or garbage bins to keep flies out.

6. Marigolds

Marigolds are known for their bright orange and yellow flowers, but their real power is in the scent. The strong smell comes from compounds that flies, mosquitoes, and even aphids dislike.

To help protect key areas, plant marigolds in garden beds, around vegetable patches, or near doors.

They’re easy to grow, love sunny spots, and bring some cheer to your space while keeping flies at a distance. They also help improve soil health and can act as a trap crop to protect more delicate plants nearby.

7. Citronella

Citronella is a well-known fly and mosquito deterrent, often used in outdoor candles. But the actual plant works even better. Its grassy, lemon-like scent confuses flies and keeps them from landing nearby.

Citronella thrives in warm weather and does well in large pots or garden edges. Just brush against the plant to release more of its oils into the air. It also pairs nicely with other herbs in outdoor planters.

During peak summer, its presence near seating or grilling areas can make a big difference in fly control.

8. Rosemary

Rosemary is a sturdy plant with a strong, woody scent that flies don’t like. It’s drought-resistant and thrives in sunny, dry conditions, making it great for patios and porch corners.

You can grow it in raised beds or containers and clip sprigs for cooking, too. Its scent becomes stronger when the leaves are brushed or crushed, which helps create a fly-free space around outdoor seating areas and grills.

It also holds up well in windy conditions and adds structure to herb gardens or decorative planters.

9. Bay Laurel

Bay laurel grows as a small shrub or tree and does well in large containers or beds. The leaves release an oil when crushed that flies avoid.

For best results, plant it near windows, entryways, or garden seating zones. Bay laurel enjoys sunlight and can be shaped as it grows.

The leaves can also be dried and used in soups or stews, adding extra use beyond pest control. In warmer climates, it stays green year-round and adds a rich, herbal scent that lingers around the planting area.

10. Lemongrass

Lemongrass grows in tall, grassy clumps and carries a strong citrus smell that flies don’t like. The plant contains natural citronella oil, which makes it highly effective against flying insects.

It’s perfect for lining driveways, around decks, or growing in large pots. Lemongrass loves full sun and needs plenty of space to spread.

Its strong scent builds over time, creating a wide zone that discourages flies from coming near. Regular trimming not only boosts its growth but also keeps the plant looking tidy and productive for months.

Versatile and Pet-Safe Fly Repellent Plants

These plants are handy for homes with kids, pets, or backyard chickens. They help push flies away while staying safe for most animals.

You can use them in mixed planters, borders, or shaded corners. Just be cautious with any plant that may cause irritation if chewed, but most of these are low-risk and easy to manage.

11. Scented Geranium

Scented geraniums have leaves that give off a sharp, pleasant fragrance when touched.

Flies tend to stay away from this smell, making it ideal for porch railings, patio edges, or picnic tables. These plants come in different scents, including lemon and rose, and they’re easy to grow in pots.

Keep them in full sun, and pinch back leaves often to encourage healthy growth and release more scent into the air.

They’re also drought-tolerant and add soft greenery wherever placed, which makes them a nice choice for borders or sunny balconies where you often relax.

12. Sweet Woodruff

Sweet woodruff is a low-growing plant that does well in shaded areas. It has a soft vanilla-like smell that becomes stronger as the leaves dry.

While not as intense as mint or citronella, it still helps to keep flies at bay, especially in cooler, darker parts of the garden. It’s often used as a ground cover and is safe for chickens and most pets.

Sweet woodruff adds subtle help in areas others may miss. You can also use the dried leaves indoors in sachets or drawers, giving them a secondary use as a gentle air freshener.

13. Sage

Sage pulls double duty; it flavors your meals and pushes flies away. The earthy smell repels many flying insects, especially if the leaves are slightly crushed.

You can grow sage in raised beds, patio containers, or herb gardens. It prefers lots of sunlight and dries out between waterings. Trim it regularly to keep it full and bushy.

Sage is a strong choice for families with pets and active outdoor spaces. It can also be bundled and dried for long-term use, and works well as a natural incense or fly-repelling herb when burned safely outdoors.

14. Tansy

Tansy has a bold scent that insects avoid. It’s a flowering plant with button-like yellow blooms, often used near chicken coops or compost bins.

While it’s great at pushing flies away, tansy isn’t safe for pets if eaten. That makes it better suited for areas pets don’t access directly.

It grows well in the sun and spreads fast, so give it space and trim it often to keep it under control.

If managed carefully, tansy can be dried and used in sachets or laid near trash areas to reduce fly traffic during warmer months.

15. Catnip

Catnip isn’t just for cats; it’s also a natural fly repellent. It gives off a scent that flies and mosquitoes dislike. You can grow it in pots, raised beds, or near doors.

Cats love it, so expect visitors if you grow it outdoors. It grows easily and spreads quickly, so keep it trimmed. Catnip works best in sunny spots and doubles as a fun herb for your feline friends.

It can also be dried and stored to use as a pest repellent sachet, making it handy for indoor fly prevention near the pantry or pet areas.

Placement Matters: Use These Plants Effectively

The right spot, indoors or outdoors, helps release scent and keep pests away.

Along with good potting and pruning habits, placing plants where flies enter or gather ensures better protection without the need for sprays or traps.

For Windows and Doors

Place strong-scented herbs like basil, mint, and lavender near windowsills or entryways. For herbs indoors, use wide, shallow pots, and consider wall-mounted planters for tight spaces.

Lightly crushing a few leaves releases their oils and boosts their fly-repelling power. Regular trimming also keeps growth healthy and the scent fresh around high-traffic areas.

Around Patios and Seating Areas

Set plants like citronella, rosemary, and marigolds near outdoor tables, grills, or porch seating. Use large pots to move them easily as needed. Place them in sunny spots for the best scent release.

Grouping several plants builds a stronger barrier and keeps the area more comfortable during warm months when flies are active.

Companion Planting in Vegetable Beds

Herbs like basil, mint, and marigolds work well planted alongside vegetables. They help push flies and other pests away while supporting garden health.

Place them near crops that attract insects, like tomatoes or lettuce. Space the plants evenly, and trim them often to release oils into the surrounding air and soil.

Fly-Repelling Plant Maintenance Tips

Keeping these plants healthy is key to keeping flies away. With just a little regular care, you can keep them growing strong and smelling fresh all season long, both indoors and outdoors.

• Water regularly, but avoid overwatering: Most herbs prefer moist, not soggy, soil. Let the top inch dry out before watering again.
• Place in the right light: Sun-loving plants, such as rosemary, basil, and lavender, require at least 6 hours of sunlight per day.
• Trim for shape and scent: Pruning helps your plant grow fuller and boosts aroma. Snip leaves often to keep oils active.
• Use quality soil and pots: Well-draining soil and containers with holes prevent root rot and encourage healthy growth.
• Replace tired plants: If a plant starts to wilt or lose scent despite care, it may be time to start fresh with a new one.
• Fertilize lightly: For stronger stems and fuller leaves, use a gentle, balanced fertilizer once a month during the growing season.
• Rotate indoor pots: If sunlight is uneven, turn pots every few days to help plants grow evenly and stay strong.
• Pinch flower buds: For herbs like basil and mint, pinching off blooms helps retain energy in the leaves and intensifies their scent.

Where to Buy Fly Repelling Plants and Seeds

Fly-repelling plants and seeds are easy to find online or at local garden centers. Amazon offers a wide selection of herbs, flowering plants, and seed kits with fast delivery.

Etsy is another option, featuring small-batch seeds and unique plant varieties from independent sellers.

For in-store shopping, Lowe’s and Home Depot carry seasonal herbs and flowering plants both online and at physical locations.

Bonnie Plants provides ready-to-plant herbs through their website and partner retailers. Walmart also lists affordable live plants and seed collections, often from third-party vendors.

If you prefer personalized advice, your local nursery is a great place to shop. Many of these sellers offer home delivery or curbside pickup, making it convenient to start growing right away.

Conclusion

Using fly-repelling plants is an easy and natural way to deal with one of summer’s biggest annoyances.

From your kitchen windowsill to your backyard patio, these plants help create a space that smells great and stays fly-free.

You’ve now got everything you need: plant choices, care tips, and placement ideas, to grow your living line of defense.

Many of these plants double as herbs or flowers you’ll enjoy year-round. Start with a few favorites and build from there.

Want more ways to make your space cleaner and more comfortable? Check out our other plant and garden guides for simple tips you can use right away.