When temperatures rise, flies, mosquitoes, and all kinds of insects make gardens and our homes disputed territory. However, in this war, we have a natural and ecological ally that we can always trust: plants that repel flies.
Having this type of plant in our gardens and houses will allow us to keep flies and insects away without having to resort to a single chemical product, only with the magic of natural repellants. If you want to learn more about indoor and outdoor anti-fly plants, join us in this article.
Basil
Scientific name Ocimum basilicum , the popular basil is one of the easiest to grow aromatic anti-fly plants . As with a large number of aromatic plants, basil gives off an odor that is very pleasant for us, but which naturally and very effectively repels flies and other types of insects. Growing it is very simple and can be done in almost any climate. Simply put it in pots or areas near doors and windows and insects will not enter.
Laurel
The Laurus nobilis is one of the most popular fly gaze outdoor plants . It is a shrub that, although it can reach heights of up to 4 meters, is also considered an aromatic plant due to the culinary uses of its dry leaves. It is a very fragrant plant, with beautiful white, pink or red flowers, and it is very resistant, with low temperatures being its only weak point. It needs plenty of sun.
Lavender
The Lavandula is another of our favorite aromatic, with a nice and fresh scent that many cleaning products and air fresheners incorporate a scent that tries to reproduce this plant. Its small violet flowers, grouped in spikes, are very showy and give the bush a beautiful coloration when viewed from a distance. Of course, it is also an excellent homemade fly trap .
Citronella
The Cymbopogon citratus or citronella is probably the best known widespread insect repellent plant and as many scented candles and repellents use their scent to run. It is a perennial herbaceous plant in tropical climates and deciduous in the rest, with leaves in the form of elongated ribbons. It is considered an invasive species in many territories, so be careful that it does not spread beyond where you use it as a citronella for flies .
Mint
The genus Mentha has between 13 and 18 species of aromatic plants that we all know very well for their fresh and slightly spicy smell and their bright green leaves. It grows without problems in warm and temperate climates, with very simple care and is also, precisely thanks to its strong aroma, an excellent repellent for flies and insects .
Cat mint
With the scientific name Nepeta cataria and also called catnip in English, it is a perennial herbaceous plant between 20 and 60 cm tall, with hairy and petioled leaves and yellowish or pink flowers. It gives off an odor with citrus tinges, which in addition to keeping insects away, attracts cats, causing them different reactions depending on the animal, generally activating or making them sleepy.
Rosemary
La Salvia Rosmarinus , or rosemary, is another aromatic highly prized in the Mediterranean diet, which also effectively be like fly gaze plant has a lot of beneficial properties for human consumption. It measures from half a meter in height to a meter and a half, it is perennial and leafy and its leaves are used in the kitchen. It needs indirect exposure to light, so its cultivation is common as one of the indoor anti-fly plants .
Balm
The Melissa officinalis , also known as lemon balm, balm lemon, lemongrass, lemon balm and more, is very similar to the smell of citronella, although this is more pronounced and its cultivation is simpler, because it is a plant more resistant. It is also often used in infusion and massage oils for its relaxing and aromatherapy properties, as well as being a very effective insect repellent . It tolerates both sun and shade, but appreciates well-drained soils, even if they are poor.
Wormwood
Scientific name Artemisia absinthium , it is a shrubby plant about one meter high or less, with grayish-green leaves and very small flowers. Its strong aroma is an effective repellent against flies and other insects and, in addition, it is a particularly easy plant to grow and requires little care. It conforms to poor soils and resists drought and cold, being puddles and excess humidity its only weak points.
Garlic
Although many people do not know it, Allium sativum is also an effective insect repellent . Growing this fleshy bulb, much easier than most people think, will allow you to enjoy your own extraordinarily tasty organic garlic, while keeping flies and insects at bay.
Other anti-fly plants
Here are some more names for these beneficial anti-fly plants :
- Bee balm
- Calendula
- Agerato
- Geranium
- Pennyroyal
- Chrysanthemum
