20 DIY Natural Fly Repellents for a Bug-Free Outdoor Space

As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases.

Looking for ways to keep those annoying flies and bugs at bay while enjoying the great outdoors? You’re in the right place! This guide is packed with natural, non-toxic remedies you can whip up right at home. From DIY sprays and candles to planting beautiful flowers that deter unwanted pests, we’ve got plenty of simple ideas to help you create a bug-free zone without breaking the bank or relying on harsh chemicals.

Essential Oil Fly Spray

A bottle of essential oil spray surrounded by fresh herbs and plants.
Flux

Making your own essential oil fly spray is super easy and effective. Just mix water with a few drops of essential oils like peppermint, lavender, or eucalyptus in a spray bottle. Give it a shake and spray around your outdoor spaces to keep those annoying flies away!

Rosemary and Thyme Repellent

A clear spray bottle with Rosemary and thyme leaves and a pot of rosemary plant on a wooden surface.
Flux

Rosemary and thyme are not just great for cooking; they also make a fantastic natural repellent! You can create a simple spray by steeping these herbs in water and then straining it. Just spray this mix around your outdoor spaces to keep those annoying flies at bay.

Citrus Peel Insect Repellent

A bowl filled with orange and lemon peels being use to keep the bugs away.
Flux

Citrus peels are a simple and effective way to keep flies away. Just place some orange or lemon peels around your outdoor space to create a natural barrier. The fresh scent not only smells great but also helps deter those pesky bugs!

Vinegar and Water Fly Trap

A jar filled with vinegar and water, with flies trapped inside, set against a blurred garden background.
Flux

A vinegar and water fly trap is a simple and effective way to keep pesky flies at bay. Just mix equal parts of vinegar and water in a jar, and add a few drops of dish soap to break the surface tension. Flies will be attracted to the vinegar, but they won’t be able to escape once they land in the liquid.

Garlic Spray for Flies

A spray bottle filled with garlic-infused water, surrounded by garlic cloves and plants.
Flux

Garlic spray is a simple and effective way to keep flies at bay. Just blend garlic cloves with water, strain it, and fill a spray bottle to use in your outdoor spaces. This natural remedy not only deters flies but also adds a fresh scent to your garden!

Basil and Mint Planting

Close-up of fresh basil and mint plants growing in soil.
Flux

Planting basil and mint in your garden is a great way to keep flies and other bugs at bay. These herbs not only smell amazing but also act as natural repellents. Plus, you can use the fresh leaves in your cooking, making them a win-win for your outdoor space!

Lavender Scented Candles

A photo of a table on an outdoor patio. There is a lavender scented candle on the table.
Flux

Lavender scented candles are a simple way to keep flies at bay while enjoying a lovely aroma. You can easily make these candles at home using natural wax and lavender essential oil. Light them up in your outdoor space, and let the calming scent help deter those pesky bugs!

Cinnamon Stick Fly Deterrent

A bowl filled with cinnamon sticks on a wooden table outdoors.
Flux

Cinnamon sticks are a simple and natural way to keep flies away. Just place a bowl of cinnamon sticks on your outdoor table or patio. Their scent is pleasant for us but a big turn-off for those pesky bugs!

Peppermint Oil Diffuser

A peppermint oil diffuser releasing steam surrounded by flowers in a garden.
Flux

A peppermint oil diffuser is a fun and easy way to keep flies away while enjoying the fresh scent. Just add a few drops of peppermint oil to your diffuser and let it work its magic outdoors. This natural remedy not only deters bugs but also creates a refreshing atmosphere for your outdoor space.

Homemade Bug-Repelling Soap

Homemade bug-repelling soap bars on a wooden surface with flowers in the background.
Flux

Making your own bug-repelling soap is a fun and easy project. Just mix natural ingredients like essential oils with a simple soap base to create a fragrant bar that keeps flies and bugs at bay. Use it while washing up outdoors to enjoy a bug-free experience!

Lemon Balm Plant Benefits

Close-up of a lemon balm plant with vibrant green leaves.
Flux

Lemon balm is a great natural fly repellent that you can easily grow in your garden. Its fresh scent not only smells wonderful but also helps keep pesky bugs at bay. Plus, you can use the leaves to make a soothing tea or add them to your favorite dishes!

Eucalyptus Leaf Bundles

Close-up of eucalyptus leaves in a bundle hanging in the patio.
Flux

Eucalyptus leaves are a great natural fly repellent. You can bundle them up and hang them around your outdoor space to keep bugs at bay. Their fresh scent not only smells nice but also helps deter those pesky flies.

Marigold Flower Planting

A vibrant field of marigold flowers in full bloom.
Flux

Marigolds are a fantastic choice for your garden if you want to keep flies and other bugs away. Their bright colors and strong scent act as a natural deterrent, making your outdoor space more enjoyable. Plus, they’re easy to grow and can add a cheerful touch to any area!

DIY Fly-Repellent Potpourri

A wooden bowl filled with dried herbs and citrus peels, a fly-repellent potpourri, emitting smoke outdoors.
Flux

Making your own fly-repellent potpourri is super easy and fun! Just mix dried herbs like thyme and rosemary with citrus peels for a fresh scent that bugs dislike. Place it in a bowl outdoors, and enjoy a bug-free space while adding a lovely touch to your garden.

Coffee Grounds as Repellent

A container filled with coffee grounds surrounded by green plants in a garden.
Flux

Coffee grounds are a great natural fly repellent you can use in your garden. Just sprinkle them around your plants to keep those pesky bugs away. Plus, they add nutrients to the soil, making your garden even healthier!

Natural Bug-Repellent Lotion

A jar of homemade natural bug-repellent lotion on a checkered cloth with nuts.
Flux

Making your own bug-repellent lotion is simple and fun! Combine natural oils like lavender and eucalyptus with a base like coconut oil for a soothing and effective solution. Just apply it to your skin before heading outdoors to keep those pesky bugs at bay.

Cedar Oil Bug Barrier

A bottle of cedar oil surrounded by cedar wood chips.
Flux

Cedar oil is a fantastic natural repellent for flies and other bugs. You can mix it with water in a spray bottle and apply it around your outdoor spaces. Not only does it keep the pests away, but it also adds a lovely scent to your garden!

Thyme Oil Fly Spray

A spray bottle filled with thyme oil placed among green plants.
Flux

Thyme oil is a fantastic natural remedy for keeping flies at bay. Just mix a few drops of thyme oil with water in a spray bottle and give it a good shake. Spray it around your outdoor spaces to enjoy a bug-free environment.

DIY Insect-Repelling Herbal Sachets

Four herbal sachets in a mesh bags hanging on a branch, filled with dried herbs.
Flux

Herbal sachets are a fun and easy way to keep bugs at bay. Simply fill small fabric bags with dried herbs like lavender, mint, or rosemary, and hang them around your outdoor space. These natural scents not only smell great but also help deter pesky flies and insects.

Clove Oil Bug Spray

A bottle of clove oil bug spray surrounded by flowers and clove sticks.
Flux

Clove oil is a fantastic natural remedy for keeping flies away. Just mix a few drops of clove oil with water in a spray bottle and shake it up. Spray it around your outdoor spaces to enjoy a bug-free environment without any harsh chemicals!