How to Make Natural Outdoor Fly Repellent with Essential Oils

Co-authored by Joshua Bloom

Last Updated: August 8, 2024 Fact Checked

Tired of commercial bug sprays and the unwanted chemicals they contain? Are you constantly being bothered or bitten by pests in your own back yard? You can use essential oils to create all-natural bug repellent that will keep flies away from your body and your outdoor dining area.

Method 1

Method 1 of 3:

Making Fly Repellent for Outdoor Areas

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1
Gather supplies. This outdoor fly repellent can be placed in the center of your patio table to repel flies throughout the day and evening. It's a simple mix of essential oils and a carrier oil that will help diffuse the scent into the air, naturally keeping flies away. Here's what you'll need:
- A small tin with a lid. A small coffee can, mint tin or cough drop tin would work.
- A clean piece of cloth or a dish sponge.
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil.
- 2 tablespoons witch hazel (or vodka, if you don't have witch hazel).
- 100 drops essential oils.
2
Make an essential oil blend. Several essential oils have properties that keep flies away. They also work well on mosquitoes and other pests. Essential oils can be found at health food stores or ordered in bulk online. You can use 100 drops of the same oil, or a blend of any of the following:
- Lavender oil - lavender is considered to be particularly effective against flies. It has many other household uses as well. ^{[1]
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- Citronella oil - this ingredient is commonly used in candles meant to keep flies and other bugs away.^{[2]
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  National Pesticide Information Center
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- Eucalyptus oil - another great essential oil you can use around the house for all types of purposes.^{[3]
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- Peppermint oil - this is likely more effective against mosquitoes^{[4]
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3
Mix the essential oils with the vegetable oil and witch hazel (or vodka). Pour all of the ingredients together into a bowl, and stir until combined. Diluting the essential oils will keep them from immediately evaporating and help them diffuse into the air.^{[5]
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- All essential oils should be diluted before use; especially if you want to apply them directly to your skin.
- Using an extra 1/2 teaspoon of vodka in the mixture will help preserve it for a second use.
Place the cloth in the tin and pour the mixture inside so that it completely saturates the cloth or sponge. Place the cloth in the tin and shut the lid. Allow to sit for 24 hours.
Whenever you need to use the tin, remove the lid and place it on the entertaining table. Make as many as you wish to put around the entertaining area to deter flies.
Once open to the air, the strength weakens and needs to be topped up. Sprinkle more essential oils inside, or make another blend.

Method 2

Method 2 of 3:

Making Fly Repellent Spray

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1
Gather supplies. This fly repellent spray has been used for centuries to ward away bugs, and it really works. It has a strong smell when you first spray it on your body, but the smell will fade as the mixture dries. Here's what you need:^{[6]
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HealthyChildren.org
Health information from the American Academy of Pediatrics.

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- 1/2 cup witch hazel
- 1/2 cup apple cider vinegar
- 30-50 drops of essential oils. Choose any combination of citronella, clove, lemongrass, rosemary, tea tree, cajeput, eucalyptus, cedar, catnip, lavender, or mint.
You can use an old one that has been cleaned out with soap and water, or buy a new one from the drugstore to reserve for this use.
3
Spray the formula onto your skin. Shake the bottle and spray it on your hands, arms, legs, and other uncovered areas. Allow it to fully dry, and reapply when necessary.^{[7]
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HealthyChildren.org
Health information from the American Academy of Pediatrics.

Go to source} Avoid getting repellent in your eyes or mouth.
- You can use this formula on most clothing as well. Test on a small section first to make sure it won't discolor the fabric.
- Do not spray this on children or pets without verifying the safety of the oil involved. For example, tea tree oil is very toxic to cats.^{[8]
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- Remember, never apply undiluted essential oil to your skin. Make sure you mix it with a carrier liquid to dilute it first.

Method 3

Method 3 of 3:

Making a Fly Repellent Oil Rub

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1
Try tea tree, lavender or eucalyptus oil. These three oils are most effective against flies. To make an oil rub from these powerful oils, it's important to dilute them with a carrier oil. Make a 2% solution by adding 12 drops of your chosen essential oil per 1 fl. oz (30ml) of carrier oil, such as olive oil. Apply it to your wrists, neck and other pulse points to keep flies away.^{[9]
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- Keep extra oil in a small vial so you can apply it again when necessary.
- Applying undiluted essential oils directly onto skin (even lavender or tea tree oil) can result in sensitization, which means that you may become so sensitive to the oil that any contact will cause skin irritation.^{[10]
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Mint is another natural fly repellent, and it has that classic, sweet mint fragrance. Peppermint, spearmint, catnip are fantastic at shooing away unwanted flies and keeping you smelling great. Make a 2% solution by adding 12 drops of peppermint essential oil per 1 fl. oz (30ml) of carrier oil, such as olive oil. Rub it directly on your skin.
Basil is another strong-smelling herb that flies generally dislike, and basil is especially helpful against moths.^{[11]
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Go to source} Make a 2% solution by adding 12 drops of basil essential oil per 1 fl. oz (30ml) of carrier oil, such as olive oil. Rub it directly on your skin.

Expert Q&A

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Question

What is a natural way to repel flies outside?

Joshua Bloom
Pest Control Specialist
Joshua Bloom is a Pest Control Specialist and the Vice President of Operations of Standard Pest Management, a pest control company based in New York City. He has over 20 years of experience in the pest control industry and specializes in commercial and large facility pest control management. Standard Pest Control also specializes in ant, bed bug, cockroach, fly, and rodent control. Joshua is licensed by the NYSDEC (New York State Department of Environmental Conservation) for termite control.

Joshua Bloom

Pest Control Specialist

Expert Answer

Citronella is probably the most popular option, but geraniol and neem oil are also great options. That said, it's fair to say that most “natural” materials have shorter effective times than commercial repellents, so reapply frequently and always follow the label instructions.

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Tips

Remove standing water sources from your property in order to keep flies and other insects at bay. Change birdbaths and pet water trays bi-weekly.

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Wear gloves when handling the saturated cloth, especially if you are handling food and/or have skin sensitivities.

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Try planting marigolds around your yard. Marigolds work as a natural bug repellent, giving off a fragrance bugs and flying insects do not like.

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Warnings

As with any herbal remedy, you are the best judge of whether or not the herbal solutions are doing what you seek from them. If not, experiment with different types until something meets your needs. Sometimes the effectiveness of oils is dependent on local conditions.

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Always keep essential oils out of the reach of children. Many are toxic if ingested, especially pennyroyal. Containers should be kept out of reach.

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Always read the warnings accompanying essential oil products and do not use them if you are pregnant, have a poor immune system or allergies unless you know the oil to be safe.

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Exposure to lavender and tea tree oils may lead to gynecomastia in prepubescent boys. ^{[12]
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Things You'll Need

Small tin with lid; ideal tins include confectionery tins, cough drop tins, candle tins etc.
Small piece of cloth, for example, calico, cotton, handkerchief etc.; or cut a piece of dish sponge down to size
Carrier oil
Witch hazel or vodka
Essential oils
Spray bottle
Apple cider vinegar