Tired of using regular insecticides and being exposed to all the unwanted chemicals in them? Are you constantly stung or bothered by annoying insects in the garden? You can use essential oils to create a completely natural repellent against flies, capable of keeping them away from people and external environments.
Steps
Method 1 of 3: Prepare a Fly Repellent for Outdoor Areas
Step 1. Get the supplies
You can put outdoor repellent in the center of the porch table to repel flies during the day and night. It is a simple blend prepared with essential oils and a carrier oil, which will favor the spread of the aroma in the air, removing insects in a natural way. Here's what you'll need:
- A small tin can with a lid: an empty food container will do, such as coffee, mints or throat tablets;
- A clean cloth or dish sponge
- 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil;
- 2 tablespoons of witch hazel (or vodka, in the absence of witch hazel);
- 100 drops of various essential oils.
Step 2. Blend the essential oils
There are numerous essential oils that can keep flies away. Their effectiveness also extends to mosquitoes and other insects. You can buy them in herbal medicine and on the Internet. Additionally, you can use 100 drops of a single oil or mix some of the following as your choice:
- Lavender oil: Lavender is considered particularly effective against flies. Furthermore, it is suitable for various domestic uses.
- Lemongrass oil: is a commonly used ingredient in the preparation of fly and insect repellent candles in general.
- Eucalyptus oil: it is another essential oil that is suitable for various domestic uses.
- Mint oil: probably more effective against mosquitoes, but it is also indicated against horseflies.
Step 3. Blend essential oils with vegetable oil and witch hazel (or vodka)
Pour all the ingredients into a bowl and mix until combined. By diluting the essential oils, you will prevent them from evaporating quickly and allow them to diffuse into the air.
- All essential oils should be diluted before use, especially if you intend to apply them directly to the skin.
- Pour in half an extra teaspoon of vodka if you want to save the mixture for later use.
Step 4. Dip the cloth or sponge into the mixture
Put the cloth in the tin container and add the mixture so that it gets completely wet. Close the jar with the lid. Let the solution sit for 24 hours.
Step 5. Open the jar when needed
When you need to use repellent, remove the lid and place it on the table as needed. You can prepare as many jars as you want and arrange them outside the house to keep flies away.
Step 6. Top up every now and then
Once exposed to air, the mixture begins to weaken and needs to be refilled. Then, add another dose of essential oils or make the mixture again.
Method 2 of 3: Make a Fly Repellent Spray
Step 1. Get the supplies
This fly repellent solution has always been used to keep insects away and is really effective. The first application on the body gives off a very strong odor, which however tends to fade as it evaporates. Here's what you need:
- 120 ml of witch hazel;
- 120 ml of apple cider vinegar;
- 30-50 drops of essential oils. Choose any combination of lemongrass, clove, rosemary, tea tree, cajeput, eucalyptus, cedar, catnip, mint or lavender.
Step 2. Pour the ingredients into an empty spray bottle
You can use one that has already been used and washed with soap and water, or buy one specifically destined for this use.
Step 3. Spray the repellent on the skin
Shake the bottle and spray the contents on hands, arms, legs and other uncovered areas of the body. Wait for it to absorb, then reapply as needed. Avoid the eye and mouth area.
- You can also spray it on most fabrics. Test a small area to make sure it doesn't bleed out.
- Do not spray it on children or animals without first excluding any harmful effects. For example, remember that tea tree oil is toxic to cats.
- Remember never to apply undiluted essential oil to the skin. Be sure to mix it with a carrier liquid before use.
Method 3 of 3: Prepare an Oil-Based Repellent to Apply to the Skin
Step 1. Try tea tree, lavender, or eucalyptus oil
They are the most effective against flies. To prepare a skin repellent, it is important to dilute these powerful substances with a carrier liquid. Next, make a 2% solution by adding 12 drops of essential oil to every 30ml of carrier oil, such as olive oil. Apply the mixture to your wrists, neck, and other pulse points to keep flies away.
- Keep the leftover mixture in a bottle so you can reapply it when needed.
- If you apply an undiluted essential oil directly to the skin (including lavender or tea tree), you risk developing skin sensitization resulting in irritation of the skin as soon as you come into contact with that liquid.
Step 2. Try a peppermint oil
Mint is another natural fly repellent, characterized by a delicate fragrance. Mint, spearmint, and catnip are excellent at keeping flies away and imparting a pleasant smell. Make a 2% solution by adding 12 drops of peppermint essential oil to every 30ml of carrier oil, such as olive oil. Massage the solution directly into the skin.
Step 3. Use basil oil
Basil is another plant with an intense fragrance, generally unwelcome to flies, and especially useful against moths. Make a 2% solution by adding 12 drops of peppermint essential oil to every 30ml of carrier oil, such as olive oil. Massage the solution directly into the skin.
Advice
- Remove standing water in your garden or patio to keep flies and other insects at bay. Change the water in the bird and pet bath frequently.
- Wear a pair of gloves when using the oil-soaked cloth, especially when you touch food or have sensitive skin.
- Try planting marigolds in the garden. They act as natural insect repellents because they release a fragrance that is unwelcome to terrestrial and flying parasites.
- You can amplify the effect of essential oils by using candles. Just apply a few drops of the essential oil of your choice on the melted wax or pour it in various places on the table. The smell will spread as the candle wears out.
- Plant mint and other easy-to-grow plants in the garden or on the terrace: they will spread a soothing scent that will keep insects away.
- Poleggio mint is not as safe as other mint species. Never apply it directly to the skin.
- If the windows are cracked and often open, try to replace them.
Warnings
- Like any herbal remedy, those who use it are able to judge its effectiveness. If you don't get the desired results, try different oils until you find the one that meets your needs. In some cases, the effectiveness of these substances depends on the environmental conditions.
- Always keep essential oils out of the reach of children. Many are toxic if ingested, especially mint. Always store all containers.
- Always read the warnings that accompany essential oils and do not use them if you are pregnant, have a compromised immune system or suffer from allergies, unless you know for sure that they do not cause contraindications to your health.
- Exposure to lavender and tea tree oil can promote gynecomastia in prepubertal boys.
