How to Make Fly Repellant DIY Outdoors
Alright, let’s talk flies. Because nothing ruins a good backyard BBQ or lazy afternoon on the porch faster than a buzzing swarm of uninvited guests. I’ve tried citronella candles, fancy gadgets, even those sticky traps (which are gross, by the way).
But over time, I found that some of the best fly repellents come from stuff already sitting in your kitchen.
Here’s how I’ve tackled outdoor flies with easy DIY methods that won’t poison the vibe—or the dog.
Tidy Up First – Always the First Step
I know, it’s not glamorous. But you can’t out-spray a mess. Flies are basically garbage groupies—they’ll flock to anything that smells like decay, sugar, or leftovers.
Take five minutes to:
- Seal up bins
- Rinse out the pet bowls
- Hose down sticky spots near outdoor tables or compost areas
Flies won’t stick around if there’s nothing to snack on.
Essential Oil Spray – My Personal Favorite
This one smells great and doesn’t coat everything in weird chemicals. You’ll need:
| Ingredient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Water | 2 cups |
| Witch hazel or vodka | 1 cup |
| Essential oils | 50–75 drops total (citronella, lavender, peppermint, tea tree) |
Mix everything in a spray bottle and shake well before using. I usually give the outdoor table legs, chairs, and nearby shrubs a quick mist. Bonus: it doubles as a mosquito deterrent.
Vinegar & Dish Soap Spray – Simple But Effective
Here’s a no-fuss cleaner spray that actually shoos flies away on contact. Not a repellent, really—more of a “buzz off” blend.
| Ingredient | Amount |
|---|---|
| White vinegar | 2 parts |
| Water | 1 part |
| Dish soap | A squirt or two |
Spray it near bins, patio corners, or anywhere flies like to chill. You can even use it on porch railings or brick walls without leaving a residue.
Apple Cider Vinegar Trap – For Persistent Buzzers
If they’re already there and just won’t leave, lure them into a trap. This one’s great near compost bins or shady garden corners.
| Ingredient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Apple cider vinegar | A few tablespoons |
| Dish soap | One drop |
| Sugar | A pinch |
Pour the mix into a shallow bowl or jar and leave it out. The vinegar attracts them, and the soap breaks the surface tension so they can’t escape. Refresh every day or two.
Orange Peel + Cloves – Smells Great, Keeps Bugs Away
This combo does double duty. It smells lovely to us, but flies and mosquitoes hate it.
You can either scatter fresh peels with a few cloves around the area or boil a pot of water with orange peels and cloves, let it cool, and use it as a spray.
I sometimes keep a bowl of peels on the table when we’re eating outside. It’s subtle, but it helps.
Use a Fan – Seriously, It Works
This might sound silly, but flies are bad at flying in strong wind. Set up a box fan or even one of those standing outdoor fans near your seating area and just let it run.
It messes with their flight path and keeps them from landing on you or your food.
Bonus: it also keeps you cool when the sun’s blazing down.
Wrap Up – Keep It Simple
You don’t need to douse everything in chemicals or hang ugly fly paper from every post.
A good cleaning routine, a couple of repellent sprays, and a fan or two can make your backyard feel like your own little haven again.
Most of these DIY methods use things you probably already have on hand. And the best part? You can feel good knowing you’re not spraying your plants or pets with stuff you can’t pronounce.
So yeah—give these a go and take your outdoor space back from the flies.
