This Easy Home Remedy Can Help To Repel Flies From Your Home

During the spring and summer, flies are bound to buzz around your patio, invade your outdoor picnics, and will likely end up in your house. Fly swatters will have you chasing the tiny bugs around your home and are no help outside, but this hack can help you repel flies and let you eat in peace. With water and pine oil solution, these bugs won't want to come near your property.

Flies are disgusted by the scent of pine oil. The cleaning solution, Pine-Sol, was typically used as an effective way to get rid of pests and clean your house all at once, but it no longer commonly contains this essential ingredient. While the older version of Pine-Sol contains 8.75% pine oil, most variations sold in stores today don't. You can find the original Pine-Sol formula online, or you can simply use pine essential oils to keep pests away.

How to repel flies with pine oil

All you need for this trick is a spray bottle, water, and pine oil. To make this easy fly repellent, pour water into your spray bottle until it's almost full, about ¾ of the way to the top, and add about 15 drops of essential pine oil. If you prefer a stronger scent, you can add a few more drops, or if you like a more subtle scent, you can use a few less. 

Spray your solution onto your tables, window sills, doorways, or wherever flies have been bothering you. It's best to let the solution dry, but it will still be effective for a period of time if you wipe it up. You don't need to use a lot since the scent is what deters flies. It's good to be cautious when using pine oil, as large amounts can be harmful to pets and humans if ingested, according to Healthline.

Other insects repelled by essential oils

Pine oil is not only great for getting rid of flies, but it can be used to naturally repel other insects as well, such as wasps, ants, and mosquitoes. While it's nice not to have these bugs flying around while you're trying to enjoy your summer, pine oil can kill them, so be careful when using it around bees and other pollinators. If you want to use pine oil as an insecticide, use a higher ratio of essential oil when mixing it with water.

Lavender, citronella, peppermint, clove, and eucalyptus oils are also known to repel various insects. If you're looking for a way to get rid of pesky bugs without the harsh smell of chemicals, essential oils are a great option. Whether you're hosting an outdoor barbecue, sitting on your patio, or leaving your windows open to let in some fresh air, pine oil can keep flies and other bugs from disturbing your peace.