The Calming Scent You Can Use To Help Keep Pesky Flies Away Naturally

With summer sunshine comes the less-welcome arrival of mosquitoes, flies, moths, and fleas — the kinds of bugs that make evenings on the patio or prepping a fresh summer meal indoors feel a little less peaceful. If you're not keen on spraying harsh, expensive chemicals around your home, there's a more natural, beautifully scented option to consider: lavender.

Lavender's crisp, floral aroma may be calming to us, but to many insects, it's downright offensive. In fact, lavender has long been used for its soothing scent and practical purposes. Native to the Mediterranean and known for thriving in dry, sunny environments, lavender has been planted in gardens for centuries, not just for its beauty, but for its many uses. Some fans of the flower even tout its ability to help keep annoying pests at bay. While there are several methods for naturally keeping flies away from your house, it turns out that a little lavender can go a long way in helping you get rid of the pesky insect intruders. But before you plant lavender in your garden, there's a lot you need to know.

So what makes lavender so effective against summer bugs? The secret lies in its oils. As the plant blooms, it naturally releases essential oils into the air. One key compound, linalool, has been studied for its insect-repelling properties, and it is considered a natural alternative to synthetic repellents.

These oils help create a barrier that flies, mosquitoes, moths, and even fleas tend to avoid. Better yet, lavender is generally non-toxic to humans and animals, making it a safe choice for households with kids and pets. Unlike citronella or DEET-based sprays that require reapplication, growing lavender gives you a long-lasting layer of protection that looks (and smells) good while doing the job. Whether you plant it outside or use the oil indoors, lavender brings beauty, calm, and bug control together in one fragrant package. Plus, lavender is a hardy perennial and will come back year after year, making it easy to maintain. Lavender has so many uses, and as an essential oil, it's great for cleaning and easy to use. 

If you want to put lavender's bug-banishing powers to work, start by thinking about where insects bother you the most. Consider placing potted lavender near kitchen windows, doorways, or on sunny patios — anywhere flies tend to sneak in. Lavender thrives in full sun and prefers well-drained soil, making it an easy plant to maintain through the warmer months. Just make sure not to set your lavender anywhere where you want to sit completely insect-free because it can attract bees and butterflies.

If you want to focus your insect attack indoors, try using a lavender essential oil diffuser in areas where flies are a nuisance. You can also tuck dried lavender sachets into drawers or cabinets to help ward off silverfish and moths. Types of lavender that may be more effective for fly control are the French (Lavandula stoechas) and English (Lavandula angustifolia) varieties. Just be sure to keep your plants trimmed, healthy, and dry to maximize their scent and oil output. Whether you're creating a pollinator-friendly garden or just want to enjoy a mosquito-free dinner on the porch, lavender is a simple, natural solution that adds charm while helping you keep your home bug-free. If you want to take your bug-repellent skills to the next level, check out how to repel even more bugs naturally.