Say Goodbye To Flies In The House With One Fresh-Smelling DIY Oil Trick

There are few things more annoying than flies buzzing around your home. These common household pests are not only a nuisance, but they can also carry bacteria and contaminate food surfaces. While many people use fly traps and chemical sprays to get rid of flies, you may be interested in a more natural way that doesn't rely on harsh odors or ugly strips of sticky tape hanging from the ceiling. If you're looking for a simple way to take back your space, you may be surprised to learn that the answer might already be in your home: Eucalyptus oil. There are a number of ways to use this oil in the home, and it's a secret weapon for keeping flies away.

Its effectiveness has been shown in scientific studies, which indicate that it acts as both a repellent and an insecticide. The oil contains natural compounds that disrupt a fly's sensory system, making it difficult for the insects to find food. Concentrated eucalyptus oil can also be strong enough to kill flies on contact. When used correctly, a simple homemade spray can help clear out flies and keep your home smelling fresh.

The effectiveness of eucalyptus oil in controlling fly populations is supported by scientific studies. A study on house flies found that essential oils from Eucalyptus globulus, a tree in the Eucalyptus family, was a strong repellent, keeping over 87% of flies away. The oil's aroma disrupts a fly's olfactory system, making it difficult for the insect to locate food and waste. Another study found that a 10% concentration of eucalyptus oil caused 100% mortality in house flies after 750 minutes, showing that the oil can both repel and kill them.

One ingredient responsible for this is believed to be 1,8-cineole, also known as eucalyptol, which is a major component of eucalyptus oil. In addition to its repellent qualities, eucalyptus oil has also been shown to work as a fumigant. One experiment found that it was the most effective fumigant among several essential oils tested, killing all house flies at a certain concentration. This shows the oil's ability to affect flies in an enclosed space, making it a possible option for home use. The findings show that the oil's effectiveness depends on the concentration and the length of exposure. In addition to keeping away flies, eucalyptus oil also works to fight off mosquitoes.

Making your own fly repellent spray is a simple process. Even though there are other DIY solutions to keep flies away, a common mixture is to combine 2 cups white vinegar, 1 tablespoon eucalyptus essential oil, and 1 cup water in a spray bottle. This solution can be used to treat areas where flies like to gather, such as around windows, doorways, and garbage cans. Another way to use the oil is to put a few drops on cotton balls and place them in areas where flies are a problem. This works well in small enclosed spaces such as pantries or cabinets.

It's important to know the difference between pure eucalyptus essential oil and oil of lemon eucalyptus from the lemon eucalyptus tree, also known as OLE. OLE is a processed product that is a registered biopesticide, which is very effective against biting flies and other insects. Pure eucalyptus oil can still be used as a repellent when used consistently in a home setting. Regular reapplication of the spray is recommended, since the scent diminishes over time, which can reduce its effectiveness.