How To Repel Flies With A Minty Essential Oil They Can't Stand

Pennyroyal plants (Mentha pulegium) and their oils boast a long history of protecting people against pests like flies. In the early 1900s, guides in the Adirondacks swore by a solution made from pennyroyal, skunk oil, and pine tar to protect visitors from the notorious biting blackflies. Fortunately, recipes have been refined since then. These days, you don't have to smell like a skunk in order to repel flies, but you can still use the pleasantly minty scent of pennyroyal essential oil to ward off flies and other pests, including fruit flies.

Whether you include pennyroyal essential oil in your own DIY body spray, or purchase an eco-friendly repellent containing the natural ingredient when you have a sudden fly infestation in your home, pennyroyal oil just might become your secret weapon. Scientific studies have found that pennyroyal's compounds are among the most effective natural oil insecticides.

One crucial warning — make sure that young children, pets, or other medically vulnerable people don't ingest solutions made with the oil. Pennyroyal is exceptionally toxic if swallowed because it contains pulegone, which can be fatal in doses of 1 tablespoon or larger. In addition, pregnant and breastfeeding women should ask their doctors if it is safe to handle. Including pennyroyal essential oil in your bug repellent might be one of the ways to naturally keep flies out of your house, but it's best to check with a doctor if you have concerns.

It's sometimes challenging to know how to choose and use the right essential oils to keep various pests away. But pennyroyal's ancient reputation as an insecticide precedes itself. Fly-repellent sprays containing pennyroyal can be used in the home to drive the pests away from areas they tend to congregate. They're also useful as body or clothing spritzes, whether you're going on a forest hike or just trying to enjoy some outdoor time. Look for pennyroyal essential oil in commercial products, or include it in your homemade sprays. Again, ask your doctor before using these sprays if you're pregnant or otherwise vulnerable.

To create a spray that protects your skin from flies and other pests when you're outdoors, whip up a batch containing pennyroyal essential oil and white vinegar as a base. For every quart of vinegar, add ½ teaspoon of pennyroyal essential oil. Consider adding other pest-repelling botanical oils, such as 1 teaspoon each of citronella, orange, and lemon eucalyptus. Store the spray in a dark closet between uses.

Research suggests that commercially available "green solution" types of anti-fly sprays containing pennyroyal can be effective at controlling the pests. Follow the label's directions carefully. Unless otherwise directed, spraying several times a day will increase the repellent's anti-fly qualities. In general, you'll want to focus on areas in which you're seeing the flies most often. Spraying kitchen and dining surfaces, then wiping them dry with a cloth, is also helpful. Keep windows open, if possible, so that surviving flies can exit.