How to Repel Flies Naturally | Easy Fly Deterrent DIY Idea

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It's a familiar scene: you're trying to relax in your own home, but the constant buzzing of flies has you feeling anything but calm.


Today, we’ll show you how to repel flies with a simple and creative solution that's sure to put an end to your fly frustrations.


Grab some old socks, a shower curtain ring, essential oil, and a hook, and let’s get rid of those annoying pests.

Tools and Materials:

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Pest management solutions

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Repel flies naturally with this highly recommended eucalyptus oil that Amazon reviewers swear by!

1. Prepare the Fabric Strips

To start, gather your old socks.

Best way to deter flies

Cut off the top and bottom to create a tube of fabric.

Cut old socks into strips

Then, cut down the length of the tube to open it up.

House fly repellent with socks

Now, cut the fabric into strips.

Homemade pest repellents

Repeat this process with a few different colored socks until you have a variety of fabric strips.

What scent repels flies

2. Apply Essential Oil

It's time to add the essential oil.


Eucalyptus oil is a great choice for repelling flies thanks to its strong scent.


Apply several drops of eucalyptus oil onto the scrap fabric strips.

Fly repellent homemade

3. Assemble the Fly Deterrent

Next, grab a shower curtain ring.

Tying fabric strips onto the shower curtain ring

Take the fabric strips you've prepared and tie them onto the ring.

DIY insect deterrents

Mix and match colors for a fun look, or stick with a single color scheme—it's up to you!


You could even cover the whole ring with strips of fabric for a mini pest repelling wreath.

Fly prevention methods

4. Hang Your Fly Deterrent

Now that your DIY fly deterrent is ready, find a suitable spot to hang it. Place a hook on the wall near windows or doors—these are common entry points for flies.


More Pest Control Tips

For another brilliant idea to banish flies, check out this tutorial on How To Make Your Own Fly Sticky Trap for Houseplants.

Hanging the finished fly deterrent near a window

Additional Tips to Deter Flies

  • Avoid using eucalyptus oil if you are pregnant or suffer from conditions such as high blood pressure or epilepsy.
  • Experiment with different essential oils to see which ones work best for you. Lavender, peppermint, and citronella are also known for their fly-repelling properties.
  • Keep your DIY fly deterrent fresh by refreshing the essential oil every few weeks or as needed.


How to Repel Flies | A DIY Essential Oil Fly Repellent

With this clever homemade fly repellent, you've unlocked the secret to a fly-free home without the need for harsh chemicals or expensive gadgets.


By repurposing old socks and combining them with essential oil and some creativity, you've made a natural and effective solution to keep your space peaceful and pest-free.


Ready to say goodbye to those pesky flies? Try this DIY solution today and enjoy a fly-free environment in no time!


If you're specifically looking for how to get rid of fruit flies, check out this guide.

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  • Karen Merseal Karen Merseal on Jun 05, 2024
    I use water, ziplock sandwich bag and a tack.Fill ziplock about 1/4- 1/2 of the way with water. Zip bag closed, making sure to remove additional air. Use track to hang this above your door. Some people place a penny in the bag also.I'm not sure why it works, but it does. Once in awhile, a fly will get through.We have a restaurant in town that does this, especially over his drive up window.
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