Fly Repellent DIY Outdoors: Keep Flies Away with Simple, Budget-Friendly Tips

Flies can ruin a perfectly good porch sit or backyard cookout really fast. One minute you’re relaxing, the next you’re swatting the air like a maniac. It is part of living out here in the country that we just “get used to it,” but still, it’s annoying. And if there are ways we can lessen the amount of flies to enjoy our short summer month,s I’m all for it.

Whether you’re setting out a citronella candle, mixing up a homemade spray in a reusable bottle, or trying one of these other budget-friendly ideas, you can make your space way less inviting to bugs without spending a fortune. And if you’re dealing with flies that just won’t quit, I’ve got one stronger option at the end that’s totally worth it.

Why Go DIY With Fly Repellents?

DIY fly repellents are a win-win. They’re affordable, toxin-free, and simple to make with everyday items. It’s an awesome way to keep your family healthy while saving you a trip to the store looking for overpriced repellents that hardly work.

Here are some of my favorite fly-repelling tricks that I swear by!

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1. Mason Jar Fruit Fly Trap

This trick is so easy and incredibly effective. It works like a charm, especially when you’re dealing with stubborn flies hanging near your food or trash.

Here’s What You’ll Need:

• Mason Jar with Lid
• Apple Cider Vinegar
• Dish Soap
• Sugar
• Plastic Wrap

How to Make It:

1. Add about a cup of apple cider vinegar to the mason jar.
2. Mix in one tablespoon of sugar and a small squirt of dish soap.
3. Cover the jar with plastic wrap and poke a few little holes at the top.
4. Place it where flies are the most annoying.

The flies will be attracted to the sweet smell of vinegar and sugar, but once inside, dish soap keeps them from escaping. Problem solved.

Don’t have a mason jar at home? You can grab a pack here. It’s always good to have some for projects like this.

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2. DIY Fly-Repellent Spray

Want to keep flies away from your tables and seating areas? This all-natural spray smells amazing and works like a charm.

You’ll Need:

• Spray Bottle
• 1 cup water
• ½ cup of witch hazel (or rubbing alcohol)
• Essential Oils (Lavender, Peppermint, or Eucalyptus are great options)

How to Make It:

1. Add water, witch hazel, and 20 drops of your favorite essential oil to the spray bottle.
2. Shake well before every use.
3. Spray on patio furniture, outdoor rugs, or areas where flies love to hang out.

This spray is excellent for outdoor hangouts, and it’s pet-friendly too!

Need a good spray bottle or budget-friendly essential oils? Check them out here.

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3. Hanging Herbs Fly Repellent

Fresh herbs are nature’s fly repellents. Plus, they look so cute hanging around your backyard setup!

What You’ll Need:

• Fresh bundles of Lavender, Basil, or Mint
• String or Twine

How to Make It:

1. Bundle the herbs together and secure them with twine.
2. Hang them near doors, windows, or dining spaces outside.

The fragrant herbs will keep flies away while sprucing up your space. Win-win!

Check out these herb bundles if you don’t have a garden handy. They’re perfect for DIY projects like this.

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4. Citronella Candles

Flies and mosquitoes absolutely hate citronella, and having these candles around is a game-changer for cookouts or late-night chats outside. You can even make them yourself if you’re feeling crafty!

Grab These to DIY:

• Wax Pellets (Soy or Beeswax work great)
• Citronella Essential Oil
• Candle Wicks
• Jars or Tins (like these small mason jars)

Or Save Time:

If you prefer pre-made candles (no judgment—I love saving time too), grab some pre-made citronella candles here. They’re affordable, smell fantastic, and keep bugs at bay!

🥒 . Cucumber Trick for Trash Areas

This one has been all over social media and I’m going to try it this year. Place cucumber slices near garbage bins or compost areas.

Flies don’t love the smell of cucumbers breaking down.

Cheap and surprisingly helpful.

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Bonus for Effortless Fly Control: The Solay Bug Zapper

If you’re looking for something foolproof to keep your outdoor space fly-free, the Solay Bug Zapper is worth every penny. I found mine on TikTok, and wow, what a difference! It works for mosquitoes too, so it’s been an absolute lifesaver on rainy days when we can’t rely on the outdoor traps.

This little gadget is compact, portable, and super effective. Plus, it’s on sale right now (woo-hoo!), so go check it out while it’s still discounted.

Pro Tip: Add this to your Amazon list, too, for quick and easy delivery. You’ll be glad you have it before your next outdoor hangout!

I’ve also found the long citronella incense sticks from Dollar Tree work pretty well, and I like the smell. It’s not a DIY fix, but it’s a low-cost fix.

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Tips for Keeping Flies Away

Want to make sure your DIY repellents work even better? Try these extra tricks:

1. Keep trash sealed: Flies are suckers for scraps! Make sure your trash cans have tight lids.
2. Set up a fan: Flies hate wind. A small fan pointed near your seating area can help.
3. Plant fly-repelling flowers: Marigolds, tansy, or basil near your patio create a natural barrier.
4. Zevo. These actually work so well! Even for fruit flies! I do NOT go without these near the kitchen sink or bathroom sinks anymore.

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Summing It Up

Flies don’t stand a chance with these easy DIY projects. Whether you’re using a mason jar trap, spraying essential oils, hanging herbs, or lighting citronella candles, you’ll love how simple it is to reclaim your outdoor space.

And remember, for extra protection, grab your Solay Bug Zapper or grab some budget-friendly supplies like mason jars and essential oils from Amazon using the links above. They’re all affiliate links, which means every purchase helps support this blog. Thank you so much for being a part of this community!

Here’s to a fly-free, fun-filled summer! 🐝