Biting and other pesky flies are a nuisance.
Whether you are engaged in a battle with pesky house flies or biting flies, there are several repellent options available to you in addition to chemical-based synthetic "bug sprays." Deet and other active ingredients in common bug repellents may or may not be effective against biting flies -- it depends on the specific fly in some cases. For house flies and similar species, cleaning up may be all you need to do to prevent infestation. Does this Spark an idea?
Companion Planting and Beneficial Plants
Companion planting is the practice of planting certain herbs, vegetables or other plants near each other for beneficial outcomes. Some plants, such as basil and hyssop, have fly-repelling properties. Basil repels flies and mosquitoes, as well as encourages tomato growth and flavor. Keeping some planted basil around your home, perhaps in window sills, around your patio or picnic areas might help you deter pesky flies.
Cabbage and grapes prefer the company of hyssop, a plant that repels pesky insects such as flea beetles, flies, cabbage moths and various larvae in addition to attracting beneficial insects (typically insects that prey on pests or have other beneficial properties). Marigolds have long been known for their insect-deterring properties. Plant them around your home and garden.
Integrated Pest Management for Flies
Pyrethrin is an ingredient derived from chrysanthemums and the active ingredient in many insecticides and repellents. Oftentimes, you will not need to use a synthetic repellent if you can eliminate breeding and feeding sites. For house flies, this includes garbage. Other areas for fly breeding and development include compost piles and cow patties.
Sanitization works as a repellent because the flies will not land, breed or feed in an area that is not suitable for their young. Removing all garbage and sealing it tightly, turning compost piles and eliminating pet waste is a good start towards eliminating fly problems.
Traps
While not a repellent, traps can be useful in controlling biting fly populations in smaller areas such as homes, barns, campsites and around swimming pools or outdoor entertaining areas. Ball traps attract biting flies away from you and your company. You can also use malaise traps in flies' flight paths with or without attractants. According to the University of Florida's Institute of Food and Agriculture Sciences, blue cylinders lined with sticky residue can attract biting flies when you attach them to a slow-moving vehicle or even attached to a ball cap.
Natural Repellents
Making your own repellents for skin or home can also be an effective measure against biting or other flies. These are generally made from plants. Crush mint and place in sachets around your home. Hanging peppermint around your doorways, windows, barn or other entrances can help repel these pests before they come into your building. While planted basil can prevent flies, putting fresh sweet basil in open containers near open foods can repel flies from coming near you or your pet's food.
Soak a cloth strip in eucalyptus oil and place in areas where you have fly problems. You can also put bay leaves, eucalyptus and/or cloves in cheesecloth and place near windows and doors. To make flypaper, consider soaking brown craft paper strips in a mixture of 1/4 cup syrup, 1 tbsp. white sugar and 1 tbsp. of brown sugar and hang them around your home.
For skin, Brandeis University suggests mixing 10 to 25 drops of sassafras essential oil with 2 tbsp. of vegetable or olive oil and 1 tbsp of aloe vera gel (optional) and placing a few drops on your clothes or skin.
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