Best houseplants to naturally repel flies from your home - from basil to lavender
As the weather warms up, so do the number of flies in our homes - making it the ideal time to introduce some new houseplants that repel flies in a natural and effective way
As summer is just a few weeks away, many of us are already venturing outdoors to enjoy the better weather.
From sun-drenched beach days to lawn picnics, these cherished outdoor moments are likely to become the highlights of our days.
However, while the weather may be perfect for our outdoor excursions, the season also brings an influx of pesky flies and other flying insects that invade our homes.
These irritating creatures can range from being a minor annoyance to a painful nuisance.
But before you reach for a traditional insecticide to get rid of them, consider using one of nature's own pest control solutions - the common houseplant.
From the carnivorous Venus flytrap to the kitchen staple basil, there are plenty of easy-to-grow plants that can help clear your home of flies in no time.
Here, we delve into some of the most commonly used plants to keep flies away from your home..., reported the Mirror.
Basil
A versatile all-rounder that many homeowners might want to consider is the humble herb basil. While it's often known for adding flavour to meals, it also has the unique property of deterring both flies and spiders due to its strong aroma and oil.
Lavender
Another good option to consider is lavender, which has long been regarded as an effective bug repellent on everything from flies to beetles and even fleas!
The purple-flowered plant is also hugely aesthetic too and can easily be incorporated into several decor styles for a touch of country cottage chic.
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Lemon Balm
When it comes to kitchen staples, another popular choice for elevating a dish is the citrusy flavour of lemon balm, but did you know it also doubles as a highly effective insect repellant?
The plant's potency comes from its high levels of citronella, a compound that's naturally present in the oil the plant produces. Known to ward off everything from spiders to flies and even mosquitoes, a well-placed plant in the home could help to keep your entire house bug-free this summer.
Rosemary
Another common herb that doubles as a natural bug repellant is the unassuming rosemary plant. Often known for its flavour rather than its scent, Rosemary is only mildly scented to the human nose but has a far more potent aroma for insects making it the perfect plant to ward off spiders, flies and irritating gnats.
Marigold
One of the most effective plants to eliminate flies from your home is a marigold which emit a strong odour.
This strong odour is said to repel lots of pests including spiders and flies.
Grow with sage and carrots in the garden or introduce it into the home on a windowsill.
Another common herb that doubles as a natural bug repellant is the unassuming rosemary plant. Often known for it's flavour rather than it's scent, Rosemary is only mildly scented to the human nose, but has a far more potent aroma for insects making it the perfect plant to ward off spiders, flies and irritating gnats.