Backyards

You’ve probably heard pigs won’t eat cucumbers. And cats are scared of them too, but would you ever imagine flies wouldn’t like cucumbers either?

Well, they don’t, which is why setting bowls around your home or strategically placed for outdoor events might be a great idea.

Flies don’t like the scent of cucumbers. When you slice them the aroma escapes and deters them with little to no fuss.

You can choose to use the essential oil of a eucalyptus plant, or you can grow eucalyptus around your house. Either way, flies don’t like the scent.

If you choose to make the spray, add 25 drops of eucalyptus oil to a spray bottle. Add two cups of water to the bottle to dilute the oil. You can add one cup of vodka if you choose. This is optional.

Apparently, flies don’t like vodka but if you don’t have any vodka, you can still use the spray without it.

There are certain plants you can place around your home to deter flies. You can also cut from these plants to provide their scent indoors as well.
Consider planting basil, bay leaf, lavender, and mint around your home. You can plant them in containers to be able to move them closer to your doors and other areas where flies draw to.

If you buy an item via links on this page, we may earn a commission. Our editorial content is not influenced by commissions. Read the full disclosure.

We all have them. They swarm our homes, backyards, chicken coops, and anywhere else they please.

You know what am I talking about: flies.

Flies are a necessary evil when it comes to summer months. We love the heat, love the gardening, but hate the flies.

If they’re driving you bonkers this year, don’t fret. I have over 30 different options to share with you to help you get the fly population around your home under control.