7 Plants That Repel Flies From Your Garden

Small garden — Photo: HannamariaH / Getty Images

It never fails—just as the long days of summer sun arrive, so do the bugs. Annoying flying insects like mosquitoes, gnats, horseflies, fruit flies, or house flies can easily spoil a nice day in the garden or on the patio. There are a lot of products for discouraging flies, but what about more natural ways?

Many garden plants—particularly herbs—are quite fragrant, and their scents may deter flies, whether proven by science or known anecdotally. Ahead, we talked to gardening experts about plants that may repel flies in your garden. Plant these among your other plants—and especially near porches and patios!—and enjoy more fly-free days all summer long.

Allan Armitage, Ph.D., professor emeritus of Horticulture at the University of Georgia and author of Herbaceous Perennial Plants, 4th ed
Jacqueline A. Soule, Ph.D., author of 17 books, including Southwest Fruit & Vegetable Gardening

01 of 07

Basil

Basil has beautiful, glossy green leaves and a wonderful fragrance. It’s one of the world’s most popular culinary herbs—and a beloved plant to grow. Basil's strong aroma can repel flies while attracting beneficial insects like butterflies.

Zones: Annual, although it may overwinter in zones 10 to 11
Mature size: 12 to 24 inches tall x 12 to 24 inches wide
Care requirements: Well-drained soil; full sun; likes containers

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02 of 07

Bay Laurel

Vibrant green leaves of bay tree close-up. Green botanical background. — Anna Blazhuk / Getty Images

With the potential to become a small tree but typically trimmed into a nice shrub, bay laurel is an attractive plant for your garden, and the leaves are often added to stews and soups. Since you can control the size, many gardeners grow bay in pots and move the plant indoors as the seasons require. "Dried herbs sitting outdoors in containers on the deck are said to repel flies," says Dr. Allan Armitage, professor emeritus of horticulture at the University of Georgia, "[but] freshly cut herbs (bay, basil, lavender) seem to be a little more effective."

Zones: 8 to 10
Mature size: When kept trimmed, about 6 to 10 feet tall x roughly 5 feet wide
Care requirements: Partial or full sun; well-drained soil

03 of 07

Lavender

Lavender is found in many lovely shades, including pink, purple, and white, and it boasts quite a useful working résumé to boot. Lavender is often used for cosmetic, medicinal, and craft purposes. The fragrance is used in perfumes, and the herbal odor also can discourage insects. There are several varieties. "Lavender is VERY region-specific," says Jacqueline A. Soule, Ph.D., author of 17 books, including Southwest Fruit & Vegetable Gardening.

"In the hotter areas, English lavender (Lavendula angustifolia) will not survive; you should grow Spanish, Roman, or French lavender (Lavandula stoechas, L. pedunculata, and L. dentata). Of course, if you live in the desert Southwest, you can grow the gorgeous native desert lavender (Condea emoryi)."

Zones: 5 to 9
Mature size: 12 to 30 inches tall x 24 to 36 inches wide
Care requirements: Well-drained soil; full sun

04 of 07

Rosemary

Rosemary has plenty of potential as a cooking herb—you’ll find it used to add flavor to proteins like beef, poultry, and seafood, but also dairy products like cheeses and starches like potatoes. Its wonderful scent adds charm to the garden and keeps flies away. It’s also beneficial as an attractor of useful species. "Rosemary is a great pollinator plant," says Soule. "In my garden, it attracts several species of native bees, honey bees, and hummingbirds," she says, adding that it’s interesting to note how the pollinators overcome the repelling oils in pursuit of the nectar. Rosemary is part of the mint family, but it actually looks like a tiny evergreen tree.

Zones: 7 to 8, or grown as an annual
Mature size: 36 inches tall x 36 to 48 inches wide
Care requirements: Moist soil; full sun

05 of 07

Lemongrass

Lemongrass is closely related to the plant that gives us citronella oil, which is used in natural insect repellents and similar products like candles. Lemongrass is grown primarily for its uses in cooking. Take care to avoid freezes, though. "Lemongrass is not pleased with freezing," says Soule. "Go much below 26 degrees Fahrenheit, and you may lose it."

Zones: 8 and up, otherwise annual
Mature size: 36 inches tall x 72 inches wide
Care requirements: Well-drained soil; full sun

06 of 07

Scented Geranium

These delightful flowering herbs emit their fragrance from oils in their leaves, especially when the leaves come into contact with something, so it’s a fun addition to the garden. Besides repelling flies, the fragrance can also act as a decent mosquito repellent. It should be noted that scented geraniums are slightly toxic.

Zones: 10 to 11, otherwise annual
Mature Size: 12 to 36 inches tall x 12 to 24 inches wide
Care Requirements: Well-drained soil; partial sun

07 of 07

Marigold

Marigolds make such a nice statement in the garden, and their iconic cheery yellow or orange coloring is always a bright spot. Marigolds repel insects including flies, and their fragrance can also be a deterrent to deer and rabbits—always a good thing for the gardener!

Zones: 2 to 11
Mature size: 6 to 12 inches tall x 6 to 12 inches wide
Care requirements: Don’t overwater, full sun

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