Nobody enjoys having flies in your kitchen potentially spreading germs but put down the spray as there is a much safer way to get them out of your home. 

Many people do not like using chemical-based pest sprays around their homes as they do not wish to breathe in the fumes or have it near their food, but luckily flies can be kept away by making your own natural homemade repellant. 

Vicky Southern, the founder of EcoGreen Equestrian, has shared the key to getting rid of flies is apple cider vinegar which repels flies due to its pungent smell and acidic properties. 

She said: “Apple cider vinegar is one of the best fly spray ingredients because it is potent – its pungent odour flies detest. 

“When mixed with water, it stretches further making it the perfect fly spray ingredient for you to use as a base all summer long.” 

What to put in a homemade fly repellent 

Flies are highly sensitive to certain scents and will find the smell of apple cider vinegar overwhelming while its acidity greatly irritates them.

Citrus or floral scents are also excellent deterrents and using essential oils such as lavender, peppermint, lemon or orange scent will discourage flies from entering your home.

However, some essential oils can be toxic for cats or dogs, so make sure you do your research and be careful what you are putting in your homemade spray if you have pets.

Aloe vera can also keep flies away as it contains aloin, a natural insect-repellant which is “brilliant at helping to banish those flies”, according to Vicky.

Instructions:

1. To begin, you will need an empty spray bottle. Vicky said: “These can be picked up easily from a garden centre; spray bottles are often sold in the plant care section at supermarkets or garden centres and come with adjustable nozzles. Or, if you are looking online, you can find a whole range of sizes by simply typing in ‘hairdresser’s spray bottle’.” 

2. Once you have an empty spray bottle, pour in equal parts water and apple cider vinegar, then add in a few drops of the essential oils of your choice. Make sure to start off with a small amount of essential oil and adjust for preference. 

3. Next, add the aloe vera gel and vegetable glycerin if you are using it. Vicky said: “Using either or both of these will help your fly spray stick to the horse’s coat a little better.” 

4. If you are using any dried herbs, add them to the mixture next. Vicky said: “You can either infuse them in the water before mixing or add a few drops of their essential oils to enhance the repellent’s potency.”

5. Close the lid tightly on the spray bottle and give it a good shake so the ingredients are well combined. 

6. Your simple and all-natural fly spray is ready. Spray it near windows and other places you suspect flies are making their way into your home.