Flies may be small but they are buzzing bundles of bacteria, viruses and parasites. They can infect crops, contaminate food and water, and cause diseases like E coli, dysentery, typhoid fever and tuberculosis.

Fortunately, there are ways to keep them away from your home and garden. From natural sprays to herbs and plants that repel flies, here are some creative ideas

1. Pine Sol

Pine-Sol is a household cleaning product that has been around since 1929. It is composed of Pine Oil, Phenol, and an oil mixture that combines to create a liquid-repellent. Pine-Sol has a robust aroma that is not favored by most pests and can be used to keep flies and mosquitoes treatment away from outdoor areas and indoor spaces.

Its effectiveness as a bug repellent can vary, and it may need to be reapplied frequently. Some individuals have reported observing significant enhancements in their home infestation control programs by using Pine Sol regularly.

To use Pine Sol as a mosquito and fly repellent, mix equal parts of the liquid and water in a spray bottle and shake well. Then, apply the solution to surfaces that are prone to attract flies and mosquitoes, such as countertops, patios, and tables. The diluted solution can also be used to wipe down upholstered furniture and wooden floors, but should only be sprayed in well-ventilated areas to avoid inhalation of the fumes. Clearly mark the spray bottle with a permanent marker so that everyone in the household knows what it is and how to use it.

2. Herbs

Flies and mosquitoes can be easily repelled by using herbs. Planting them in your garden or using them as a natural insect repellent can help you avoid the need for expensive and toxic chemicals, especially when you are spending time outdoors with children and pets.

Lemon-scented herbs like lemon verbena, lemon balm, citronella geranium and indigenous lemon bush (Lippia javanica) contain strong lemonscented volatile oils that are unpalatable to pests, actively repelling them. Sage is another aromatic herb that can naturally deter flies and mosquitoes from your outdoor spaces. It can be planted in the garden or used to create homemade sage bundles that can be burned as an alternative to traditional incense.

Basil leaves release essential oils that are a powerful insect repellent, especially when crushed up and rubbed on skin. It is also helpful for treating bug bites, by applying it to the area where you have been bitten. A spray made with the leaves' extract can provide long lasting protection from mosquitoes and flies. Alternatively, tea tree oil, which is commonly found in home mixtures for insect repellents, can offer protection as well.

3. Citronella Candles

Candles infused with citronella oil provide an effective, chemical-free option to repel mosquitoes. When burned, they release citronella oil into the air, which confuses insect senses and disrupts their ability to identify a host. They also add a pleasant fragrance and dim light to outdoor spaces, which is less likely to attract mosquitoes than bright lights.

The best citronella candles come in a variety of shapes and designs to match any style or outdoor setting. Whether you opt for a jar, tin, or votive, look for one with wicks spaced evenly to allow the candle to burn properly and release citronella essential oil in the process.

Citronella candles work best when they are set up in areas that don’t receive much wind movement because they rely on the odor from the citronella oil to repel insects. If you are planning an event that will take place in a breeze-prone area, try a different type of natural mosquito repellent such as holy basil, which can be planted in containers around your home or used in a vaporizer.

4. Fans

Flies and mosquitoes are more than just a nuisance, they’re also transmitters of disease. The good news is, there are many ways to reduce fly and mosquito populations at home.

Mosquitoes breed in standing water, so eliminating sources of moisture is one of the most important things homeowners can do to control them. A zapper is effective for controlling adult mosquitoes, but it’s not the only tool available.

When it comes to controlling mosquitoes, a comprehensive pest treatment is often necessary. This includes a combination of source reduction and chemical products that target mosquitoes at different stages in their life cycle.

For example, a professional mosquito management program can treat vegetation that adult mosquitoes use for sheltered resting sites and prevent mosquito eggs from hatching. Your Orkin Professional can design a treatment plan that’s right for your property.

5. Essential Oils

Essential oils are often used as a natural alternative to traditional chemical bug sprays, and they do a great job of repelling mosquitoes. They also have the added benefit of relieving the itch of insect bites.

Peppermint essential oil has a fresh, minty scent that flies and mosquitoes control find unpleasant. It’s a key ingredient in many mainstream mosquito repellents, and there’s actual research backing up its effectiveness. It can be applied directly to the skin, but remember to dilute it first with a carrier oil, such as Fractionated Coconut Oil, to avoid irritation.

Cedarwood (Juniperus virginiana) oil has a sharp, woody fragrance that’s effective at repelling not only mosquitoes but also clothes moths and flour beetles, according to a 2022 study. It’s an important part of many natural mosquito repellent blends, and it can be combined with other oils that are especially effective against flies and mosquitoes like tea tree, lavender, and eucalyptus.

Another powerful insect-repelling essential oil is thyme, which can be found in many natural bug sprays. In a 2022 study, thyme essential oil was found to be more than 90 percent effective at repelling mosquitoes when applied topically.