The sun is out and the weather is warming up, but we all know what that means. The flies are coming indoors.
There’s nothing more annoying than flies in the summer. We’ve created some simple natural recipes that will prevent flies coming in, so you can enjoy the warm weather!
You’ve probably heard of citronella candles to keep bugs away, but store bought candles can be so expensive! Did you know you can make your own citronella candle with 2 ingredients?
And that’s not all! Citronella candles are great, but they aren’t the only thing that will keep bugs away.
Keep reading for 3 bug repelling recipes…
Contents
- Which Essential Oils Keep Flies Away?
- Citronella Candle Recipe
- Peppermint and Eucalyptus Candle Recipe
- Bug Repellent Diffuser Recipe
- How To Use Them
Which Essential Oils Keep Flies Away?
There are many fly traps like sticky traps and light traps, that will help get rid of flies. But the best way to keep them out of the house is to not attract flies in the first place!
Common house flies, mosquitos and wasps dislike certain scents from flowers and herbs, which is why fragrant essential oils will help repel them!
Citronella - This essential oil has a fresh, sweet lemon scent. It is great for repelling house flies, fruit flies, mosquitos and wasps.
Lemongrass - This is a sweet, oriental lemon scented essential oil and it is effective at repelling mosquitos.
Peppermint - This strong minty aroma is perfect for deterring house flies, fruit flies, mosquitos and even spiders.
Lavender - House flies, mosquitos, fruit flies and moths hate the smell of floral lavender.
Eucalyptus - This oil has a fresh, camphorous aroma that will deter house flies, fruit flies and mosquitos.
Citronella Candle Recipe
Citronella candles are very popular for repelling insects, and they’re so easy to make at home!
Ingredients:
- Rapeseed and coconut wax 250g
- Citronella essential oil 25g | 28ml
Method:
1. Prepare the container
- Before making the candle, make sure your container and wick are ready
- Place a wick sticker on the bottom of your wick and place it to the bottom of the container
- Lay the wick holder on the top of your container, with the wick in the centre hole
2. Weigh the wax
- Weigh the rapeseed and coconut wax into a heatproof bowl
- Heat the wax in a double boiler or place your bowl of wax over a saucepan with boiling water
- Continuously stir the wax until it has fully melted, making sure not to heat it over 90°C.
- Once the wax has completely melted, remove the bowl from the heat and leave to cool
3. Add the essential oils
- Weigh out the rosemary, ylang ylang and lavandin essential oils in a separate bowl
- Test the temperature of the melted wax, you want it to be about 70°C
- Once the melted wax has reached this temperature, add the essential oils
- Stir the mixture really well, to ensure the essential oils are fully combined into the wax.
4. Pour the wax into a container
- Test the temperature of the wax, it should be around 50°C
- Once the wax has cooled, slowly pour the melted wax into your container
- Make sure to hold the wick holder as you pour the mixture to keep the wick centered
- Leave the candle to set for 2 weeks and trim the wick to about ½ an inch
- Test the candle by burning it for around 4 hours (you want the candle to melt to the edges)
Peppermint and Eucalyptus Candle Recipe
Another great way to repel flies is with eucalyptus and peppermint. Flies hate the smell of these plants, so they will definitely stay away!
Ingredients:
Method:
1. Prepare the container
- Before making the candle, make sure your container and wick are ready
- Place a wick sticker on the bottom of your wick and place it to the bottom of the container
- Lay the wick holder on the top of your container, with the wick in the centre hole
2. Weigh the wax
- Weigh the rapeseed and coconut wax into a heatproof bowl
- Heat the wax in a double boiler or place your bowl of wax over a saucepan with boiling water
- Continuously stir the wax until it has fully melted, making sure not to heat it over 90°C.
- Once the wax has completely melted, remove the bowl from the heat and leave to cool
3. Add the essential oils
- Weigh out the rosemary, ylang ylang and lavandin essential oils in a separate bowl
- Test the temperature of the melted wax, you want it to be about 70°C
- Once the melted wax has reached this temperature, add the essential oils
-
Stir the mixture really well, to ensure the essential oils are fully combined into the wax.
4. Pour the wax into a container
- Test the temperature of the wax, it should be around 50°C
- Once the wax has cooled, slowly pour the melted wax into your container
- Make sure to hold the wick holder as you pour the mixture to keep the wick centered
- Leave the candle to set for 2 weeks and trim the wick to about ½ an inch
- Test the candle by burning it for around 4 hours (you want the candle to melt to the edges)
Bug Repellent Diffuser Recipe
If you’re not a fan of candles, don’t worry! Another great way to disperse these scents is with a diffuser. For the ultimate fly deterrent, try this blend of essential oils.
- 5 drops Lemongrass oil
- 2 drops Eucalyptus oil
- 2 drops Peppermint oil
- 5 drops Lavender oil
Simply add a few drops of these essential oils to your diffuser and the diffuser will fill the air with the essential oil scents!
How To Use Them
Place your candles and diffusers in areas of the house that get the most flies, like the kitchen, living room and hallway.
Try not to put the candles directly by an open window or a draft as it could cause the flame to go out or cause the candle to produce lots of soot.
However, the diffusers can go near window sills and near the door! Just don’t put them in a place where they can be easily knocked over. Positioning these near window sills and doors can help keep flies out, especially during warmer months when these entry points are often open.
Continue Reading
Now you know how to repel flies with candles and essential oils, why not try more recipes?
- Want to make your own pesticide for your plants? Try our simple homemade pesticide recipe!
- Interested in making your house smell amazing? Make your own room spray!
- Did you know essential oils can do more than just deter flies? Learn about how essential oils have benefits for the mind and body with this aromatherapy blog!
Did your candles and diffusers repel flies? Show us on our socials! Tag us on Instagram or Facebook or use our hashtag #thesoaperyuk
