Anyone know of a natural fly repellant?

Question

I've heard of hanging a plastic bag of water (or vinegar, or something...actually i don't know what's in it)...in a doorway or by windows to keep flies out. Do you know what that is, or have any other suggestions? I don't like "fly tape" or anything like that.
We like to sit on the back patio by the fire pit, but there are tons of flies.
Any ideas?

Answer 1

Half filled sandwich bag of water hung in a doorway method.
http://www.hgtv.com/hgtv/gl_diseases_pests_insects/article/0,1785,HGTV_3580_1381705,00.html

On horses essential oils are used to reduce the number of flies that congregated on their faces. Oils like eucalyptus, rosemary, tea tree, or lavender appear effective. If the horses don't like the smell they aren't saying. They certainly do not like the flies.
These are often mixed with garlic and that really smells sulfuric, but it works, too.
For the horses mix a few drops of each essential oil into a little dab of Murphy's Oil soap and add to apple cider or white vinegar and water. Put the resultant mixture into a spray bottle and shake well before using. Other people use strong, cold tea instead of water, crushed garlic or lemon peel as well as essential oils.
Citrus oil and rosemary smells good. Blend a lemon peel with a few tender tips of rosemary then just cover with boiling water. Allow to steep overnight and strain the mixture the following morning.
I think you can just buy lemon oil and other essential oils if that is easier.


Others feed their horses garlic capsules and add vinegar to the drinking water.
Then there is a prepared spray for horses.
http://www.arbico-organics.com/1108702.html

You could just hang rosemary around where you sit instead of wearing it. It will cool the walls of your house, too.
"Scents actually have a function ... as protection from insects in some plants or as protection from drought in hot, arid climates (the thick volatile compounds we smell provide a protective layer around leaves). The old English custom of covering brick walls with sprigs of rosemary for cooling has been supported by modern research, which shows rosemary has 74 times the cooling effect of fresh air (thyme has 68 times the cooling effect, lavender 60 times)."
http://www.uvm.edu/extension/publications/oh/oh66.htm

Since flies are attracted to the amonia of manure or decaying flesh maybe sweet smells repel them. Flies certianly are attracted to Euphorbia, Sedum, members of the cabbage family, Dutchman’s pipe or the house plant alocasia. Elephant's ears, Colocasia, are also fly attractors along with other aroids like skunk cabbage.

You could attract bats for their nocturnal dinning habits.

Answer 2

FILL A MUSLIN OR NET BAG WITH BASIL AND HANG IT ON THE PATIO BY WHERE YOU SIT.
MAKE UP AND USE SEVERAL BAGS AND HANG AROUND FOR COMPLETE COVERAGE.