DIY Fly Repellent Ideas for a Happier, Buzz-Free NC Garden

If you’ve ever sat down to enjoy a fresh glass of iced tea in your North Carolina garden only to be bombarded by a swarm of uninvited flies—same. Nothing ruins a perfectly good porch hang or garden session like a bunch of buzzing pests. But don’t go reaching for harsh chemicals just yet. With a little creativity (and some help from Mother Nature), you can DIY your way to a fly-free backyard oasis.

Let’s explore some of the best fly repellent DIY outdoors ideas that are eco-friendly, affordable, and totally doable—especially with a little Southern grit and the power of fly repellent native plants of NC.

1. 🍋 Citrus + Clove Fly Repellent Jars

Flies hate citrus and cloves—great news for your nose and your patio plans. This classic combo is simple and chic:

What You’ll Need:

• A few lemons or limes, sliced

• Whole cloves

• Small mason jars or shallow bowls

How To:
Insert whole cloves into the citrus slices and place them in the jars around your seating areas. They look cute, smell amazing, and act like a force field against those winged nuisances.

Pro Tip: Refresh every 2–3 days for best results. Bonus: this mix also deters gnats and mosquitoes!

2. 🌿 Native Fly Repellent Plants for Your NC Garden

Why not put nature to work? North Carolina is home to many native plants that flies and other pests can’t stand. Add these beauties to your NC garden to repel flies naturally and add visual charm:

Top Fly Repellent Native Plants of NC:

• Mountain Mint (Pycnanthemum tenuifolium): Fragrant and beautiful, this plant keeps flies, mosquitoes, and even ticks away.

• Bee Balm (Monarda): Loved by pollinators, hated by pests.

• Sweet Fern (Comptonia peregrina): Not a true fern, but it smells divine and flies can’t handle it.

• Yarrow (Achillea millefolium): A multitasking plant that supports beneficial bugs and deters the bad ones.

Garden Hack: Plant these near patios, porches, or your veggie garden borders to keep fly traffic low. I grow all of these in my NC garden. They are both beautiful and funcitonal. Win-win,

3. 🕯️ Make Your Own Herbal Fly Repellent Candles

Candles don’t just set the mood—they can also save your summer evenings. You can make your own fly repellent DIY outdoors candles using natural oils and soy wax.

Essential Oils to Use:

• Citronella

• Lemongrass

• Peppermint

• Eucalyptus

• Lavender

Basic How-To:
Melt soy wax, mix in a few drops of your chosen essential oils, pour into a container with a wick, and let cool. Burn during outdoor dinners or garden parties.

Style Tip: Pour into recycled mugs or teacups for vintage charm that matches your cottagecore aesthetic.

4. 🍃 Herbal Sachets + Bundles

Think of these like potpourri with a purpose. These simple bundles of herbs are easy to hang around outdoor spaces or even wear if you're feeling extra folksy.

Effective Herbs Include:

• Bay leaves

• Lavender

• Rosemary

• Basil

• Mint

How To Make:
Tie bundles of herbs with twine and hang near doorways, windows, or pergolas. Or place them in breathable cloth sachets to toss in picnic baskets, glove compartments, or garden tool sheds.

Garden Bonus: These herbs grow beautifully in pots or beds in your NC garden, giving you an endless supply of fly-repelling goodness. I grow all of these in my edible beds too, another win-win!

5. 🧴 DIY Vinegar Fly Spray

For when you need to go full beast mode on a fly invasion, this DIY spray has your back.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup apple cider vinegar

• 1 cup water

• 1 tsp dish soap

• 10–20 drops of essential oils (peppermint, eucalyptus, citronella)

Directions:
Mix in a spray bottle and shake well. Spray around trash bins, outdoor seating, and near doorways. Flies? Gone.

Caution: Don’t spray directly on plants you plan to eat or around pets—test in small areas first.

6. 🥤 Old-School Fly Trap (With a Twist)

Nothing fancy, but very effective.

Supplies:

• A mason jar or empty plastic bottle

• Apple cider vinegar

• A drop of dish soap

• Plastic wrap or paper funnel

How It Works:
The vinegar lures them in, the soap traps them, and the setup keeps your space fly-free. Place these out of reach of pets or kids. If I ever get flies in my kitchen, this is my go to solution! It really works well.

Modern Touch: Wrap the outside of your trap with kraft paper and a cute label for a rustic farmhouse feel (yes, even fly traps can be cute).

7. 🌞 Set the Mood with Citronella Torches

We’re not saying go full tiki bar, but placing citronella torches or outdoor incense around your garden can make a major difference.

Placement Matters: Create a perimeter of torches around your seating area or patio for max coverage.

Pro Tip: Pair with your favorite iced beverage and that new gardening book you’ve been meaning to start.

Final Thoughts: No More Buzzkill

Your NC garden should be your sanctuary, not a hangout for winged pests. These DIY fly repellents—from native plants to homemade sprays and candles—are easy to make, super effective, and way better than dousing your space with chemical sprays.

Bonus? Most of these ideas double as decor. Your garden will look great, smell amazing, and give flies every reason to buzz off.