5 Best Candle Scents To Help Keep Flies Away

When summer rolls around, flies are a constant bother both indoors and out. Believe it or not, these little winged nuisances can be deterred by the strategic use of fragrant candles. This article will shed light on how candle scents can effectively repel flies and offer creative ways to incorporate them into your home.

Flies have a keen sense of smell, making them sensitive to certain scents. The use of specific candle scents can create a distasteful environment for flies, influencing them to move away from the area. This approach repels these pests without the use of harmful chemicals or traditional fly traps.

Whether you choose to use commercial repellents or create your own candle scents, understanding the scents that flies dislike and utilizing them in various ways can make a significant difference in maintaining a fly-free home.

Understanding Flies and Their Sensitivity to Candle Scents

Flies are pesky creatures that rely on their senses to survive and locate food sources. These insects congregate near decaying organic matter, which they can easily locate because of their acute sense of smell.

When it comes to repelling flies with candle scents, it’s about understanding which fragrances can deter these pests most effectively.

Flies have a strong aversion to certain scented candles, which can disrupt their senses and make them less likely to come near your home. An article from the American Mosquito Control Convention found that candles containing the scent of geraniol (commonly found in citronella, lavender, and many other essential oils) were 69.8% effective at repelling flies.

Who knew a simple thing like lighting a candle could be so effective?

To create an unwelcoming environment for flies, select candles with scents that are known to irritate their senses. Some popular fly-repelling candle scents include citronella, eucalyptus, and peppermint. Placing these candles strategically throughout your property can help keep flies away.

Here’s a list of ways you can use scented candles effectively to repel flies:

1. Place a citronella candle near your doorway to prevent flies from entering your home.
2. Burn a peppermint-scented candle in your kitchen to deter them from food areas.
3. Keep an eucalyptus candle near trash cans to mask odors that attract flies.
4. Set up scented candles around your outdoor seating area when hosting a gathering.
5. Position fly-deterring candles near windows to create a barrier between your home and the outdoors.

In summary, it’s all about understanding how flies rely on their sense of smell to survive and congregate. By using scented candles, you can create an environment that they find unpleasant, naturally keeping them at bay.

Natural Candle Scents That Repel Flies

In this section, we will discuss why these scents work and explore some creative ways to use them.

Mint and Its Varieties

Mint, especially peppermint, is an effective scent in repelling flies. The strong aroma of mint, including varieties like spearmint, overwhelms the flies’ sense of smell, making it difficult for them to locate and identify food sources.

You can create your own mint-scented candles by adding a few drops of peppermint oil to the wax during the candle-making process. DINGPAI’s Candle Making Kit is a great place to start to make your own fly-repelling peppermint candle!

Alternatively, you can purchase ready-made mint-flavored candles like Essential Elements Scented Candles, Eucalyptus & Mint Leaf and place them strategically around your home, especially near windows and food sources.

Citrus-Based Scents

Flies don’t appreciate the refreshing scents of citrus fruits like lemon or orange. Use citrus-scented candles to deter these pesky insects from your living space.

• Make a DIY lemon-scented candle by using lemon essential oil in your candle-making process. HBNO Lemon Essential Oil is my go-to!
• Combine with other citrus essential oils, such as orange or grapefruit, for added effectiveness.
• Place citrus candles in areas where fruits and vegetables are stored, as one creative way to keep flies away.

Herb-Derived Scents

There are other herbs aside from mint that can effectively repel flies. Lavender, eucalyptus, clove, rosemary, cinnamon, and thyme are among these potent scents. The volatile compounds present in these herbs have strong odors that deter flies and other insects.

Create a natural defense against flies by:

• Mixing the essential oils of lavender, eucalyptus, clove, rosemary, cinnamon, and thyme with the wax in your homemade candles.
• Experimenting with various combinations of these herb-derived scents.
• Strategically placing these candles around your home.

Remember, using natural candle scents to repel flies is an environmentally friendly option that helps you maintain a pest-free home.

Repel Flies With Commercial Candle Repellents

When it comes to keeping flies away, a few scents are all the rage. In this section, we’ll explore two popular options: citronella and specific fly-repellent candles.

Citronella Candles

Citronella oil is the star ingredient in these candles, derived from the citronella plant. It’s a common natural repellent against flies and other insects. However, real citronella oil may provide better protection than the candles themselves. SVA ORGANICS Citronella Essential Oil can be used in a variety of ways to repel flies, including making your own candles.

In order to make the most out of citronella oil, try these tips instead:

• Plant citronella plants around your backyard to deter flies.
• Apply citronella essential oil on surfaces or create your own spray by mixing the oil with water.
• Create a DIY citronella oil-infused candle for better results.

Fly Repellent Candles

When it comes to fly-repellent candles, certain scents that flies hate can work wonders. Some of these scents include lavender, eucalyptus, mint, and lemongrass. Fly-repellent candles often incorporate one or more of these ingredients, providing a natural way to deter flies.

Here are a few creative ways to use fly-repellent candles:

1. Arrange multiple candles in key areas to create a protective barrier against flies.
2. Combine scents for added efficiency (e.g., lavender and eucalyptus, mint, and lemongrass).
3. Incorporate a decorative fly repellent candle centerpiece to both deter flies and set a pleasant ambiance.

When choosing a fly repellent candle, it’s essential to read the product information carefully to ensure they contain the scents and properties needed to effectively repel flies. Lulu Candles Wild Lemongrass contains the powerful scent of lemongrass, a close cousin to citronella! 

Creating Homemade Fly Repellents

Essential Oil Mixes

Turn to essential oils for a fly-repelling scent that’s pleasant for you and irritating to those pesky insects! Some of the most potent essential oils for keeping flies away include lavender oil, tea tree oil, and lemongrass. Here’s a recipe you can try:

1. Combine 10 drops of lavender oil, 10 drops of tea tree oil, and 10 drops of lemongrass oil in a spray bottle.
2. Fill the bottle with water, leaving room for the oil mixture.
3. Shake well before spraying on surfaces or adding to candles.

This essential oil mix can create an effective barrier against flies when added to candles or diffused in your oil burner.

Vinegar-Based Traps

Vinegar, especially apple cider vinegar, is an excellent natural fly repellent. Both apple cider and white vinegar can create traps that lure flies to their doom! Here’s a simple vinegar trap recipe:

• Fill a shallow dish with apple cider vinegar or white vinegar.
• Add a few drops of dish soap to break the surface tension.
• Cover the dish with plastic wrap and poke small holes on top.
• Place it near the problematic fly areas.

Flies will be attracted to the vinegar, but once inside, they’ll be unable to escape! Remember, consistency is key.

Herb and Spice Infused Water

Some herbs and spices are natural fly repellents, so why not combine them with water in candles to create your own aromatic fly repellent? Basil, clove, rosemary, cinnamon, marigold, and cayenne pepper are among the options.

Here’s how you can create your own herb-infused fly repellent water:

1. Boil one cup of water.
2. Add one tablespoon each of your chosen herbs or spices (e.g., basil, clove, rosemary, or marigold).
3. Allow the mixture to steep for 10-15 minutes.
4. Once cooled, strain the infusion into a spray bottle or add it to your candle mixtures.

This simple yet effective infused water can be used to keep your home fly-free and smelling great at the same time! Don’t forget to experiment with different herb and spice combinations to find the most effective scents for your specific fly problem.

Fly-Repellent Plant Options for Outdoor Spaces

Here are a few plants that are known to repel flies. Consider planting these around your property and garden to keep those pesky winged insects away!

Sure, here’s a table of plants that can help deter flies:

Plant Name	Why Flies Don’t Like It	Best Place to Plant
Basil	The strong aroma of basil repels flies	Plant in full sun, in well-draining soil
Lavender	The fragrant scent of lavender is disliked by flies	Plant in full sun, in well-draining soil
Mint	The strong smell of mint is unpleasant to flies	Plant in partial shade, in moist soil
Marigold	The scent of marigold is disliked by flies	Plant in full sun, in well-draining soil
Rosemary	The strong aroma of rosemary repels flies	Plant in full sun, in well-draining soil
Citronella	The scent of citronella is known to repel flies and other insects	Plant in full sun, in well-draining soil
Geranium	The scent of geranium is unpleasant to flies	Plant in full sun, in well-draining soil

It’s important to note that while these plants can help deter flies, they may not completely eliminate them. Additionally, the best place to plant these plants may vary depending on your specific climate and growing conditions.

It’s always a good idea to do some research on the specific plant’s growth requirements before planting. Now, let’s get into the details below!

Basil Plants

Basil plants are a highly effective, natural method of repelling flies in your outdoor space. Flies despise the scent of basil, which makes it a perfect addition to your garden or patio.

You can plant basil in pots or directly into the ground, and its pleasant aroma will serve double duty, keeping flies at bay while also providing fresh herbs for your culinary adventures!

Citronella Plants

You may be familiar with citronella candles, but did you know that there are actual citronella plants? These grassy plants produce a citrusy aroma that is unpleasant to flies and other insects.

For best results, place these plants in areas with ample sunlight, as they require good light and consistent temperatures to thrive. Combine citronella plants with citronella-scented candles for an even more potent fly-repelling outdoor space!

Marigold and Geranium

Looking for flowering plants that can help dissuade flies from invading your outdoor sanctuary? Look no further than marigolds and geraniums. These visually appealing flowers emit scents that flies find disagreeable, making them an ideal choice for a functional addition to the garden.

• Marigolds: These sturdy, easy-to-grow flowers boast a fragrance that naturally repels flies, mosquitoes, and even rabbits! Plant them around the perimeters of your outdoor space to create a fly-deterring barrier.
• Geraniums: Scented geraniums, in particular, offer an intriguing range of fragrances – from lemon to rose, peppermint to chocolate mint – all of which can help to keep flies at bay. Plus, their striking leaves and colorful blooms make them an attractive choice for any garden or patio.

Whether you opt for basil, citronella, marigold, or geranium plants, incorporating these scented plants into your outdoor space will not only enhance its beauty but also serve as a natural, effective way to fend off pesky flies.

How To Use Fly Repellent Candles

Flies can be a real nuisance indoors and outdoors. Using candle scents as a natural method to repel them can be an effective and pleasant solution. In this section, we’ll discuss various ways of using candle scents to keep those annoying flies away.

Indoor Use

• Lavender and Eucalyptus oil candles: Burning candles with lavender or eucalyptus oil is a great way to keep flies away from your home. Flies dislike the scent of these oils, making them effective repellents. Place the candles strategically around your home, focusing on areas where flies are commonly found, such as near windows and doors.
• Citronella candles: Another option for indoor use is citronella candles. Citronella oil, derived from a type of lemongrass, has been used for centuries as a natural insect repellent. The strong scent of citronella candles can effectively deter flies from entering your home.
• DIY scented candles: Customize your fly-repellent candles by creating your own scented candles with essential oils known to repel flies. Some effective choices include lemongrass, basil, rosemary, and peppermint essential oils. Mix and match these essential oils to create unique, pleasant scents that will deter flies and enhance your home’s ambiance.

Garden and Outdoor Use

• Scented plant barrier: Make use of Mother Nature’s offerings by peppering your garden and outdoor space with plants that have natural fly-repelling properties. Some popular choices include lavender, marigolds, and basil. These plants not only emit a scent that flies dislike but also add color and texture to your outdoor space!
• Citronella torches: For a stronger fly-repellent scent in outdoor areas, consider using citronella torches. Citronella torches emit a continuous flow of citronella-infused smoke, which helps to ward off flies from porches, patios, and backyards.
• Scented floating candles: Hosting an outdoor party by the pool? Keep flies at bay by using scented floating candles that repel flies. Lemon, eucalyptus, or lavender-scented candles can be an excellent choice for a fly-free, enjoyable outdoor event.

Remember, using candle scents to keep flies away can be a delightful and natural solution. However, it may not solve all of your fly problems. If you have a serious fly infestation, it may be time to call in the professionals.

Our nationwide pest control finder can help you connect with a local pest expert. They can identify where flies are coming from, why they’re attracted to your home, and how you can keep them away.

That’s A Wrap!

Candle scents can be an effective natural method to keep flies away from your living space. They work because flies dislike certain fragrances that are pleasant to humans. So, why not make the most of these fragrances to repel pests?

Let’s review all the different ways to use scented candles to repel flies:

One creative way to use them is to combine different scented candles in various parts of your home. This will not only create a pleasant aroma but also provide a powerful fly deterrent. Another fantastic method to utilize scented candles is by placing them near your outdoor seating areas.

Additionally, you can place scented candles around the perimeter of your property, to create an invisible barrier that flies find unappealing. For a more effective method, try using candles with essential oils like citronella or eucalyptus. These oils have well-known fly-repelling properties!

Considering decorative options like scented floating candles in a water feature is another great way to enhance your outdoor space while keeping flies away. Another idea is to replace regular candles in lanterns with scented ones to make the most out of your home decoration.

In summary, scented candles offer a versatile and aesthetically pleasing solution for repelling flies naturally. With a wide array of scents and creative uses, you can make your home and outdoor areas more enjoyable without resorting to harsh chemicals. Keep experimenting with various fragrances and placements to discover the most effective combination for your fly-repelling needs!