6 Effective Ways To Use Cloves To Keep Flies Away

Cloves, derived from the flower buds of the clove tree, are commonly used as a spice in various cuisines and have powerful insect-repellent properties. Flies are deterred by the strong scent of cloves, making them an effective remedy against these pesky insects.

In this article, we’ll explore why cloves work as a natural fly repellent and delve into six creative ways to utilize them around your home. From incorporating citrus scents to maximizing indoor and outdoor use, you can make the most out of this potent natural remedy to keep your space fly-free.

So let’s dive into the world of cloves and discover how using them can be an effective and eco-friendly solution against flies, while also keeping your living environment chemical-free.

Understanding the Power of Cloves Against Flies

Cloves are more than just a spice; they’re nature’s secret weapon against pesky flies! Native to Indonesia, cloves (Syzygium aromaticum) are one of the richest sources of phenolic compounds, which make them an excellent natural repellent for flies and other insects.

The potent scent of cloves can be attributed to the presence of essential oils, especially clove oil, that’s both an annoyance and a deterrent to flies. An article from the Macedonian Journal of Medical Sciences backs this up with a study on flies exposed to clove extract. They found that at a 25%-30% concentration of clove extract over a 60-minute period, flies were repelled by 100% in an outdoor setting.

So, what makes cloves so efficient in keeping flies at bay? The secret lies in the clove oil’s chemical components, such as eugenol and caryophyllene, which are known to have insecticidal and repellent properties. Flies simply cannot stand the strong aroma of cloves, making them an effective, eco-friendly alternative to chemical insecticides.

6 Ways To Use Cloves To Repel Flies

Now, you’re probably wondering how to harness the power of cloves in your quest to create a fly-free oasis in your home. There are a variety of ways to use this remarkable spice to repel those pesky flies:

1. whole cloves: Simply insert whole cloves into pieces of fruit or citrus peels, and place them around your living spaces. SPICE TRAIN’s Handpicked Cloves Whole is a great option to place in the center of a citrus fruit!
2. clove-infused sachets: Fill small mesh bags with cloves and hang them wherever flies tend to gather. They’ll detest the strong aroma and steer clear.
3. clove essential oil: Create a DIY fly spray by combining a few drops of clove oil, water, and a squirt of natural dish soap. Mist the scented solution around your home, and flies will be sent packing. Try Nexon Botanics’s Organic Clove Essential Oil for this method.
4. add cloves to candles: Incorporate cloves into unscented candles to create flying insect-repelling candles that you can strategically place around your home.
5. clove-infused cotton balls: Dab some clove oil onto cotton balls and place them in strategic locations. The potent scent will deter flies from trying to get too close for comfort.
6. make your own clove potpourri: Combine dried cloves, cinnamon sticks, orange peels, and other aromatic ingredients. Display the potpourri in decorative jars around your home.

Remember – no method is too big or small when it comes to keeping your home fly-free. So, go ahead and embrace the power of cloves for a natural, unharmed way to keep those annoying insects away.

Preparing Your Clove-Based Fly Repellent

Materials Needed

Here’s your checklist for the clove-based fly repellent:

• Whole cloves
• Peppermint Oil
• Lavender Oil
• Eucalyptus Oil
• Cinnamon
• Dish Soap
• White Vinegar
• Bowl

Instructions

1. Combine ingredients: In a bowl, mix 1/4 cup of white vinegar, 2 teaspoons of dish soap, 10 drops of peppermint oil, 10 drops of lavender oil, and 10 drops of eucalyptus oil. Stir the mixture well.
2. Crush the cloves: Put a handful of whole cloves into a plastic bag and gently crush them using a rolling pin. Crushed cloves release their natural oils, which help repel flies more effectively.
3. Add crushed cloves: Add the crushed cloves to the liquid mixture in the bowl. Mix well to ensure the cloves are evenly distributed.
4. Incorporate cinnamon: Add 1 teaspoon of cinnamon to the mixture and stir well. Cinnamon adds a pleasant scent and improves the repellent’s efficacy.
5. Apply the repellent: Dip a cloth or sponge in the mixture and apply it to the areas of your home where flies tend to gather. Be sure to reapply the repellent regularly, as its effectiveness may decrease over time.

Remember, by using this clove-based fly repellent, you’re choosing a natural and eco-friendly solution to keep those pesky flies at bay!

Using Different Types of Cloves To Repel Flies

Increasing Efficacy with Additional Ingredients

Adding additional ingredients can enhance the efficacy of cloves! When using clove oil, mix it with other essential oils like eucalyptus, lavender, or lemongrass, and dilute the mixture with water. You can then spray it around the house to create a powerful repellent barrier.

Take your whole cloves and insert them into fruits like oranges, lemons, or apples to create a fragrant, beautiful centerpiece filled with repellent properties. The combination of citrus scents with cloves will increase the chances of keeping flies at bay.

When using dried cloves, you can get creative! Create little sachet bags with breathable fabric, fill them with cloves and other aromatic herbs such as rosemary, basil, or lavender, and hang them around your home.

Here are a few more clever ways to use the different types of cloves to repel flies:

Type of Clove	Ways to Use	Description
Whole Cloves	1. Place near windows and doors	Simply place a handful of whole cloves in a small dish or sachet near windows and doors to deter flies from entering your home.
	2. Create a hanging pomander	Take an orange or lemon and stud it with whole cloves, then tie a ribbon around it and hang it in your kitchen or other fly-prone areas. The scent of the cloves will repel flies and also add a pleasant aroma to the room.
Clove Essential Oil	1. Diffuse in a room	Add a few drops of clove essential oil to a diffuser and let it run in a room to repel flies. The scent will permeate the air and discourage flies from entering the space.
	2. Mix with water	Mix a few drops of clove essential oil with water in a spray bottle and use it to mist fly-prone areas like kitchen counters and trash cans. You can also use this mixture to wipe down surfaces to repel flies.
Powdered Clove	1. Sprinkle in outdoor areas	Sprinkle powdered clove around outdoor areas like patios and picnic tables to repel flies. The scent will discourage flies from landing and sticking around.
	2. Mix with sugar water	Mix powdered clove with sugar water and place it in a shallow dish or jar with a lid. The sweet scent of the sugar will attract flies, but the clove will repel them. This trap can be placed in areas where flies are a problem, such as near garbage cans or compost bins.

Whether you opt for clove oil, dried cloves, or whole cloves, remember that using additional ingredients can elevate their effectiveness in repelling flies.

Incorporating Citrus Scents

Citrus scents, such as those from lemon, orange, and lemongrass, have long been known for their ability to repel flies and other insects. One reason for this is that many flying pests find the strong scent of citrus repellent.

In this section, we’ll explore some ways to incorporate citrus scents into your home to keep flies at bay.

The Power of Citrus Peels

You can harness the power of citrus by simply using the peels of lemons and oranges. Place the peels around your home, especially in areas where flies tend to congregate. The strong smell emitted by the peels will help to deter flies.

Citronella: More Than Just Candles

Citronella is not only found in candles but also as a potent essential oil. You can add a few drops of SVA ORGANICS Citronella Essential Oil to a diffuser or mix it with water in a spray bottle. Spray it around your home or diffuse it to create a citrusy barrier against flies.

Lemongrass: A Natural Alternative

Lemongrass is another plant known for its strong citrus scent. It can be planted in your garden or kept in pots near entryways, windows, and other fly-prone areas. Additionally, you can use lemongrass essential oil in a diffuser or as a spray, just like citronella.

A Winning Combo: Citrus and Cloves

A fantastic combination for repelling flies is mixing citrus scents with cloves. For example, you can create a simple repellent by inserting cloves into a halved lemon. Place these around your home to create a dual-scented barrier against flies.

Apple Cider Vinegar: Adding a Tart Twist

Mix a small amount of apple cider vinegar with citrus peels, cloves, and water in a spray bottle. This concoction can be sprayed around your home or even outside in your garden to provide an effective, natural repellent against flies.

Citrus scents, when used effectively, can provide a refreshing, natural alternative to chemical fly repellents. By incorporating lemons, oranges, citronella, and lemongrass in various forms, you can significantly reduce the number of flies in and around your home.

Maximizing Indoor and Outdoor Use Of Cloves To Repel Fly

Indoor Application

Cloves are natural and effective at repelling house flies indoors. Place whole cloves in small dishes or sachets and strategically place them near doors and windows.

Another option is to make a cloves-infused spray. Here’s a simple recipe:

1. Boil 1 cup of water and add 15-20 whole cloves.
2. Let it simmer for 15 minutes.
3. Allow the mixture to cool, then strain it and pour it into a spray bottle.

Use the spray on window sills, doorways, or directly on flies! You can also stick cloves into fruits like oranges, lemons, or apples for an aesthetically pleasing and functional centerpiece!

Outdoor Application

To keep flies away from your outdoor spaces, such as the garden and patio, consider hanging cloves-infused bags around the area. Make small sachets using thin fabric and fill them with a mix of whole cloves and dried herbs (such as rosemary or mint) to repel flies.

Create a clove oil outdoor spray to keep house flies at bay in your garden:

1. Mix 20-25 drops of clove essential oil with 4 oz of water in a spray bottle.
2. Shake well before every use.

Spray your garden plants, fences, or outdoor furniture to deter house flies. Remember to reapply after rain or excessive watering.

Using cloves in both indoor and outdoor applications will help you keep house flies away naturally and effectively!

Preventing Future Fly Infestations

In addition to using cloves, maintaining a clean home is key to preventing future infestations of flies and other pests. Regularly clean surfaces, dispose of trash promptly, and store food in sealed containers to minimize access to food, bacteria, and breeding grounds for flies.

Remember to also check for potential breeding sites, like standing water or rotting fruit, where pests like mosquitoes and fruit flies might lay their eggs.

If you’ve tried natural methods and still can’t seem to get rid of your fly problem, consider reaching out to a pest professional. Pest experts can identify why flies are coming around and suggest ways to keep them away. You can use our nationwide pest control finder to connect with a local pest professional.

Understanding Common Misconceptions About Fly Repellents

When it comes to repelling flies, it’s easy to get lost in a sea of misconceptions and confusion. Many people turn to ineffective or even harmful methods in their quest for a fly-free home.

Now, you might recall some classic fly-fighting methods—fly swatters, screens, and rubber bands. While these are great for a quick solution, they don’t address the root of the problem. Enter cloves: a natural, long-term fly repellent that helps keep your home fly-free and fresh-scented.

In comparison to harmful poisons, cloves are a safer option for your family and the environment. Plus, they avoid the unsightly mess of squashed flies that comes with swatters and rubber bands.

It’s also crucial to remember that cleanliness is key in fighting flies. Cooking and storing food properly will help minimize their interest in invading your space. So keep your kitchen tidy, store food in sealed containers, and maintain proper hygiene.

That’s A Wrap!

Cloves are a fantastic natural solution for keeping flies away. You can use their strong aroma and active compounds to repel these pesky insects! Let’s recap the role of cloves in fly control and six creative ways to use them.

Flies don’t like the scent of cloves, mainly due to the presence of a chemical compound called eugenol, which has a strong and distinctive aroma. Eugenol has demonstrated insecticidal and repellent properties, making cloves an effective and eco-friendly solution.

To review, here are Six Creative Ways to Keep Flies Away with Cloves:

1. Cloves Studded Oranges: Create a visually appealing and fragrant centerpiece with oranges and cloves by studding the fruit with whole cloves, like beautiful decorative pins!
2. Cloves & Essential Oils: Combine clove essential oil with water in a spray bottle and spritz around your home to keep flies away.
3. Cloves & Sandy Jars: Placing whole cloves in small jars filled with sand allows the cloves to release their scent into the air more effectively, acting as a natural fly repellent.
4. Cloves & Candleholders: Sprinkle whole cloves around a candle, and as it burns, it will warm up the cloves, releasing their fly-repelling aroma.
5. Cloves & Decorative Sachets: Fill small fabric sachets with whole cloves and hang them near windows or doors to keep flies at bay.
6. Cloves in a Bowl: Simple but effective, placing a bowl filled with whole cloves near doors and windows can serve as an excellent barrier to keep flies away.

Using cloves to keep flies away is a natural, chemical-free, and effective method that can be easily incorporated into your home environment. It’s economical, environmentally friendly, and offers additional benefits with their delightful and inviting aroma, making your home that much more pleasant!

So, go ahead and put cloves to work in your fly-fighting arsenal!