The Fascinating World of Fly-Attracting and Repelling Plants

Fly control in and around your home is a common challenge, and there are several plants that can help with this. While some plants like thyme attract beneficial insects, they can also repel certain pests. Others, such as sweet alyssum and marigolds, attract flies due to their strong or “rotten” scents. In this article, we explore the science behind these plants and how they can be used to either repel or attract flies.

Plants That Repel Flies

Basil

Basil is a well-known kitchen herb with a strong scent that is particularly effective at repelling houseflies and mosquitoes. Its aromatic compounds can create a natural barrier, making it a great addition to your garden for fly control.

Lavender

The fragrant lavender is renowned for its ability to deter flies and other pests. The essential oils in lavender act as a natural repellent, making it a valuable plant for keeping flies at bay.

Mint

With its strong aroma, mint plants can repel flies. They are perfect for planting around your home to create a natural barrier against these pests. Use mint as a decoration or in your cooking to enjoy both the benefits and the pleasant scent.

Rosmarinus officinalis (Rosemary)

Rosemary is another herb that can help keep flies away, especially when used in cooking or as an essential oil. Its aromatic properties make it an excellent choice for repelling flies naturally.

Plants That Attract Flies

Thyme

While thyme is often associated with attracting beneficial insects, it can also attract some flies. This is due to the sweet scent that can be mistaken for a food source by flies.

Sweet Alyssum

Parasitoid hoverflies, which feed on pests like aphids, are attracted to sweet alyssum. While it does attract flies, their beneficial effects outweigh the potential problems. Incorporating sweet alyssum into your garden can help control harmful aphid populations.

Marigolds

While primarily used for pest control, marigolds can also attract certain types of flies and pollinators. These flowers contain compounds that can deter harmful pests but may also attract beneficial insects and flies.

Other Considerations for Fly Attraction and Repulsion

It's worth noting that many plants, including members of the Asteraceae family such as shasta daisies, marigolds, and chrysanthemums, can attract flies due to their scent, which can be either sweet or reminiscent of rotting matter.

A variety of flies, approximately 1 million species, exist. Most flies do not feed on waste, carrion, or blood; instead, they prefer to feed on fruits or flowers. However, house flies are particularly attracted to scents that are associated with rotting matter, such as those emitted by certain Euonymus japonicus and Stapelia flowers.

Conclusion

If you are looking to repel flies, planting basil, lavender, mint, or rosemary can be effective. For those interested in attracting beneficial insects, thyme, sweet alyssum, and marigolds can be good choices. By understanding the unique properties of these plants, you can create a more fly-resistant environment while also promoting a healthy ecosystem.