Flies rank among the most annoying household pests, particularly when the weather warms up. Beyond being a nuisance, they can carry germs and contaminate food. The good news is you don’t have to rely on expensive chemicals or toxic sprays to keep them away. With a few common pantry items you likely already have, you can make an inexpensive, natural, and highly effective repellent.
Ingredients:
500 ml of water
2 tablespoons baking soda
½ cup white vinegar
2 tablespoons fabric softener
Preparation — step by step
Mix the liquids:
Into a spray bottle, pour the 500 ml of water and the ½ cup of white vinegar. The vinegar helps disinfect surfaces and neutralize odors that typically attract flies.
Add the baking soda:
Slowly stir in the 2 tablespoons of baking soda. This ingredient works as a neutralizer and boosts the cleaning and repellent properties of the vinegar.
Add the fabric softener:
Finally, pour in the 2 tablespoons of fabric softener. Besides giving a pleasant scent, its lingering fragrance helps deter flies.
Shake the mixture well:
Tighten the bottle and shake gently until everything is evenly combined.
How to use:
Spray the solution in areas where flies usually gather: the kitchen, dining area, windowsills, and near trash cans. You can also mist curtains, upholstery, and door frames sparingly to avoid possible staining.
Additional tips
Don’t leave food scraps exposed, as their smell draws flies. Replace the mixture every week to keep it effective; vinegar and baking soda lose potency over time. If you want a scent that’s more natural and free of synthetic fragrances, swap the fabric softener for essential oils such as lavender, citronella, eucalyptus, or peppermint. As an extra aromatic barrier, place lemon slices studded with cloves where flies are most common. Use this same solution to wipe surfaces: it will repel insects while helping remove bacteria and unpleasant odors.
With this easy homemade repellent you can maintain a fly-free home naturally and safely, avoiding harsh chemicals that can harm your health or the environment.
