Home Remedy for Flies on Vegetable Plants

Keep flies away from your vegetables.

If you have a vegetable garden, it will have flies. Short of encasing the growing space in solid plastic or glass, there is no way to avoid them. While some flies are beneficial, others can be destructive. This is especially true when it comes to the larvae.

Types

Some flies are sap-feeding and not considered true flies, such as whiteflies and mites. Still, these tiny flying critters are a nuisance and can seriously damage a plant. True flies that damage vegetables include the larvae of cabbage, pepper and seedcorn flies. While the adult flies won't damage the vegetables, the maggots will, so it's best to keep the adult flies away from the plants so they will lay their eggs elsewhere.

Prevention/Solution

Prevent flies from being attracted to your vegetable plants. Make sure compost piles or open trash containers are nearby. Basil, garlic and tansy will repel flies and other insect pests. Consider planting these herbs around your vegetables.

Treatment

Spray infested vegetable plants with a homemade, non-toxic repellent. The smell will keep the flies (especially whiteflies) away from the vegetables. Combine 3 oz. of minced garlic with 1 oz. of mineral oil. Let the mixture sit for one day, and then strain it. In a different container, combine 1 tsp. fish emulsion and 1 tbsp. castile soap with 16 oz. water. Slowly add in the garlic oil. Store in a covered container. Scoop out 2 tbsp. of the solution and dilute it with 1 pint water. Place in a spray bottle for use. Spray vegetables when temperatures are less than 80 degrees Fahrenheit.

References

• Cornell University: Companion Planting
• North Carolina State University: Flies
• GH Organics: Insect Treatments