How to Repel Flies Naturally

Flies are common insects found in and around campsites. Beyond being nuisances, flies breed in fecal material, and carry bacteria and viruses that can infect humans. In addition, some fly species even cause painful bites. Learn to repel flies naturally from your campsite and ward off these unsanitary pests in a safe and natural way.

Things You'll Need

• Bug tents or protective netting
• Strips of fabric
• Essential oils
• Natural insect repellent
• Citronella-scented torches or candles
• Paper bags
• Scissors
• 1/2 cup of corn syrup
• 1 cup of sugar
• Spatula
• Bowl

Instructions

1. Eliminate food and pet waste in and around your campsite. Animal feces, rotting foods and other organic wastes attract flies. Repel flies naturally when you eliminate the things they like. Place all food waste in bags or sealed containers. Remove any animal feces and animal carcasses found in and around your campsite.

2. Use bug tents and protective netting. Repel flies naturally with a physical barrier. There are many forms of protective bug tents widely available at your local sporting goods stores. Enclose your campsite with protective netting to keep flies away from you.

3. Make natural fly repellent strips. Many essential oils are naturally effective at repelling flies. Some of these include, citronella, peppermint, eucalyptus, lemongrass and lavender. Cut several strips of fabric from old clothing. Dot each strip with several drops of your essential oil of choice. Hang the strips around the perimeter of your campsite to repel flies and a host of other insects.

4. Try natural insect repellents. There are many natural insect repellents available that do not contain harmful chemicals. Naturapel and Bug-Off are two popular varieties that are completely natural and 100 percent deet-free. Apply the natural repellent to your camp gear as well as your clothing every few hours.

5. Burn citronella scented torches and candles around your campsite. Citronella is a known natural repellent of mosquitoes as well as flies. Place several citronella tiki torches around the perimeter of your campsite to repel flies. Keep them burning as long as you are near your campsite.

6. Hang homemade fly paper around the perimeter of your campsite. Cut paper bags into 4-inch-long strips. Mix together 1/2 cup of corn syrup and 1 cup of sugar in a bowl. Spread a thin layer of the mixture over the surface of the paper bag strips, using a spatula. Hang the homemade fly paper from trees found around the perimeter of your campsite. The homemade fly paper attracts the flies and keeps them from entering your campsite.

Tips & Warnings

• Keep your tent sealed at all times, except when you enter and exit it. Leaving your tent open exposes you to flies and many other insects.

• Spiders are known fly predators. Resist the urge to kill spiders that you encounter while camping. Most spiders are not harmful to humans and are helpful in controlling the fly population.