9 Plants That Repel Flies From Your Garden

Basil

Basil has beautiful, glossy green leaves and a wonderful fragrance. It’s one of the world’s most popular culinary herbs—and a beloved plant to grow. Basil's strong aroma can repel flies while attracting beneficial insects like butterflies.

• Zones: Annual, although it may overwinter in zones 10 to 11
• Mature size: 12 to 24 inches tall x 12 to 24 inches wide
• Care requirements: Well-drained soil; full sun; likes containers
  

Bay Laurel

With the potential to become a small tree but typically trimmed into a nice shrub, bay laurel is an attractive plant for your garden, and the leaves are often added to stews and soups. Since you can control the size, many gardeners grow bay in pots and move the plant indoors as the seasons require. "Dried herbs sitting outdoors in containers on the deck are said to repel flies," says Dr. Allan Armitage, professor emeritus of horticulture at the University of Georgia, "[but] freshly cut herbs (bay, basil, lavender) seem to be a little more effective."

• Zones: 8 to 10
• Mature size: When kept trimmed, about 6 to 10 feet tall x roughly 5 feet wide
• Care requirements: Partial or full sun; well-drained soil
  

Lavender

Lavender is found in many lovely shades, including pink, purple, and white, and it boasts quite a useful working résumé to boot. Lavender is often used for cosmetic, medicinal, and craft purposes. The fragrance is used in perfumes, and the herbal odor can also discourage insects. There are several varieties. "Lavender is VERY region-specific," says Jacqueline A. Soule, Ph.D., author of 17 books, including Southwest Fruit & Vegetable Gardening.

"In the hotter areas, English lavender (Lavendula angustifolia) will not survive; you should grow Spanish, Roman, or French lavender (Lavandula stoechas, L. pedunculata, and L. dentata). Of course, if you live in the desert Southwest, you can grow the gorgeous native desert lavender (Condea emoryi)."

• Zones: 5 to 9
• Mature size: 12 to 30 inches tall x 24 to 36 inches wide
• Care requirements: Well-drained soil; full sun
  

Rosemary

Rosemary has plenty of potential as a cooking herb—you’ll find it used to add flavor to proteins like beef, poultry, and seafood, but also dairy products like cheeses and starches like potatoes. The plant's wonderful scent adds charm to the garden and keeps flies away. It’s also beneficial as an attractor of useful species. "Rosemary is a great pollinator plant," says Soule. "In my garden, it attracts several species of native bees, honey bees, and hummingbirds," she says, adding that it’s interesting to note how the pollinators overcome the repelling oils in pursuit of the nectar. Rosemary is part of the mint family, but it looks like a tiny evergreen tree. 

• Zones: 7 to 8, or grown as an annual 
• Mature size: 36 inches tall x 36 to 48 inches wide
• Care requirements: Moist soil; full sun
  

Lemongrass

Lemongrass is closely related to the plant that gives us citronella oil, which is used in natural insect repellents and similar products like candles. Lemongrass is grown primarily for its uses in cooking. Take care to avoid freezes, though. "Lemongrass is not pleased with freezing," says Soule. "Go much below 26 degrees Fahrenheit, and you may lose it."

• Zones: 8 and up, otherwise annual
• Mature size: 36 inches tall x 72 inches wide
• Care requirements: Well-drained soil; full sun
  

Scented Geranium

These delightful flowering herbs emit their fragrance from oils in their leaves, especially when the leaves come into contact with something, so it’s a fun addition to the garden. Besides repelling flies, the fragrance can also act as a decent mosquito repellent. It should be noted that scented geraniums are slightly toxic.

• Zones: 10 to 11, otherwise annual
• Mature Size: 12 to 36 inches tall x 12 to 24 inches wide
• Care Requirements: Well-drained soil; partial sun
  

Marigold

Marigolds make such a nice statement in the garden, and their iconic cheery yellow or orange coloring is always a bright spot. Marigolds repel insects, including flies, and their fragrance can also be a deterrent to deer and rabbits—always a good thing for the gardener! 

• Zones: 2 to 11 
• Mature size: 6 to 12 inches tall x 6 to 12 inches wide
• Care requirements: Don’t overwater, full sun

Mint

Many insects, such as flies, and pests, such as ants and more, are not fans of mint thanks to its distinctive smell. It may be effective if you plant mint in an area where stepping on the leaves can crush them and release more of their scent. However, mint is an aggressive spreader, so you may want to instead put the plant in pots to keep its growth in check.

• Zones: 3 to 11 
• Mature size: 12 to 18 inches tall x 18 to 24 inches wide
• Care requirements: Don’t overwater, but keep moist, full or partial sun

Sage

Sage isn't just a perennial herb for culinary use. The plant can attract beneficial insects to your garden while its strong, earthy smell and oil naturally repel flies and possibly mosquitoes. Sage has textured, soft gray-green leaves and produces spikes of purple flowers in the summer.

• Zones: 4 to 10 
• Mature size: 2 feet tall x 2 to 3 feet wide
• Care requirements: Moderate moisture needs, full sun