Spray This on Your Windows and Doors — Flies Will Stop Coming Into Your Home
Spray This on Your Windows and Doors — Flies Will Stop Coming Into Your Home
Flies always seem to find their way indoors, especially during the warmer months. While keeping windows closed isn’t always practical, many people prefer trying simple homemade mixtures before turning to commercial insect repellents. Here are several popular DIY recipes made from common household ingredients that are often used around windows, doors, patios, and other entry points.
1. Homemade Fly-Repellent Spray
This easy spray is designed to be used around places where flies frequently gather.
Ingredients
- A small amount of floor cleaner
- A generous handful of salt
- A splash of white vinegar
- 2 cinnamon sticks
- Water
- Spray bottle
Instructions
- Add a small amount of floor cleaner to a spray bottle.
- Add the salt.
- Pour in a splash of white vinegar.
- Add the cinnamon sticks.
- Fill the bottle with water.
- Let the mixture sit for about 15 minutes.
- Shake well before each use.
Spray around:
- Window frames
- Door frames
- Patios
- Balconies
- Garden sheds
- Entryways
Avoid spraying directly onto food, dishes, or food-preparation surfaces. Refresh the mixture every few days for the strongest scent.
2. An Aromatic Indoor Insect Deterrent
Another popular household trick uses fragrant ingredients to fill a room with a strong aroma that many people believe helps discourage flying insects.
You’ll need
- Laundry detergent
- 3 teaspoons ground cinnamon
- 3 tablespoons ground coffee
- Whole cloves
- A heat-safe glass container
Place all the ingredients into the container and position it safely where the aroma can spread. Many people use this near patios or open windows during summer evenings.
3. Citrus & Mint Spray for Windows and Curtains
Fresh citrus and mint create a pleasant-smelling spray that can be used around the home.
Ingredients
- Juice of 2 lemons
- Twice as much water
- Fresh mint (or mint tea)
- Spray bottle
Directions
Mix the lemon juice with water.
Prepare a strong mint infusion by steeping fresh mint or mint tea in hot water.
Allow it to cool before combining it with the lemon mixture.
Spray onto:
- Curtains
- Window frames
- Door frames
- Around entrances
The fresh scent also helps leave rooms smelling clean and refreshed.
4. Clove & Bay Leaf Spray
Cloves and bay leaves are commonly used in homemade insect-deterrent recipes because of their strong aroma.
Ingredients
- 300 ml water
- 2 tablespoons whole cloves
- 3 tablespoons baking soda
- Several bay leaves
Method
Simmer the cloves in water until the liquid becomes darker and fragrant.
Remove from the heat.
Stir in the baking soda and allow the mixture to cool.
Transfer it to a spray bottle.
Add several bay leaves.
Spray around:
- Doors
- Window sills
- Kitchen cabinets
- Entryways
Many people reapply every few weeks during the summer season.
Tips to Help Keep Flies Out
Along with homemade sprays, these simple habits can help reduce flies indoors:
- Keep food covered.
- Empty indoor trash regularly.
- Clean up crumbs and sticky spills promptly.
- Install window screens where possible.
- Keep doors closed when not in use.
- Remove standing water around the home.
- Clean pet feeding areas daily.
Final Thoughts
Homemade sprays made with ingredients like vinegar, cinnamon, cloves, lemon, mint, and bay leaves are popular alternatives for people looking to freshen entryways and discourage flies without relying solely on commercial products. While results can vary depending on the environment and the type of insects present, regular application around windows and doors, combined with good household hygiene, can help make your home less inviting to unwanted pests.
