These are the plants you need to keep inside to keep the flies out

Ayush June 7, 2024

As temperatures rise in Britain, so does the risk of unwelcome flies zipping through our windows and buzzing around our homes.

While the incessant humming of such pests can send one to the brink, there are thankfully plenty of deterrents to stop them making their way into your home – and some are found in totally natural remedies.

For those of us who would prefer not to whipout the pesticides, which can do more harm than good, it may be worth looking into some natural and aesthetic alternatives to control the critters.

Of course, the Venus flytrap is an obvious solution as it scoops the pests in and gobbles them up, but there are some other natural plants you will likely already have around the house that can be used to keep the flies away.

Here, FEMAIL takes a look at some of the common houseplants you can benefit from.

1. Basil

Composition of fresh basil and kitchen utensils, spices, on the kitchen table

You may normally use basil to garnish your salads, or serve as a base for your pesto pasta but the culinary herb does more than just season your food.

Its distincive taste, which people use to flavour Italian dishes, creates a strong aroma; which, while appealing to humans, is actually a deterrent for spiders and flies.

2. Rosemary

Fresh rosemary held up in a close-up shot

Rosemary may be lightly-scented to the human nose, but it turns out the smell appears much more pungent to insects, and wards off everything from spiders to gnats.

3. Lemon balm

Lemon balm contains citronella, a naturally-occuring compound which is often found in pesticides

Lemon Balm is also hailed as an insect-repellant.

This lemony mint alternative contains lots of Citronella, a compound that is often used in pesticides.

4. Lavender

A basket filled to the brim with lavender on a lawn

Lavender may conjure up images of your grandmother’s house but the fragrant flower repels flies, beetles and even fleas.

The purple plant is commonly used to decorate the inside of homes but its pest-deterring qualities often go unnoticed.

5. Marigold

Bright yellow marigolds in a pot

The beautifully bright marigold plant often lines gardens with a fresh pop of colour but the colourful crop can also repel pests.

Its fruity scent is often appreciated by the human, but not so much when it comes to insects, who are put off by its potency.

6. Venus flytrap

The infamous Venus flytrap ready to prey on its next victim

Last but not least is the Venus flytrap, notorious for preying on insects, the plant, first cultivated in the US patiently waits to feast on unsuspecting flies. digests the fly.

The unique plant can also live up to around 20 years so with the correct maintenance, you can expect to have a relatively pest-free house.