Tip: Your kitchen will smell good and all the flies will disappear

• Water

Instructions:

1. Fill a small saucepan with water (about 2 cups).
2. Add the cinnamon stick, cloves, bay leaves, and basil to the water.
3. Bring the water to a simmer over low heat.
4. Allow the mixture to simmer for as long as you like. The steam will carry the aroma through your kitchen, creating a natural air freshener that smells great while also repelling flies.

If you prefer a citrusy aroma, you can add slices of lemon or orange to the mix as well. The acidic smell of citrus is a great way to freshen up the kitchen, while also discouraging flies and other insects.

Option 2: Create Natural Fly Repellent Sachets

Another great method for keeping your kitchen fresh and fly-free is to create your own natural sachets using dried herbs and spices. These little bundles can be placed around your kitchen, on countertops, or near entryways to keep flies out while making your space smell wonderful.

What You’ll Need:

• A small cloth bag (or cheesecloth or muslin)
• Dried bay leaves, cloves, basil, and cinnamon sticks
• Optional: A few dried orange peels or dried lavender for added fragrance

Instructions:

1. Take the dried herbs and spices and fill the cloth bag with them. If you’re using cheesecloth or muslin, simply tie it off with a string after adding the ingredients.
2. Place the sachet in areas where flies tend to gather, such as near windows, on your kitchen counter, or on a windowsill.
3. Refresh the sachets every few weeks by adding more spices or herbs as needed.

Option 3: DIY Fly-Repelling Spray

For a more direct approach to keep flies away, you can create your own natural fly-repellent spray using essential oils. The combination of essential oils like eucalyptus, lavender, peppermint, and lemongrass has been shown to effectively repel flies, while also creating a pleasant scent in your kitchen.

What You’ll Need:

• A small spray bottle
• 10-15 drops of eucalyptus, peppermint, or lavender essential oil
• 1 cup of water
• 1 tbsp of white vinegar (optional for added cleaning power)

Instructions:

1. Add the essential oils to the spray bottle.
2. Fill the bottle with water, and add the vinegar if desired.
3. Shake the bottle well to mix the ingredients.
4. Lightly mist the air in your kitchen, or spray directly around windows and doorways where flies tend to enter.

This spray works wonderfully as both an air freshener and a natural fly repellent. It’s chemical-free and safe to use in food preparation areas.

Option 4: Use Fresh Herbs as Fly Deterrents

Fresh herbs like basil and mint are natural insect repellents. By placing a few sprigs on your kitchen counter or in small pots around your kitchen, you can not only keep your kitchen smelling fresh but also prevent flies from lingering.

What You’ll Need:

• A small vase or pot
• Fresh basil, mint, or rosemary sprigs

Instructions:

1. Cut a few sprigs of fresh basil, mint, or rosemary.
2. Place them in a small vase or jar with water, and set them on your kitchen counter or windowsill.
3. Refresh the water every couple of days to keep the herbs fresh and aromatic.

Conclusion: A Fresh and Fly-Free Kitchen

A kitchen that smells good and is free from flies is not only more pleasant to be in but also creates a more inviting environment for cooking and entertaining. Using natural, aromatic herbs and spices is a simple, effective way to freshen the air and keep flies at bay. Whether you’re simmering a fragrant pot of spices, creating DIY fly-repellent sachets, or using essential oils to make your own fly spray, there are many ways to harness the power of nature to solve these everyday problems.

Try these tips the next time your kitchen could use a little extra attention—your nose and your guests will thank you!