How To Keep Flies Away From Home with Citronella

Does Citronella Repel Flies?

Yes, citronella is known for its ability to repel flies and other insects. Citronella oil, derived from the leaves of certain Cymbopogon species, contains natural compounds that emit a strong aroma flies find unpleasant.

Here's how citronella works as a fly repellent:

1. Aroma: Flies are sensitive to scents, and the strong, citrusy aroma of citronella oil is known to be highly effective at deterring them. The scent masks the attractants that might otherwise draw flies to an area.

2. Confusion: The potent scent of citronella can confuse flies' sensory receptors, making it difficult for them to locate food sources or suitable places to land.

3. Interference: The compounds in citronella may interfere with flies' ability to detect carbon dioxide and other cues that lead them to humans and animals for feeding.

4. Disruption: Citronella's scent disrupts the normal behaviour of flies, making it less likely for them to settle in an area scented with the oil. For a ready-to-use solution, our Tropical Citronella Gel Wax Melts are specially formulated as a mosquito and bug repellent — ideal for UK summers.

5. Longevity: When used in candles, sprays, diffusers, or on surfaces, the scent of citronella can linger, providing prolonged protection against flies. Our Citronella Essential Oil Wood Wick Candle is a popular choice for long-lasting, natural fly deterrence indoors.

What Smells are Flies Attracted to?

Flies are attracted to a variety of scents and odours that are often associated with their sources of food and breeding.

Here are some smells that flies find attractive:

1. Decaying Matter: Flies are strongly attracted to the smell of decaying organic matter, such as rotting food, garbage, and animal waste.

2. Sweetness: Flies are drawn to sweet scents, as they indicate sources of sugar and nectar. Overripe fruits, sugary beverages, and flower nectar can all attract flies.

3. Fermentation: The scent of fermenting substances, such as alcoholic beverages or fermented fruits, can be attractive to flies.

4. Meat and Protein: Flies are also attracted to the smell of protein-rich substances, such as meat and other animal products.

5. Moisture: Damp and humid environments can emit an earthy, musty smell that flies are drawn to.

6. Sweat and Body Odours: Flies can be attracted to body odours and sweat, particularly in outdoor settings where people are active.

7. Excrement: The scent of animal and human waste is another attractive factor for flies.

8. Yeast: Yeast is used in many fermentation processes and emits a scent that can attract flies.

9. Ripening Fruit: As fruits ripen, they release certain volatile compounds that attract fruit flies in particular.

10. Pet Waste: Flies are attracted to pet waste, so areas with dog or cat excrement can be fly breeding grounds.

To manage and prevent fly infestations, it's essential to address the sources of attraction. Proper waste disposal, cleaning up food residues, and maintaining good sanitation practices can help reduce the attractiveness of these scents to flies.

Additionally, using repellents like citronella and keeping doors and windows screened can help keep flies away from indoor spaces. Explore our botanical home fragrance collection for natural, plant-derived scents that double as gentle insect deterrents.

Constituents of Citronella Essential Oil

Citronella essential oil is derived from the leaves of the Cymbopogon species, particularly Cymbopogon nardus and Cymbopogon winterianus.

This oil contains a variety of chemical constituents that contribute to its distinctive aroma and potential therapeutic properties.

Some of the key constituents found in citronella essential oil include:

1. Citronellal: The primary component responsible for the characteristic citrusy scent and insect-repellent properties of citronella oil.

2. Geraniol: A monoterpene alcohol contributing floral and rose-like notes. It possesses antimicrobial and antioxidant properties.

3. Citronellol: Similar to geraniol, citronellol adds to the pleasant home fragrance of citronella oil and is known for potential antibacterial and antifungal effects.

4. Limonene: A common terpene found in citrus fruits and essential oils, contributing a fresh and uplifting scent.

5. Geranyl Acetate: Lends a fruity and floral aroma, often used in perfumery.

6. Caryophyllene: Contributes slightly woody and spiced notes with potential anti-inflammatory properties.

7. Eugenol: A warm, spicy compound with potential analgesic and antimicrobial effects.

8. Camphene: Contributes a fresh, herbal, and slightly woody scent with potential anti-inflammatory properties.

When using citronella essential oil, it's recommended to source high-quality, pure oils from reputable suppliers. For a convenient way to enjoy these benefits at home, our Tropical Citronella Essential Oil Reed Diffuser delivers a continuous, room-filling citronella scent — no candle required. To understand how reed diffusers work and why they're so effective, read our guide on what reed diffusers are and their benefits.

Different Ways to Use Citronella to Repel Flies

Here are several different ways you can use citronella to repel flies:

1. Citronella Candles: Burn citronella candles on your outdoor patio or in areas where flies are a problem. Our wood wick candle range includes citronella options that burn cleanly and slowly for extended outdoor protection.

2. Citronella Diffusers: Use a diffuser to disperse citronella essential oil into the air. Browse our full reed diffuser collection with sticks for long-lasting, passive scent diffusion. Not sure whether a diffuser or candle suits you best? Our guide on candles vs diffusers vs wax melts breaks it all down.

3. Spray Solution: Make a fly-repellent spray by mixing citronella essential oil with water. Alternatively, our Tropical Citronella Room Spray is a ready-made 100ml option — just spritz and go.

4. Personal Repellent: Dilute citronella oil with a carrier oil and apply it to your skin before going outdoors.

5. Citronella Plants: Plant citronella geraniums (Pelargonium citrosum) in your garden or place potted plants near entrances to your home.

6. Sachets or Pouches: Fill small fabric sachets or pouches with dried citronella leaves or flowers and place in fly-prone areas.

7. Homemade Fly Traps: Create a homemade fly trap by placing a mixture of water and citronella oil in a shallow dish.

8. Outdoor Sprays: Mix citronella oil with water and mild soap to create an outdoor spray for furniture and surfaces.

9. Clothing and Accessories: Add a drop of citronella oil to a cloth accessory to help keep flies away when you're on the move.

10. Pet Areas: Apply citronella spray to surrounding outdoor pet areas. You can also top up your diffuser with our Citronella Reed Diffuser Refill to maintain continuous protection indoors.

Conclusion

Using citronella to keep flies away from your home can be a natural and effective approach to maintaining a fly-free environment. The powerful aroma of citronella acts as a deterrent, making your living spaces less attractive to flies.

By incorporating citronella candles, diffusers, sprays, and personal repellents, you can create an environment that is both pleasant for you and unwelcoming for flies. For bathroom and smaller rooms, our bathroom diffuser range offers compact, stylish options that keep enclosed spaces smelling fresh and fly-free.

Remember to use citronella safely, follow proper dilution guidelines, and consider combining its use with other preventive measures such as proper sanitation and waste management. For more inspiration on keeping your home smelling great year-round, explore our fragrance guide for a mood-boosting home environment.

Read also;

Do Citronella Candles Actually Work?

Does Citronella Plant Repel Mosquitoes?

Citronella Essential Oil: History, Uses and Benefits

Do Citronella Candles Really Work as Natural Repellant?