Basil is a member of the mint family, and like other members, it has a strong smell. This is why it is often used in cooking to add flavor to food. But the strong smell of basil can also help to keep flies away.
Does Basil Keep Flies Away?
Basil is a popular herb that is known for its antimicrobial properties. It can help to keep flies away from your food and can also be used in soap to help keep your skin clean and healthy.
Basil is one of the most effective natural ways to eliminate flies. Flies are attracted to the strong smell of basil, and when they land on the plant, they become trapped in the sticky leaves. You can grow basil in your garden or in pots near your door or windows to keep flies away.
This blog post will tell you in detail about the effect of basil on flies, why flies don’t like the basil smell, and tips for using basil to keep away flies, so keep on reading to know more details.
See Also: What is Basil?
How does basil keep flies away?
One example of how basil keeps flies away is by creating a fly repellent. To make basil fly repellent, you will need the following:
- 1 tablespoon of dried basil
- 1 cup of boiling water
- 1 cup of white vinegar
- 1 tablespoon of lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon of glycerin
Directions:
- Add the dried basil to the boiling water and let it steep for 15 minutes.
- Strain the mixture and add the white vinegar, lemon juice, and glycerin.
- Pour the mixture into a spray bottle and use it as needed.
This fly repellent works because the basil essential oils are released when the herb is steeped in boiling water. These oils are combined with vinegar, lemon juice, and glycerin, creating a too-acidic solution for flies.
Do flies hate the smell of basil?
Flies are attracted to the smell of rotting food and garbage. However, they seem to be repelled by the scent of basil. This is likely because the herb contains eugenol, a compound that gives basil its characteristic aroma. In addition, Eugenol is an effective insecticide against flies and other pests.
Why do flies not like basil?
Flies are attracted to the smell of certain chemicals, including those found in rotting food. Basil contains eugenol, which masks the smells that attract flies. For this reason, flies are not drawn to basil plants.
Tips for using basil to keep flies away
Here are a few things to remember when using basil to keep flies away. In the first place, check the plant for pests and make sure it is healthy. Second, keep the soil moist but not soggy. Third, fertilize regularly. Fourth, prune regularly to encourage new growth. Finally, remember to deadhead spent flowers.
What is the best plant to keep flies away?
There are a few different plants that can help to keep flies away, but basil is one of the most effective.
Flies are attracted to the strong smell of basil, and when they come into contact with the plant, they quickly become disoriented and eventually die.
In addition to being an effective fly repellent, basil is also a great herb in your kitchen for cooking.
Other ways to keep flies away
You can do a few other things to keep flies away from your home. Try these tips:
- Keep your garbage can clean and covered. Flies attract garbage, so keeping it clean and covered will help reduce their numbers.
- Keep food covered. If you’re outdoors, keep food covered, so flies don’t have access to it.
- Use insect repellent. If you are spending time outdoors in an area with lots of flies, consider using insect repellent to keep them away from you.
Conclusion
So, does basil keep flies away? You can – but you should keep a few things in mind. First, you must have many basil plants to see results.
Second, it’s essential to ensure the basil plants are healthy and strong – otherwise, they won’t be as effective at keeping flies away.
Finally, don’t forget to keep up with your regular pest control measures, as basil won’t be able to eliminate all fly activity on its own.
I am an accomplished tech writer with a passion for simplifying complex technology concepts. With a background in Tech, James has dedicated their career to making the intricacies of the digital world accessible to a broad audience.