Natural Fly Repellents: Plants to Grow to Keep Flies Out of Your Kitchen

If you’ve ever found yourself swatting away flies while trying to prepare a meal, you’re not alone. 

Flies are not only irritating but can also carry bacteria into your kitchen, not exactly what you want near your food.

 But it's not the fault of the flies, they are only doing as nature intended, after all!

But the good news? You can harness the power of nature to help keep these pests at bay. Certain plants are naturally effective at repelling flies, and they can be grown in pots on your windowsill, near your back door, or in your garden.

Here are some of the best plants to grow if you want to say goodbye to kitchen flies — without chemical sprays.

1. Basil

Flies can’t stand the strong scent of basil, making it an excellent deterrent. Keep pots of basil on sunny kitchen windowsills, or place them by the back door. As a bonus, you’ll have a constant supply of fresh leaves for pasta sauces, salads, and pestos.

2. Mint

The refreshing smell of mint is wonderful for humans but unpleasant for flies. You can grow mint easily in pots (it spreads quickly if planted in the ground). Snip leaves for teas, cocktails, or garnishing desserts, and let the plant’s aroma do the work of keeping insects away.

3. Lavender

Known for its calming fragrance, lavender is also disliked by flies and other pests. Place small pots of lavender near sunny windows or grow it outside the kitchen door. It not only repels insects but also adds a touch of rustic charm to your kitchen décor.

4. Rosemary

Rosemary’s strong pine-like scent is a natural fly deterrent. Keep it in a sunny spot indoors or outdoors, and you’ll have a supply for cooking roasts, breads, and marinades while also protecting your kitchen from unwelcome winged visitors.

5. Bay Laurel

Bay leaves are a traditional ingredient in soups and stews, but did you know the plant also repels flies? Keep a bay laurel in a pot inside or just outside your kitchen. You can use the fresh leaves in cooking or dry them for storage.

6. Lemongrass

Containing citronella, lemongrass is a well-known mosquito repellent, and it works against flies too. It prefers sunny conditions and can be grown in pots. Its citrusy fragrance is fresh and uplifting — and unappealing to insects.

7. Marigolds

These cheerful orange and yellow flowers aren’t just for the garden. Their scent repels flies, mosquitoes, and even some garden pests. Keep a pot of marigolds near open kitchen windows to help block the path of flying invaders.

Tips for Maximum Fly-Repelling Power

Place plants in strategic spots: near doorways, open windows, or on counters where flies tend to gather.

Brush the leaves occasionally — this releases more of the aromatic oils that keep flies away.

Combine plants for a layered effect: for example, a pot containing basil, mint, and rosemary will deter more pests than a single variety.

The Bottom Line:

With the right plants in your kitchen and garden, you can enjoy a fly-free cooking space while adding fresh herbs and beautiful blooms to your home. It’s a win-win for both your taste buds and your peace of mind — all without a single chemical spray in sight.

How to Deal with Moth and Other Infestations in Your Commercial Kitchen

Running a commercial kitchen is a serious business, and maintaining the highest hygiene standards is non-negotiable. 

One of the more unpleasant challenges kitchen managers may face is the appearance of pests – particularly moths and other infestations such as flies, cockroaches, ants, and rodents. 

These intruders are not only a health hazard but also a reputational risk, especially if spotted by customers or environmental health inspectors.

Here’s how to effectively deal with and prevent moth and other infestations in your commercial kitchen:

1. Understand the Enemy: Common Commercial Kitchen Pests

Moths: Often drawn to stored dry goods like flour, grains, rice and nuts, pantry moths (also known as Indian meal moths) can quickly contaminate food supplies. They can even be introduced to your premises by produce from outside that was already infested, such as rice, flour, etc.

Cockroaches: Thrive in warm, damp conditions and feed on any organic matter – especially food waste.

Flies: Attracted to uncovered food and bins, flies can spread harmful bacteria with ease.

Rodents: Mice and rats are a major threat to food safety and can cause structural damage.

Ants: Though small, ants can infest sweet or greasy foods and are tough to eradicate without a strategic approach.

2. Spot the Signs of an Infestation Early

Droppings or smear marks along walls or near food storage.

Webbing or cocoons in dry goods containers (sign of moths).

Unpleasant odours, especially musty or oily smells.

Visible pests, particularly at night (cockroaches and rodents are nocturnal).

Gnawed packaging or tiny holes in bags of dry food.

Early detection is key to managing a problem before it escalates.

3. Prevention is Better than Cure

Good storage practices:

Store all dry goods in sealed, airtight containers.

Label and rotate stock using FIFO (First In, First Out) to avoid old food sitting too long.

Clean spills immediately and keep floors, shelving, and storage areas free from crumbs and residue.

Hygiene routines:

Implement a daily, weekly, and monthly deep-cleaning schedule.

Pay attention to hidden spots like behind fridges, under sinks, and inside vents.

Ensure grease traps are emptied and cleaned regularly.

Waste control:

Empty bins frequently and keep lids sealed.

Store waste outside in sealed bins to avoid attracting flies or rodents.

Staff training:

Make pest awareness part of your hygiene training.

Encourage staff to report sightings of any pest activity immediately.

4. What to Do if You Discover an Infestation

Stop service if necessary:

Depending on the severity, it may be best to temporarily halt food service to protect public health.

Dispose of contaminated food:

If pests have breached packaging or come into contact with food, it must be discarded safely.

Call in professionals:

A licensed pest control company should be contacted to assess and treat the infestation. Look for firms that specialise in commercial food premises.

Follow up treatments:

Many infestations require multiple treatments. Stick to the recommended schedule and comply with all follow-up checks.

Review your procedures:

After treatment, review and strengthen your pest control measures to stop recurrence.

5. Moth-Specific Tips

Inspect all new deliveries of dry goods before placing them in storage.

Use pheromone traps to monitor and reduce pantry moth populations.

Clean storage containers thoroughly before refilling – larvae and eggs can hide in cracks.

Freeze bulk dry goods for 72 hours before storing to kill any hidden larvae.

6. Stay Compliant

Food safety regulations in the UK (under Food Safety and Hygiene (England) Regulations 2013 and enforced by local authorities) require commercial kitchens to be free from contamination risks – including pests. Keep documentation of pest control visits and hygiene logs to show you are maintaining standards.

In Summary

A proactive approach, combined with strict hygiene protocols and professional support when needed, is the best way to manage and prevent moths and other infestations in your commercial kitchen. Staying vigilant not only protects your customers and staff but also preserves the reputation and success of your food business.