House flies are an absolute menace at this time of year. They can be incredibly frustrating as they sneak in through open windows or kitchen doors, buzzing around food and landing where they’re not wanted. And once they’re inside, getting rid of them is a nightmare. Nobody has time to chase them around with a kitchen towel or wave their arms about in vain.

Luckily, there are some natural ways to keep them at bay, and one of them starts right in your garden. According to Prevention.com, certain herbs can help repel flies and other common pests thanks to their strong scents. Three of the most effective are basil, lavender, and mint, all of which are easy to grow at home and offer other benefits too.

Basil is not only a great addition to pastas, salads, and homemade sauces, but it also gives off a smell that flies don’t like. 

It’s easy to grow in pots or in the ground and thrives in sunny spots. Keeping a small pot of basil on a kitchen windowsill or near doorways can help keep flies from entering in the first place.

Lavender is another herb that’s known for its soothing fragrance, but it turns out flies can’t stand it. 

Planting lavender near entrances or in garden borders could help create a natural barrier against flying pests.

It also attracts bees and other pollinators, making it a helpful plant for anyone hoping to support wildlife in their garden.

Then there’s mint, a fast-growing herb that spreads quickly and gives off a sharp, refreshing scent. 

While it’s best planted in containers to stop it taking over the garden, mint is a useful herb to keep near doorways or outdoor seating areas. 

It’s particularly good at deterring flies and other bugs, and the leaves can be used in drinks or desserts.

These herbs probably won’t eliminate every single fly, but they can help reduce how many gather around your home, and they smell a lot better than chemical sprays or plug-in deterrents.

Planting a few pots or adding these herbs to your garden borders could make a real difference, especially during the summer months when flies are at their worst. 

Plus, they’re easy to maintain, don’t cost much, and come with the added bonus of being useful in the kitchen too.