5 Essential Oils That Repel Black Flies

The spring season always comes with a bundle of joy. You feel this aura of freedom, and you don’t even know why. It might be the fresher air, blooming flowers, or increased daylight; whatever it is, there’s no denying everyone loves spring.

But sadly, not everything about spring is so lovely. The season brings infuriating biting insects, and one of them is blackfly.

Aside from their annoying buzzing sounds, black flies are also dangerous, as their bites can cause dermatitis, high fever, wounds, and severe hypersensitivity reactions. Plus, black flies are also the primary transmitters of river blindness.

While you could battle them with toxic repellents or avoid them altogether by preceding the spring and staying indoors, there’s a more effective and less stressful way, essential oils!

So what are the essential oils that repel black flies?

Keeping yourself and your environment safe is of utmost importance. Read on to discover the essential oils that repel black flies.

Essential Oils That Repel Blackflies

Black flies are a nuisance that everyone hates. They make awful noises and are also dangerous. Luckily, some oils can help you repel them, allowing you to enjoy spring like you were meant to; outside, having fun!

Here are some of the essential oils that repel black flies:

1. Lavender

Anyone that told you repellants had to have a toxic industrial scent to be effective doesn’t know about lavender oil. Lavender oil has been around for centuries and is one of the most versatile essential oils on the planet. Its applications cut across self-care products, anxiety relief medications, and insect repellents.

Lavender oil contains a high amount of linalool, a strong active that heavily repels black flies. It also has anti-inflammatory properties that help heal blackfly bites and soothe itching.

There are multiple ways you can apply lavender oil. Firstly, you can make a spray by mixing it with a potent carrier oil like Grapeseed. Then sprinkle it in your kitchen, doors, windows, and other problem areas.

Also, you can apply it to your exposed skin when going out.

2. Lemongrass

Lemongrass essential oil is a strong insect repellent that can be used to combat black flies. They contain Citronella, a potent natural oil, and have a lemon scent.

Like lavender oil, it’s straightforward to make a lemongrass spray. It’s even easier! All you need is warm water and your lemongrass oil. Around 40 drops are enough for a full cup of water. Gently spray the mix around your windows, doors, and any other outlets in the house.

Lemongrass also contains anti-inflammatory properties and can be applied to the skin after diluting in a potent carrier oil. Spray it around your home continuously for a week, and you’ll be rid of your blackfly problems.

3. Eucalyptus

This is probably not the first time you’ve come across eucalyptus oil. The powerful essential oil is famous for its healing powers and is currently used to produce multiple cough medications.

But eucalyptus oil’s ability to ease joint pain, soothe cold sores, and relieve cold symptoms is not the only reason it’s popular. It’s a very potent insect repellant and is highly effective against black flies. Black flies hate the scent of eucalyptus oil and always avoid it.

You can choose to use the eucalyptus oil pure or diluted, with water or carrier oil. Spray it on all the outlets in your house and the kitchen.

Furthermore, spraying eucalyptus oil on your plants will also help protect them against earwigs, mites, and white flies.

4. Tea Tree

Tea tree oil is an essential oil that has been in use for centuries. Unlike some of the other essential oils on our list, the tea tree doesn’t have a sweet smell, but it’s one of the cheapest and most effective.

It was initially known for its antimicrobial and antiseptic properties, but recent studies proved it to be a very efficient black fly repellent, a must-have for every home.

You can make your tea tree oil spray by mixing it with water. Pour the mixture into a spray bottle and apply everywhere if possible. This will prevent black flies from coming anywhere near your home.

Tea tree oil also helps combat bugs, fleas, and ticks. Their anti-inflammatory properties also make them ideal for healing bites.

5. Peppermint

Almost everyone loves the scent of peppermint but what many don’t know is that insects and bugs hate it. That’s what makes peppermint such a good insect repellent; while it refreshes us, it kills unwanted insects simultaneously.

Furthermore, peppermint does not require a carrier oil before it can be applied; you can use it directly on your skin before leaving the house. You might need to mix it with water before spraying it.

Add a few drops to a cup of water, mix, and pour it into a spray bottle. Thanks to their wonderful scent, you can spray them everywhere to keep black flies away.

Conclusion

Black flies are bloodsucking insects that have been in existence for centuries. They generally start to come out at the beginning of spring and can cause severe damage to your skin and health.

There are many ways to keep blackflies away from your home, and one of the most effective is essential oils. Over the years, studies have shown that essential oils are good black flies repellents. Some of the best include lavender oil, lemongrass oil, eucalyptus oil, tea tree oil, and peppermint oil.

Lastly, essential oils work better when you keep your home clean and remove standing water and too much garbage around your home.