Mint is a pretty unusual plant! It has widely been used to keep away unwanted insects, and at the same time, it attracts both predatory wasps and even parasitoid insects like flies.
Mint is a plant belonging to the genus Mentha and is widely grown for its leaves that are popularly used as a flavoring. Merely brushing against the beautiful green leaves of these highly aromatic plants exudes a very cool and potent mint smell.
There are over 600 types of mint worldwide, but perhaps the most popular types are peppermint, apple mint, and chocolate mint. Whichever type of mint you're growing, this article will teach you how to get rid of flies around your mint plants successfully.
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What Are Flies?
Generally, flies are small flying insects that belong to an order referred to as Diptera. They are characterized by their utilization of only one pair of wings to fly and the other pair to maintain balance.
Flies are quite literary filthy; they can be a nuisance and very annoying pest. There are numerous types of flies, with house flies being the most common.
House flies are known for spreading serious diseases like dysentery and food poisoning. Another type is mosquitoes, which are well known for inflicting painful bites and transmitting fatal diseases like malaria. And then there are the parasitoid flies that are attracted to mint like crazy.
An excellent example of parasitoid flies is the hoverflies. Also known as flower flies, these insects survive by hovering or feeding on plant nectar and pollen. Hoverflies are attracted to the nectar produced by mint plants. Thanks to their bright yellow and black colors, you can easily confuse these little guys with bees or wasps.
Though they are harmless and vital pollinators, hoverflies can be particularly annoying! Even if they cannot sting or harm people, the presence of hoverflies can be torture for most homeowners, needing them to find the best way to get rid of flies around mint plants.
Should I Get Rid Of Flies From Mint Plants?
Most flies attracted to mint plants are beneficial. For instance, hoverflies promote pollination and help with pest control by eliminating unwanted pests like caterpillars, aphids, and mealybugs.
However, while some gardeners consider themselves lucky when these flies invade their plants, some homeowners hate the idea of their beautiful patio of flowers invaded by flies. They consider them a nuisance and would rather get rid of them.
Below is the best way to eliminate flies around mint plants:
The Best Way To Get Rid Of Flies From Mint Plants Naturally
Using Homemade Repellents
Synthetic repellents may not be the best idea when getting rid of flies from mint plants. Luckily, you can easily make your own natural and safe repellents. Though they may not be as fast and effective as pesticides, it's a good idea to give them a try.
A tried and tested method is using lemon and clove. Flies can't stand the beautiful smell of either of these two remedies. So combining them will naturally keep flies away. The method is pretty easy, economical, and fast. All you need to do is slice a juicy lemon or lemon peel and place a clove on its top. Next is to place the combo in an area that's heavily infested. The flies will be gone within a few days.
Apple Cider Vinegar
Another effective method to get rid of flies around mint plants naturally. Flies are highly attracted to the smell of apples and vinegar. So the best thing to do is to drown the flies as follows:
Prepare a solution by adding two ounces of apple cider vinegar into two pints of pure water and mixing in a drop of natural liquid soap. Mix the solution thoroughly and add it into a homemade trap. The apple cider smell will attract the flies, and the soap surface tension traps them.
Using A Fan
Flies don't like moving air, so you can imagine how much they'd hate your fan. They'll keep off those strong windy conditioners by all means.
To control flies around mint plants using a fan is quite easy and inexpensive. All you need to do is leave your fan turned on in your outdoor space all day. The flies will soon move elsewhere.
Sugar Flies Traps
You can find ready fly traps on the market today. Alternatively, you can build yours at home. Flytraps work by luring flies with their beautiful scent into the trap, and they'll get stuck on the glue.
The easiest way to make a sugar flies trap is by dissolving two tablespoons of sugar in a gallon of water. Poke some holes in a plastic wrap and cover the solution, then set it where it flies frequently. The sugar attracts the flies, and they'll enter via the holes only to drown in the water.
Using essential oils
The best thing about essential oils is that besides getting rid of the flies, they'll also leave your beautiful patio smelling great. Whether you choose lavender, eucalyptus, or lemongrass essential oils, they'll get the job done. The smell emitted by essential oils overwhelms flies, and they'll soon leave your mint plants.
All you need to do is spray the area with a mist of the oils, or even better, spray the oil on a piece of fabric and strategically place the fabric near the mint plants to deter the pesky flies.
Ensure your garden is dry
Wet grounds are perfect breeding grounds for flies and a whole lot of other insects. Flies lay their eggs in damp areas, and stagnant water provides the best conditions to breed and drink.
You'll want to drain all waterlogged areas and avoid flooding your plants when watering. This will keep flies away from around your mint plants.
Growing Nectar-Rich Plants
Flies are attracted to the nectar in mint plants. Therefore you can diverge their interest from your mint plants to another location. The simplest way is by creating a haven of nectar for the tiny pollinators. Consider growing nectar-rich plants in another area away from the mint plants. This not only gives you peace of mind but also improves the aesthetic appearance of your home.
Use a Fly Zapper
We have discussed many ways to get rid of flies around mint plants, but one of the best and most convenient options is using a fly zapper. This flies killer is fitted with lights that attract the flies into the trap where they are electrocuted.
Fly zappers come with hanging rings, allowing you to hang the trap outdoors or indoors strategically. With a removable bottom, it's easy to get rid of the collected fly debris and clean the tray with a brush for reuse.
How To Get Rid Of Flies Around Mint Plants Indoors
Perhaps you have planted your mint plants indoors? It's not uncommon for flies to infest. These pesky invaders will attack mint plants anywhere. And you don't need to put your plants outdoors to eliminate the flies. There are many ways to safely get rid of the flies indoors, for instance, by using a fly zapper or an electric fly swatter.
Alternatively, you can light a citronella oil candle and place it close to the plants. When lit citronella candles emit strong lemongrass and citronella smell that overwhelms the flies and drives them away.
You should also consider placing your potted plants away from doors and windows as flies are attracted to light too. Another great option is buying a sticky fly strip and hanging it above the mint plants to trap the flies on the glue.
You should also consider placing your potted plants away from doors and windows as flies are attracted to light too. Another great option is buying a sticky fly strip and hanging it above the mint plants to trap the flies on the glue.
Getting Rid Of Flies From Around Mint Plants Using Pesticides
While pesticides may provide a fast and simple solution, you're advised to be cautious when using them, as besides ruining your gardening efforts, the misuse of pesticides can also pose health risks. In addition, there have been cases where the improper use of pesticides has killed plants.
Therefore, if you must use pesticides, you must keenly follow the instructions on the product labeling and consider wearing protective gear like gloves and masks.
Final Thoughts
The most common flies attracted to mint plants are hoverflies. Hoverflies are not harmful. In fact, they are your friends as they work as pest controllers by feeding on aphids as their primary source of food. They also feed on other pests like caterpillars. Though their appearance resembles bees, these flies cannot sting you, your loved ones, or pets.
But they can be an annoying 'menace' when they infest your beautiful mint plants, requiring you to get rid of them completely. Luckily, the list above comprises the best way to get rid of flies around mint plants naturally without necessarily killing the harmless little creatures.
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