The 9 Best Fly Repellents For Outdoors And Indoors

Nothing derails a picturesque scene faster than a barrage of annoying flies. Whether you want to banish flies from your patio or playroom, or you need a reliable bug spray to wear, having the right repellent is key. These days repellents take many forms, but the best fly repellents will either have active ingredients or tech-savvy features that have been proven to be safe and effective. This list incorporates both body repellents and environmental fly deterrents, so you can opt for the approach that works best for you.

What is the most effective fly deterrent?

These are the most common ingredients and solutions for banning flies:

• DEET or Picaridin: The EPA considers both DEET and picaridin as being highly effective as wearable repellents against insects when used in the proper concentration. A product with either 20% DEET or picaridin can repel insects for up to 4 to 5 hours. Although DEET has the backing of several decades of use and research, it can often be greasy and have a strong odor. Picaridin is newer than DEET, but it’s odor-less and goes on more smoothly.

• Oil of Lemon Eucalyptus: Even though plant-based deterrents aren’t usually as effective as DEET or picaridin, studies show that oil of lemon eucalyptus (OLE) can be as effective against insects and black flies as 20 to 30% DEET, but it lasts for a shorter amount of time. OLE also gets the EPA’s seal of approval.

Rachel Bar-Gadda gives more details on the best fly repellents for outdoors and indoors, find it here.