Flies on a patio or porch are a two-part problem: something nearby is attracting and breeding them, and nothing is making your seating area unpleasant enough for them to land. Natural fly repellents, mostly sprays built on peppermint, cedarwood, clove and other plant oils, handle the second half. They work best as a short-lived barrier on tables, railings, door frames and screens, and they need reapplying more often than synthetic insecticides. Pair them with good sanitation and a simple outdoor fan and you can cut fly pressure noticeably without spraying conventional pesticides where you eat. This roundup compares six plant-based sprays that specifically name flies, from patio formulas to botanical fly sprays made for dogs and horses. For the wider strategy, see our pest control guide.
In this guide
- 1. NatureStop Fly Repellent Spray — Best for Patios and Decks
- 2. Absorbine UltraShield Green Natural Insect Repellent — Best for Dogs and Horses
- 3. STEM Botanical Bug Spray — Best for Killing Flies on Contact
- 4. Kate’s Home and Garden Peppermint Oil Spray — Best for Doorways and Screens
- 5. VermExon Peppermint Oil Spray — Best for Indoor-Outdoor Entry Points
- 6. Absorbine UltraShield Green Gallon — Best Bulk Size for Barns
- What to Look For in a Natural Fly Repellent
- Non-Spray Fly Control That Works
- Frequently Asked Questions
Disclosure: Urban Lotus Project is reader-supported. As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases, at no extra cost to you.
How we compared: we compared 6 current Amazon listings of natural, plant-based fly repellent sprays on what each listing states (active ingredients, target pests, where to use it and size); we did not test or handle the products, and availability changes.
| Product | Best for | Key features | Buy |
|---|---|---|---|
| NatureStop Fly Repellent Spray | Best for patios and decks |
| Buy now →Check current price |
| Absorbine UltraShield Green | Best for dogs and horses |
| Buy now →Check current price |
| STEM Botanical Bug Spray | Best for killing flies on contact |
| Buy now →Check current price |
| Kate's Peppermint and Cedar Spray | Best for doorways and screens |
| Buy now →Check current price |
| VermExon Peppermint Spray | Best for indoor-outdoor entry points |
| Buy now →Check current price |
| Absorbine UltraShield Green Gallon | Best bulk size for barns |
| Buy now →Check current price |
Prices change often; check Amazon for today’s price. As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases.
Key Takeaways
- Plant-oil sprays repel or kill flies on contact but wear off quickly outdoors; expect to reapply often, especially after rain or watering.
- For patios, a fly-specific outdoor spray plus a fan over the table beats any single product.
- Botanical animal sprays like Absorbine UltraShield Green are the natural option for dogs, horses and barns.
- Removing breeding sites (trash, pet waste, compost, fallen fruit) does more than any repellent.
- “Natural” does not mean harmless to pets or plants; follow labels and spot-test on finishes and leaves.
1. NatureStop Fly Repellent Spray — Best for Patios and Decks
Plant-based fly repellent spray made for patios, decks, dining areas and walkways.
Check price on AmazonWhy We Like It
- The only listing made specifically for flies outdoors
- Targets decks, dining areas and walkways
- Plant-based active ingredients
- Described as pet and family friendly
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Target pest | Flies |
| Active ingredients | Plant-based (specific oils not stated in listing) |
| Use areas | Patios, decks, gardens, outdoor dining, walkways |
| Size | 16 oz |
| Made in | USA |
NatureStop Fly Repellent — compressed specs
Most natural bug sprays on Amazon are general crawling-insect products that list flies somewhere in a long pest list. NatureStop is the one listing on this shelf built around flies and outdoor living spaces, which is exactly the patio and porch use case. The listing describes it as discouraging flies from decks, outdoor dining areas and walkways, and says regular applications build a less inviting environment.
The weakness is transparency: the listing says plant-based active ingredients but does not name them, which makes it harder to judge strength or sensitivity. As with every product here, plan to reapply frequently outdoors.
Pros
- Fly-specific, outdoor-focused formula
- Suits patios, decks and dining areas
- Made in the USA
Cons
- Active oils not named in listing
- Needs regular reapplication
- Small 16 oz bottle for large spaces
Check NatureStop Fly Repellent Spray price on Amazon
2. Absorbine UltraShield Green Natural Insect Repellent — Best for Dogs and Horses
Water-based botanical spray with 7 essential oils for daily use on horses, ponies and dogs against biting flies.
Check price on AmazonWhy We Like It
- Labeled for daily use on dogs and horses
- Seven botanical oils named in the listing
- Covers biting flies, mosquitoes, gnats and ticks
- Water-based and made in the USA
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Target pests | Biting flies, mosquitoes, gnats, ticks |
| Active ingredients | 7 essential botanical oils |
| Use on | Horses, ponies, dogs |
| Base | Water-based |
| Size | 32 oz sprayer |
Absorbine UltraShield Green 32 oz — compressed specs
Flies bothering a dog on the porch or horses in a paddock call for a product labeled for animals, not a household spray. UltraShield Green is the botanical option in Absorbine’s line, built on seven essential oils and labeled for daily use on horses, ponies and dogs. That makes it the natural pick on this list for anyone with outdoor animals, and it doubles as a personal-area spray around a barn or kennel.
Note the difference from the brand’s UltraShield EX, which is a conventional insecticide and repellent rather than a botanical product; we left it out for that reason. Do not use either on cats, which are sensitive to many essential oils.
Pros
- Labeled for daily use on animals
- Covers biting flies and other pests
- Botanical, water-based formula
Cons
- Not intended for cats
- Botanicals wear off faster than synthetics
- Not designed as a patio surface spray
Check Absorbine UltraShield Green price on Amazon
3. STEM Botanical Bug Spray — Best for Killing Flies on Contact
Plant-based active ingredient spray that kills ants, roaches and flies indoors and outdoors.
Check price on AmazonWhy We Like It
- Flies named in the product title
- Kills on contact rather than only repelling
- No added dye or fragrance, per listing
- Indoor and outdoor use
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Target pests | Ants, roaches, flies |
| Active ingredient | Plant-based botanical extracts |
| Action | Kills bugs |
| Use areas | Indoor and outdoor |
| Size | 12 fl oz |
STEM Kills Ants, Roaches and Flies — compressed specs
Repellents keep flies moving; sometimes you just want the three flies circling the grill gone. STEM is a botanical insecticide rather than a repellent, and its title names flies alongside ants and roaches. The listing describes it as safe for use around people and pets when used as directed, with no added dye or fragrance, which suits a kitchen door or screened porch.
Compared with the peppermint sprays here, STEM is the most direct fly-killer, but it is also the smallest bottle on the list at 12 ounces and is a spot-treatment tool rather than an area barrier.
Pros
- Kills flies rather than only deterring
- Unscented, no dye per listing
- Works inside and outside
Cons
- Smallest bottle on the list
- Must hit the fly directly
- Not a lasting area repellent
Check STEM Botanical Bug Spray price on Amazon
4. Kate’s Home and Garden Peppermint Oil Spray — Best for Doorways and Screens
Peppermint and cedarwood oil spray that lists flies, gnats and many crawling pests; up to 1,500 sprays per bottle.
Check price on AmazonWhy We Like It
- Two named oils: peppermint and cedarwood
- Lists flies, gnats and mosquitoes
- Up to 1,500 sprays per 16 oz bottle
- Indoor and outdoor use
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Active ingredients | Peppermint oil and cedarwood oil |
| Pests listed | Flies, gnats, mosquitoes, spiders, ants, stink bugs and more |
| Use areas | House, basement, attic, yard |
| Size | 16 oz, up to 1,500 sprays |
| Pet note | Described as pet safe in listing |
Kate’s Home and Garden Peppermint Oil Spray — compressed specs
Flies follow people indoors through doors left open to the patio. A strong-smelling barrier on door frames, window screens and porch railings can make those entry points less attractive. Kate’s names both its oils, peppermint and cedarwood, and lists flies and gnats among the pests repelled, which makes it more transparent than most general bug sprays.
It is primarily marketed as an indoor and perimeter spray, and the long pest list means it is not tuned for flies in particular. Compared with NatureStop, it is better for entryways and screens than for open seating areas.
Pros
- Ingredients clearly named
- Good spray count per bottle
- Also handles gnats and crawling pests
Cons
- General-purpose, not fly-specific
- Strong mint scent near food
- Gallon size is a separate listing
Check Kate's Peppermint and Cedar Spray price on Amazon
5. VermExon Peppermint Oil Spray — Best for Indoor-Outdoor Entry Points
Peppermint oil spray that kills by contact and is described as leaving no stains on furniture or fabric.
Check price on AmazonWhy We Like It
- Flies named in the product title
- Kills by contact, per listing
- Described as stain- and residue-free
- Precise spray for cracks and corners
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Active ingredient | Peppermint oil |
| Pests listed | Flies, ants, mosquitoes, roaches, moths, spiders |
| Action | Kills by contact and repels |
| Use areas | Doorways, windowsills, baseboards, kitchens, garages |
| Size | 16 fl oz |
VermExon Peppermint Oil Spray — compressed specs
VermExon positions itself between a repellent and a contact killer: the listing says it kills a range of pests on contact and recommends a light mist around doorways and windowsills as a botanical barrier. The claim that it leaves no stains or residue on furniture and fabrics is useful if you plan to spray near cushions or outdoor rugs, though a spot test is still wise.
Like Kate’s, it is a general-purpose spray rather than a fly product, and the listing leans toward indoor use. Choose it for screened porches and garage doors rather than open patios.
Pros
- Contact kill plus repellent scent
- Residue-free claim for fabrics
- Precise spray pattern
Cons
- Primarily an indoor product
- Only peppermint named
- Not tuned for open outdoor spaces
Check VermExon Peppermint Spray price on Amazon
6. Absorbine UltraShield Green Gallon — Best Bulk Size for Barns
Gallon refill of the botanical UltraShield Green formula for daily use on horses, ponies and dogs.
Check price on AmazonWhy We Like It
- Four times the volume of the sprayer
- Same 7-oil botanical formula
- Refills the 32 oz sprayer
- Made in the USA
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Size | 128 fl oz |
| Active ingredients | 7 essential botanical oils |
| Target pests | Biting flies, mosquitoes, gnats, ticks |
| Use on | Horses, ponies, dogs |
| Sprayer included | Not stated in listing |
Absorbine UltraShield Green Gallon — compressed specs
Botanical repellents need frequent reapplication, so anyone treating several horses or dogs daily through fly season will burn through a quart fast. The gallon is the same formula as pick 2 and is the practical refill once you know it suits your animals.
Buy the 32 oz sprayer first to confirm your animals tolerate it, then switch to the gallon. It is the largest container on this shelf.
Pros
- Largest size on the list
- Matches the sprayer formula
- Suits multi-animal households
Cons
- Heavy, at almost 9 lb
- Not for cats
- Sprayer not stated as included
Check Absorbine UltraShield Green Gallon price on Amazon
What to Look For in a Natural Fly Repellent
Repel vs kill
Repellents make a surface or animal unattractive to land on; contact sprays kill the flies you hit. Patios usually need both: a repellent on tables and railings and a contact spray for stragglers. For high fly pressure, add traps placed away from seating; our best outdoor fly traps roundup covers baited and sticky options.
Named ingredients
Look for listings that name the oils, such as peppermint, cedarwood, clove, lemongrass or geraniol, so you can avoid ones that bother you or your pets. Vague “plant-based” claims are harder to evaluate.
Labeled use
Use animal sprays on animals, surface sprays on surfaces. Never spray household products on pets, and keep essential-oil products away from cats and fish ponds.
Reapplication
Plant oils evaporate and break down in sun and rain. Expect to reapply before each gathering outdoors and after rain. If you want to mix your own, see how to make natural bug spray.
Non-Spray Fly Control That Works
- Moving air. Flies are weak fliers. A ceiling or pedestal fan over a dining table is one of the most effective fly deterrents for porches and patios.
- Sanitation. Bag and lid trash, rinse bins, pick up pet waste daily, and clean grills after use.
- Compost management. Bury food scraps in the center of the pile and cover with browns.
- Fallen fruit. Collect windfalls from fruit trees promptly.
- Screens. Repair torn porch and window screens.
- Plants. Basil, mint and other aromatic herbs near seating add scent; see plants that repel bugs for realistic expectations.
Mosquitoes often arrive with the flies on summer evenings; our guide to the best natural mosquito repellents covers that side.
Frequently Asked Questions
What smell keeps flies away naturally?
Strong aromatic oils such as peppermint, lemongrass, clove, cedarwood and eucalyptus are the most common natural fly deterrents. They work best close range and need frequent reapplication outdoors.
Do natural fly sprays work outdoors?
They help on tables, railings, door frames and animals, but wind, sun and rain shorten their effect. Combine them with a fan and sanitation for noticeable results on a patio.
Are peppermint sprays safe around pets?
Many listings describe their peppermint sprays as pet safe when used as directed, on surfaces and allowed to dry. Cats are especially sensitive to essential oils, so keep them out of treated areas until dry and never spray pets with household products.
Can I use a horse fly spray on my dog?
Only if the label lists dogs. Absorbine UltraShield Green, for example, is labeled for horses, ponies and dogs. Never use horse or dog products on cats.
Do fans really keep flies away?
Yes, a steady breeze makes it hard for flies to land and hover. A fan over a dining table is one of the simplest, chemical-free ways to keep flies off food outdoors.