How to Keep Flies Away From Summer Meals Without Industrial Insecticide

In France and elsewhere, summer meals often draw flies, attracted by food, sweet drinks and cooking smells.

Published on 26 June 2025, the source article outlines several household ways to reduce their presence without using an industrial insecticide. It also refers to recommendations from the Spanish online newspaper El Diario concerning certain aromatic plants.

A homemade sugar and vinegar trap

The first option uses a very straightforward mixture made in a bowl or small jar. Rather than repelling insects, its purpose is to lure them away from plates and stop them moving around the table.

The recipe combines sugar, vinegar and washing-up liquid. Sugar attracts flies, while vinegar contributes to the mixture’s scent. The washing-up liquid alters the surface of the liquid, meaning insects that land on it may be unable to fly away again.

Positioned away from dishes and diners, this mixture can act as a trap during a meal eaten outdoors or beside an open window.

How to make the mixture

• Select a stable container, such as a jar or a bowl.
• Pour in the sugar and vinegar, then stir until the liquid is evenly combined.
• Then add a small amount of washing-up liquid.
• Place the container away from food, children’s hands and animals.

This method should be used carefully. It is not a substitute for basic hygiene measures and must not be set immediately beside food. Once the meal is over, it is best to empty the container and clean the area where it was placed.

Aromatic plants around the table

Flies can easily detect food sources. A bowl of ripe fruit, an open bottle of fizzy drink, leftover meat or a poorly closed bin may be enough to attract them. The source article suggests making use of the scents from several plants that are often already found on a balcony, patio or in a garden.

Basil, rosemary and lemongrass are among the plants mentioned by El Diario. Lavender and mint are also included. These plants can be kept in pots near the table, on a windowsill or close to an external door.

A pot of basil or mint cannot guarantee that there will be no flies at all, but it can complement practical steps such as covering dishes and promptly removing food waste.

This approach can also be useful for summer meals. Basil, rosemary and mint can be used in cooking, whether in a salad, marinade or cold drink. Keeping them near the table therefore combines decoration, fragrance and culinary use.

Where to position the plants

To reduce the attraction created by food smells, pots can be grouped close to areas where insects enter or pass through: a partly open window, patio door, garden table or worktop near an opening. Fresh mint or lavender leaves may also be placed in small containers, provided they are replaced when they dry out and lose their scent.

Fresh plants should not be confused with essential oils. Essential oils are far more concentrated and require precautions, especially around children, animals, people with allergies or pregnant women. Potted plants are a simpler option for a family meal.

A white vinegar spray

The third tip mentioned in the article also relies on vinegar. In this case, the mixture is intended for spraying onto certain surfaces where flies often land, such as a tablecloth or areas away from food.

The suggested preparation combines equal parts water and white vinegar in a spray bottle. The bottle should be shaken before every use so that the liquid is evenly mixed. The vinegar smell may be strong when it is applied, before becoming less noticeable once the room has been aired.

Before applying it to a tablecloth, piece of furniture or fabric, it remains advisable to test it on an inconspicuous area. Vinegar may be unsuitable for delicate materials, limestone or certain sensitive surfaces. This mixture must also not be sprayed directly onto food, crockery being used for eating or people.

The situation in France: prevention before trapping

In France, houseflies are chiefly attracted to organic matter, accessible food and waste. Prevention therefore starts with everyday measures: resealing packaging, covering serving bowls, keeping perishable foods chilled and not leaving dirty plates out after a meal.

A bin with a lid, emptied regularly, also reduces sources of attraction. Indoors, window screens can limit insects entering while still allowing air to circulate. Outdoors, a food cover or protective mesh prevents flies from landing directly on dishes.

Helpful habits during an outdoor lunch

• Prepare dishes immediately before sitting down to eat.
• Keep sweet drinks and cut fruit covered.
• Move the bin and food leftovers away from the area where diners are eating.
• Wipe up splashes of juice, jam or sauce from the table straight away.
• Remove pet bowls once the meal has finished if they are no longer needed.

Flies are not merely irritating: they can travel between waste, dirty surfaces and food. Without overstating the issue, it is better to prevent them from landing on food that is ready to eat. Covering dishes is often the most direct measure when several insects are circling the table.

Combining the three options covered in the article - a trap positioned away from diners, aromatic plants and regular surface cleaning - mainly helps reduce the things that attract flies. During hot weather, this routine can make summer meals noticeably more pleasant.