A strong outdoor fly repellent should match where flies gather: NatureStop Fly Repellent Spray is a focused choice for patios, gardens, and outdoor living areas, while other options suit dining spaces, larger properties, or horses. This roundup compares ten plant-based or botanical products in spray, liquid, and incense-stick formats. Some are made specifically to discourage flies around outdoor areas; others cover additional pests or target people, livestock, or horse coats.
The differences matter: a gallon jug is not as convenient for a small patio as a 16-ounce spray, and an incense stick is used differently from a liquid treatment. Compare the stated use, ingredients, and package size before choosing, and follow each product’s label for application and safety directions.
NatureStop Fly Repellent Spray is the best overall fit for outdoor fly control because its listed purpose is to help discourage flies around patios, gardens, and outdoor living areas. For outdoor dining and decks, Scram Outdoor Bug Spray offers a two-bottle, 8-ounce-per-bottle format and lists four essential oils. For larger outdoor or agricultural settings, Bug Soother Natural Insect Repellent comes in a one-gallon size and lists flies among its target insects.
Choose according to where you will apply it, rather than assuming every botanical formula suits every surface or setting.
Our Top Picks
Best OverallDesigned to discourage flies around patios, gardens, and outdoor living areas, with a 16-ounce spray format suited to targeted outdoor application.
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Best Patio SpraySpecifically targets flies around outdoor dining areas, patios, porches, and decks; the pack includes two 8-ounce bottles and four listed essential oils.
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Highest CapacityIts one-gallon format suits larger outdoor settings, and the listed target insects include flies, gnats, black flies, and no-see-ums.
View on Amazon- Best Stick Format Mintronella Incense Sticks
- Best Contact Spray Wondercide Mosquito and Fly Spray
Compare Outdoor Fly Repellent Options
| # | Product | Volume | Form | Size | Buy |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 1. NatureStop Fly RepellentBest Overall | 16 fluid oz | Aerosol | 16 oz (Pack of 1) | View on Amazon |
| 2 | 2. Scram Outdoor Bug SprayBest Patio Spray | 8 fluid oz | Aerosol | 8 Fl Oz (Pack of 2) | View on Amazon |
| 3 | 3. Bug Soother Natural RepellentHighest Capacity | 1 gallons | Aerosol | 128 Fl Oz (Pack of 1) | View on Amazon |
| 4 | 4. Mintronella Incense SticksBest Stick Format | — | Stick | 100 Pack | View on Amazon |
| 5 | 5. Wondercide Outdoor Pest SprayBroad yard pest treatment | 32 fluid oz | Aerosol | 32 Fl Oz (Pack of 1) | View on Amazon |
| 6 | 6. Wondercide Mosquito and Fly SprayBest Contact Spray | — | Spray | — | View on Amazon |
| 7 | 7. Buggins Natural RepellentCompact DEET-free personal use | 4 fluid oz | Liquid | 4 Fl Oz (Pack of 1) | View on Amazon |
| 8 | 8. Farnam Nature’s DefenseHorse fly spray concentrate | 32 fluid oz | Liquid | 32 Fl Oz (Pack of 1) | View on Amazon |
| 9 | 9. Mighty Mint Peppermint SprayBulk patio and yard coverage | 128 fluid oz | Oil | 128 Fl Oz (Pack of 1) | View on Amazon |
| 10 | 10. Kate’s Peppermint Oil SprayMulti-pest home and yard use | 16 fluid oz | Oil | 16 Fl Oz (Pack of 1) | View on Amazon |
Detailed Reviews: Best Natural Fly Repellent For Outdoors

#1 · Best Overall
1. NatureStop Fly Repellent
- Volume: 16 fluid oz
- Form: Aerosol
- Size: 16 oz (Pack of 1)
Best for: Family outdoor fly deterrence.
Why it ranks #1: Designed to discourage flies around patios, gardens, and outdoor living areas, with a 16-ounce spray format suited to targeted outdoor application.
A plant-based formula explicitly aimed at discouraging flies around outdoor living spaces makes NatureStop a focused choice for patios, gardens, and decks. Its 16-ounce aerosol format suits targeted applications around outdoor seating and dining areas, with use around pets and families specified when used as directed.
NatureStop identifies patios, outdoor seating, gardens, and other gathering spaces as application targets, giving buyers a practical starting point for treating the places where they spend time. The 16-fluid-ounce aerosol is a single-container format for those areas, while the plant-based active ingredients align with its positioning as an alternative to harsh chemical-heavy treatments. The product states it is safe around pets and families when used as directed. Its stated goal is to help discourage flies, not to claim a broad multi-pest treatment.
- Targets patios, gardens, decks, and outdoor living areas
- Plant-based active ingredients
- States use around pets and families when used as directed
- 16-ounce aerosol format for targeted applications
- Its stated target is flies, not a broad list of other pests.
Skip it if you need listed control for mosquitoes, ticks, fleas, and ants across a yard; Wondercide Outdoor Pest Control Spray names those pests.
NatureStop suits households looking for a plant-based fly deterrent for outdoor gathering spots, with directions followed around pets and family. Choose another format if broad yard-pest coverage or a larger supply is central to your routine.
Full product details
| Brand | NatureStop |
|---|---|
| Item Form | Aerosol |
| Item Volume | 16 fluid ounces |
| Manufacturer | NatureStop |
| Size | 16 Ounce (Pack of 1) |
| Additional Information | Important information |
Listed on Amazon as: NatureStop Fly Repellent Spray (16oz)
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#2 · Best Patio Spray
2. Scram Outdoor Bug Spray
- Volume: 8 fluid oz
- Form: Aerosol
- Size: 8 Fl Oz (Pack of 2)
Best for: Outdoor dining fly spray.
Why it ranks #2: Specifically targets flies around outdoor dining areas, patios, porches, and decks; the pack includes two 8-ounce bottles and four listed essential oils.
Four named essential oils distinguish Scram: lemongrass, peppermint, geraniol, and cedarwood form a plant-based spray aimed specifically at flies around outdoor dining and living areas. Apply it when the wind is calm, let it settle, and then use the patio, porch, or deck.
The directions connect calm-weather application with letting the spray settle before sitting down, making timing part of the outdoor dining routine. Its four active oils—0.80% lemongrass, 0.75% peppermint, 0.30% geraniol, and 0.30% cedarwood—are paired with water, polyglycerol oleate, and glycerin. The pack contains two 8-fluid-ounce sprays, providing separate containers for different areas or occasions. It is plant-based and DEET-free, with flies as its stated outdoor focus.
- Targets flies around outdoor dining and living areas
- Four named essential-oil active ingredients with listed percentages
- Directions specify calm wind and settling time before use
- Two 8-fluid-ounce sprays in the pack
- Application calls for calm wind and time for the spray to settle.
Skip it if you need a broad yard spray for several kinds of pests; Wondercide Outdoor Pest Control Spray lists mosquitoes, ants, ticks, and fleas.
Scram fits households preparing patios, porches, or decks for outdoor meals and willing to apply ahead of sitting down. Its stated focus is outdoor flies, and the directions make calm conditions and settling time important.
Full product details
| Brand | LEMONGRASS FARMS |
|---|---|
| Item Form | Aerosol |
| Item Volume | 8 fluid ounces |
| Manufacturer | Lemongrass Farms |
| Size | 8 Fl Oz (Pack of 2) |
| Additional Information | Important information |
Listed on Amazon as: Scram Outdoor Bug Spray, Fly Repellent for Patio, 8 oz (pack of 2)
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#3 · Highest Capacity
3. Bug Soother Natural Repellent
- Volume: 1 gallons
- Form: Aerosol
- Size: 128 Fl Oz (Pack of 1)
Best for: Farm and livestock areas.
Why it ranks #3: Its one-gallon format suits larger outdoor settings, and the listed target insects include flies, gnats, black flies, and no-see-ums.
A one-gallon, DEET-free formula listed for people and livestock sets Bug Soother apart for farms, barns, and other large outdoor environments. Its plant-derived active ingredient is lemongrass oil, and the stated pest list includes flies, gnats, no-see-ums, mosquitoes, black flies, and sand fleas.
The gallon format offers a substantial supply for outdoor workspaces, pastures, stables, and ranches, while the listed use around adults, children, horses, chickens, livestock, and pets supports a range of farm settings when used as directed. Lemongrass oil makes up 0.8% of the active ingredients; the rest includes water, vanillin, glycerin, castor oil, lecithin, and vitamin E. Its broad listed pest range suits varied outdoor exposure, though the 8.4-pound container is less portable than a small bottle.
- One-gallon supply for large outdoor settings
- Listed for use around people, horses, chickens, livestock, and pets when directed
- DEET-free, plant-based formula with 0.8% lemongrass oil
- Lists flies, gnats, no-see-ums, mosquitoes, black flies, and sand fleas
- The 8.4-pound gallon container is cumbersome to carry between treatment areas.
Skip it if you want a small liquid bottle for personal carry; Buggins Natural Insect Repellent is a 4-ounce DEET-free liquid.
Bug Soother suits farm and ranch users who need a large supply for people, animals, and outdoor work areas. Its gallon container fits stored use better than carrying between locations, so account for the weight when applying.
Full product details
| Brand | Bug Soother |
|---|---|
| Item Form | Aerosol |
| Item Volume | 1 gallons |
| Item Weight | 8.4 pounds |
| Manufacturer | Simply Soothing |
| Part Number | BS-1GAL |
| Material Features | Natural |
| Model Number | A159 |
| Size | 128 Fl Oz (Pack of 1) |
| Additional Information | Important information Ingredients Active Ingredients: Lemongrass Oil 0.8% Inert Ingredients: Water, Vanillin, Glycerin, Castor Oil, Lecithin, Vitamin E 99.2% |
Listed on Amazon as: Bug Soother Natural Insect Repellent, DEET-Free Outdoor Spray 1 Gallon
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#4 · Best Stick Format
4. Mintronella Incense Sticks
- Form: Stick
- Size: 100 Pack
Best for: Patio incense and camping.
Why it ranks #4: Made for outdoor settings including patios, camping, and backyard events; each incense stick burns for about 40 minutes on average.
About 40 minutes of average burn time per stick gives Mintronella incense a defined outdoor-use window for patio meals or camping breaks. The 100-pack combines citronella and peppermint with lemongrass and vanilla fragrance oils, offering a scented, stick-based alternative to applying liquid repellent.
Each bamboo-and-resin stick burns for about 40 minutes on average, so buyers can plan a session around a meal or time outdoors rather than applying a spray. The 100-stick quantity supports multiple outings, and the stay-fresh scent-lock pouch provides storage between uses. Its citronella, peppermint, lemongrass, and vanilla fragrance oils create the stated outdoor scent profile. The product is listed as DEET-free and pet friendly; use remains dependent on lighting and burning incense outdoors.
- About 40 minutes of average burn time per stick
- 100-stick supply for multiple outdoor sessions
- Citronella, peppermint, lemongrass, and vanilla fragrance oils
- Stay-fresh scent-lock pouch for storage
- Each stick provides a limited session, averaging about 40 minutes of burn time.
Skip it if you prefer a ready-to-spray liquid for patio treatment; LEMONGRASS FARMS Scram Outdoor Bug Spray is applied around outdoor dining areas.
This suits campers and patio users who want a scented incense format and can manage a burning stick during an outdoor session. Its roughly 40-minute burn window and reliance on incense make it a different fit from spray-on treatments.
Full product details
| Brand | Farm Raised Candles |
|---|---|
| Item Form | Stick |
| Manufacturer | Farm Raised Candles |
| Part Number | Mintronella 100 |
| Material | Bamboo, Resin |
| Model Number | Mintronella 100 |
| Package Size Name | 100 Pack |
Listed on Amazon as: Mintronella USA Made Citronella & Peppermint Mosquito Repellent Incense Sticks – 100 Pack – Natural Bug & Insect Repellent – Outdoor Camping, Patio Decor – No‐See‐Um & Gnats, Fly
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#5
5. Wondercide Outdoor Pest Spray
- Volume: 32 fluid oz
- Form: Aerosol
- Size: 32 Fl Oz (Pack of 1)
Best for: Broad yard pest treatment.
Why it ranks #5: A 32-ounce yard spray with cedarwood oil as its active ingredient; its listed pest targets include common yard bugs, though flies are not singled out.
Coverage of up to 5,000 square feet per ready-to-use sprayer gives Wondercide a clear role in treating larger outdoor areas. Its cedarwood-oil formula is listed for mosquitoes, ants, ticks, fleas, and other common yard bugs, making it a broader yard-control option than a fly-only spray.
The ready-to-use 32-ounce spray avoids mixing, while stated coverage of up to 5,000 square feet helps buyers estimate whether one container suits the yard. Cedarwood oil is the listed active ingredient at 12.63%, accompanied by sesame oil and other ingredients. The product is positioned as a spray-and-play alternative to conventional yard treatments, and directions say to apply as needed until control or desired results are achieved. That repeat-as-needed guidance affects planning for ongoing yard use.
- Ready-to-use 32-ounce spray requires no dilution
- Stated coverage up to 5,000 square feet per sprayer
- Lists mosquitoes, ants, ticks, fleas, and other common yard bugs
- Cedarwood oil is the listed active ingredient
- The directions say to apply as needed until control or desired results are achieved.
Skip it if you want a spray focused on outdoor dining flies in a two-bottle pack; LEMONGRASS FARMS Scram is sold as two 8-ounce sprays.
This is a fit for yard owners seeking ready-to-use coverage across a broader pest list, rather than only flies. Consider the stated 5,000-square-foot coverage and as-needed application when planning treatment for the whole yard.
Full product details
| Brand | Wondercide |
|---|---|
| Item Form | Aerosol |
| Item Volume | 32 fluid ounces |
| Item Weight | 2.1 pounds |
| Manufacturer | Wondercide |
| Part Number | 4332684836 |
| Material Features | Natural |
| Size | 32 Fl Oz (Pack of 1) |
Listed on Amazon as: Wondercide – Outdoor Pest Control Spray with Natural Essential Oils – 32 oz
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#6 · Best Contact Spray
6. Wondercide Mosquito and Fly Spray
- Form: Spray
Best for: Fast contact knockdown.
Why it ranks #6: Specifically lists house flies and several other flying insects among those it kills by contact, and is described for indoor and outdoor areas.
Quick-kill contact action against more than 20 flying bugs is the defining feature of this Wondercide aerosol. It covers mosquitoes, house flies, gnats, and other listed flying pests in indoor and outdoor areas, including kitchens, patios, decks, and yards, for buyers prioritizing direct treatment.
The aerosol is intended to kill by contact, which makes it suited to treating flying bugs encountered in a specific area rather than planning a broad residual yard routine. Its listed active ingredients are 1.47% geraniol and 0.10% lemongrass oil, with white mineral oil, isopropyl myristate, ethyl lactate, and carbon dioxide among other ingredients. The indoor-and-outdoor use range includes kitchens, dining rooms, porches, and yards. Shake before use and follow the label directions.
- Contact-kill action against more than 20 flying bugs
- Lists mosquitoes, house flies, fruit flies, drain flies, and gnats
- For indoor and outdoor areas, including kitchens and patios
- Geraniol and lemongrass oil are listed active ingredients
- Contact-kill aerosol use requires direct treatment rather than a stated area-coverage plan.
Skip it if you want a plant-based spray specifically for outdoor dining flies; LEMONGRASS FARMS Scram gives calm-weather patio application directions.
Choose this aerosol for buyers who want direct contact treatment across indoor and outdoor locations and a wide list of flying bugs. Its stated use is different from a spray intended to prepare a patio area before dining.
Full product details
| Brand | Wondercide |
|---|---|
| Item Form | Spray |
| Manufacturer | Wondercide |
Listed on Amazon as: Wondercide – Mosquito and Fly Aerosol Spray – 10 oz, 2-Pack
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#7
7. Buggins Natural Repellent
- Volume: 4 fluid oz
- Form: Liquid
- Size: 4 Fl Oz (Pack of 1)
Best for: Compact DEET-free personal use.
Why it ranks #7: A 4-ounce DEET-free liquid lists gnats and flies among its targets, with plant-based active ingredients including geraniol, peppermint, lemongrass, and clove.
A compact 4-ounce bottle and four named plant-based actives give Buggins a straightforward role for buyers seeking a smaller DEET-free repellent. Geraniol, peppermint, lemongrass, and clove are listed as active ingredients, while the title identifies a vanilla mint and rose scent.
The 4-fluid-ounce liquid format is easier to carry or store than gallon-size outdoor sprays, making it a practical scale for personal or occasional use. Its active ingredients—geraniol, peppermint, lemongrass, and clove—are identified as plant-based, and the product is explicitly DEET-free. The title names gnats and flies as targets, connecting the formula to common outdoor nuisances. The supplied details do not specify application directions or coverage, so buyers should not infer a treatment area from bottle size alone.
- Compact 4-ounce liquid bottle
- DEET-free formula
- Four listed plant-based active ingredients
- Title identifies gnats and flies as targets
- At 4 ounces, it offers less volume for repeated large-area treatment.
Skip it if you need a gallon for farms, livestock, or outdoor workspaces; Bug Soother Natural Insect Repellent is listed in a one-gallon size.
Buggins fits buyers who want a small DEET-free liquid with named plant-based actives for gnats and flies. Its 4-ounce size is a boundary for extended or large-area outdoor treatment, where a larger supply makes more sense.
Full product details
| Brand | Buggins |
|---|---|
| Item Form | Liquid |
| Item Volume | 4 fluid ounces |
| Manufacturer | Buggins |
| Part Number | Nat-4oz |
| Material Feature | Natural |
| Material Features | Natural |
| Model Number | Nat-4oz |
| Size | 4 Fl Oz (Pack of 1) |
| Additional Information | Important information Ingredients PLANT BASED ACTIVE INGREDIENTS – Contains geraniol, peppermint, lemongrass and clove |
Listed on Amazon as: Natural Insect Repellent, DEET-Free, Repels Gnats & Flies, Plant Based, Vanilla Mint & Rose Scent, 4-oz
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#8
8. Farnam Nature’s Defense
- Volume: 32 fluid oz
- Form: Liquid
- Size: 32 Fl Oz (Pack of 1)
Best for: Horse fly spray concentrate.
Why it ranks #8: Its botanical formula lists several fly types, including stable and horse flies, but it is specifically presented as a spray for horses.
A one-part-concentrate to four-parts-water dilution makes Farnam Nature’s Defense a horse-focused fly spray with a defined preparation step. Its botanical blend includes citronella and other essential oils, and its listed targets range from stable and house flies to mosquitoes and gnats.
The concentrate requires mixing four parts water with one part product, so users must prepare a diluted solution before application and shake both the concentrate and diluted mixture as directed. The 32-ounce product is described as a botanical spray for horses, with a fresh herbal fragrance and a water-based formula. Its target list includes horn, stable, house, horse, and deer flies, along with mosquitoes and gnats. Those horse-specific claims make it a different fit from general patio sprays.
- Concentrate dilutes at four parts water to one part product
- Citronella and other essential oils in a botanical blend
- Lists multiple horse-associated flies, mosquitoes, and gnats
- Water-based formula with a fresh herbal fragrance
- Requires dilution with water and shaking before application.
Skip it if you need a ready-to-use spray for patios without mixing; Wondercide Outdoor Pest Control Spray is a ready-to-use yard treatment.
Choose Farnam for horse owners prepared to dilute and shake a botanical fly spray before use. Its listed targets and use are horse-focused, so it is not the simplest match for someone seeking a no-mix patio treatment.
Full product details
| Brand | Farnam |
|---|---|
| Included Components | Farnam Nature's Defense Concentrate Botanical Fly Spray For Horses 32 ounces |
| Item Form | Liquid |
| Item Volume | 32 fluid ounces |
| Item Weight | 2.1 pounds |
| Manufacturer | Central Garden & Pet |
| Part Number | 12013 |
| Material Feature | Natural |
| Material Features | Natural |
| Model Number | 12013 |
| Size | 32 Fl Oz (Pack of 1) |
| Warranty Description | Satisfaction Guarantee or Money Back |
Listed on Amazon as: Farnam Nature’s Defense Concentrate, Botanical Fly Repellent Spray, 32 oz
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#9
9. Mighty Mint Peppermint Spray
- Volume: 128 fluid oz
- Form: Oil
- Size: 128 Fl Oz (Pack of 1)
Best for: Bulk patio and yard coverage.
Why it ranks #9: The one-gallon natural peppermint-oil spray offers high volume, but the supplied details describe general insect repellent rather than a fly-specific outdoor use.
A full gallon of peppermint-oil repellent gives this Mighty Mint spray a clear role: stocking up for repeated treatment around outdoor areas. Its ready-to-use, high-strength spray format avoids a dilution step, while the oil-based formula suits buyers who want a larger supply on hand.
The 128-fluid-ounce volume can support repeated applications around patios or other outdoor spaces, and the ready-to-use directions keep preparation simple: attach the nozzle to the gallon and spray. Peppermint oil is listed alongside water, glycerin, polyglycerol oleate, and soap, so the formula is not peppermint oil alone. The substantial container weighs 9 pounds, which matters when moving it between storage and application spots. Keep it out of reach of children and pets, as directed.
- 128-fluid-ounce supply for repeated use
- Ready-to-use spray; attach the supplied nozzle to the gallon
- Peppermint oil formula with water, glycerin, polyglycerol oleate, and soap
- Natural material feature is listed
- The 9-pound gallon is less convenient to carry than a small spray bottle.
Skip it if you need a stick format for camping; Farm Raised Candles Mintronella 100 offers portable incense sticks with about 40 minutes of burn time each.
Choose this gallon for outdoor users who want a ready-to-use peppermint-oil spray in a large supply. Its 9-pound container and nozzle attachment suit a storage-and-refill routine better than carrying a compact bottle.
Full product details
| Brand | Mighty Mint |
|---|---|
| Item Form | Oil |
| Item Volume | 128 fluid ounces |
| Item Weight | 9 pounds |
| Manufacturer | Pure Origin Products |
| Part Number | 860001053630 |
| Material Features | Natural |
| Model Number | 860001053630 |
| Size | 128 Fl Oz (Pack of 1) |
| Additional Information | Important information Safety Information Keep out of reach of children and pets. Ingredients Water,Glycerin, Polyglycerol Oleate,Soap,Peppermint Oil Directions Detach Nozzle And Attach To The Gallon. Creates A Ready-To-Use, High-Strength Repellent Spray. Finish It Already? Get Our Concentrate Products And Reuse The Same 128Oz Bottle. |
Listed on Amazon as: Mighty Mint Peppermint Oil Insect Repellent Spray, 1 Gallon (128 oz)
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#10
10. Kate’s Peppermint Oil Spray
- Volume: 16 fluid oz
- Form: Oil
- Size: 16 Fl Oz (Pack of 1)
Best for: Multi-pest home and yard use.
Why it ranks #10: This 16-ounce peppermint-and-cedarwood oil spray lists flies among its targets, but its broad indoor and household focus is less tailored to outdoor fly control.
The combination of peppermint and cedarwood oils gives Kate’s spray a broader stated pest list than a peppermint-only formula. Its 16-ounce oil format is positioned for indoor and outdoor areas, from household spaces to the yard, and includes flies among the pests it is intended to repel.
Kate’s identifies peppermint oil and cedarwood oil as its paired plant-based ingredients, with claims covering flies as well as spiders, ants, stink bugs, earwigs, cats, and rodents. That breadth can suit buyers seeking one household spray for varied locations, including basements, attics, and yards. The 16-fluid-ounce bottle is smaller than gallon formats, so it is easier to keep as a household supply but offers less volume for repeated broad-area application. Shake well before use and store cool and dry.
- Peppermint and cedarwood oils in one formula
- Listed for indoor and outdoor use
- Fly control is included among a broad stated pest range
- 16-fluid-ounce bottle for household storage
- The 16-ounce bottle provides less volume than gallon-size outdoor sprays.
Skip it if you need a gallon for large agricultural spaces; Bug Soother Natural Insect Repellent comes in a one-gallon format for farms and livestock areas.
Pick Kate’s for buyers who want a household-oriented peppermint-and-cedarwood spray that also lists flies among its targets. The 16-ounce volume is a practical boundary for extensive yard treatment or frequent large-area use.
Full product details
| Brand | Kate's Home & Garden |
|---|---|
| Item Form | Oil |
| Item Volume | 16 fluid ounces |
| Item Weight | 16 ounces |
| Manufacturer | Kate's Home & Garden |
| Material Features | Natural |
| Size | 16 Fl Oz (Pack of 1) |
Listed on Amazon as: Kate's Home & Garden Peppermint Oil Spray for Bugs, Ants, Spiders (16oz)
View on AmazonWhy outdoor fly sprays can disappoint
Wind and placement can undermine an outdoor spray before the formula has a chance to help. Scram Outdoor Bug Spray’s directions specifically say to spray around patios, porches, and decks when the wind is calm, then let it settle before sitting down. That instruction points to a practical failure mode: applying a product immediately before people gather, or during breezy conditions, may not create the intended treated area.
The products also differ in what they are meant to contact. NatureStop Fly Repellent is described for outdoor spaces, while Farnam Nature’s Defense is a botanical spray for horses.
Do not assume a yard-use or area spray is suitable for skin, furniture, plants, or animals. Check the label for permitted application sites and reapplication instructions, and keep food and guests away while applying when the label directs. A natural or plant-based description does not establish that every use is appropriate.
Match the format to the space
The format affects how you can apply a repellent and how much area a package may serve, but the listed sizes alone do not establish coverage. A one-gallon jug such as Bug Soother Natural Repellent or Mighty Mint Peppermint Spray contains much more product than a 4-ounce Buggins Natural Repellent bottle. That can be useful for repeated use or larger settings, but it may be awkward if you only need a small amount for a table or patio.
Mintronella Incense Sticks avoid a liquid spray application; each stick burns for about 40 minutes on average, so they suit a different routine and are not a direct substitute for treating a surface or personal clothing. Scram Outdoor Bug Spray’s two 8-ounce bottles provide a split format, while NatureStop Fly Repellent is a single 16-ounce spray.
Do not infer application duration or treated area from package volume: the supplied details do not give a comparable coverage figure for these products.
How to Choose an Outdoor Fly Repellent
Where you plan to use it
Start by choosing a product whose stated use matches your setting. NatureStop Fly Repellent is described for patios, gardens, and outdoor living areas; Scram Outdoor Bug Spray specifically names outdoor dining areas, porches, and decks. Bug Soother Natural Repellent is presented for larger outdoor and agricultural environments, including farms, ranches, and outdoor workspaces.
Farnam Nature’s Defense is intended for horses, so it is a specialized option rather than a general patio spray. These different use cases matter more than a broad claim about natural ingredients.
Choose the patio-focused end for outdoor meals and seating, the larger-setting option for farm or property use, and the horse-specific product only when treating horses according to its label.
Application format and package size
Choose a format and volume that suit how you will apply the product. Listed sizes range from Buggins Natural Repellent at 4 fluid ounces to one-gallon options including Bug Soother Natural Repellent and Mighty Mint Peppermint Spray. NatureStop Fly Repellent and Kate’s Peppermint Oil Spray each list 16 fluid ounces, while Scram Outdoor Bug Spray comes as a pack of two 8-ounce bottles.
Mintronella Incense Sticks use a separate, non-liquid format, with about 40 minutes of burn time per stick. A smaller spray can be easier to handle for limited areas; a gallon can make sense where the product’s label and intended use suit more extensive use.
Package size alone does not tell you coverage or how long the supply lasts.
Fly-specific ingredients and targets
Look for an explicit fly use and check the listed active ingredients rather than relying on a general insect-repellent description. Scram Outdoor Bug Spray lists lemongrass oil, peppermint oil, geraniol, and cedarwood oil as active ingredients; NatureStop Fly Repellent is directly described as helping discourage flies outdoors. Bug Soother Natural Repellent lists lemongrass oil as its active ingredient and includes flies among its target insects.
Wondercide Mosquito and Fly Spray lists geraniol and lemongrass oil and describes contact killing of house flies and other flying insects, a different purpose from simply discouraging flies in an outdoor area. For general patio deterrence, prefer products framed for outdoor spaces; for a broader list of pests or contact use, compare the label and intended application carefully.
Which outdoor fly repellent should I choose?
For a straightforward outdoor-area option, choose NatureStop Fly Repellent: it is specifically described for patios, gardens, and outdoor living areas. For outdoor meals on a deck or porch, Scram Outdoor Bug Spray is a close alternative, with two 8-ounce bottles and directions to apply in calm conditions and let the spray settle. If you need a gallon format for an outdoor or agricultural setting, consider Bug Soother Natural Repellent, which lists flies among its target insects.
Choose Mintronella Incense Sticks if you prefer a stick format for camping or patio use. For horse-specific application, Farnam Nature’s Defense is the relevant specialist choice.
The remaining products have broader insect, household, or contact-kill descriptions, so verify that their labels match your application site before buying.
Frequently Asked Questions
How often should I reapply a natural fly repellent outdoors?
Follow the product label for reapplication timing; the supplied product details do not provide a shared schedule. Outdoor conditions and application sites differ, so avoid assuming one formula’s directions apply to another. Check the label before each use, and reapply only as directed.
Can I spray these formulas on skin, furniture, plants, or animals?
Only apply a formula to skin, furniture, plants, or animals if its label specifically permits that use. The products have different purposes and formats, and an outdoor-area spray is not automatically suitable for direct application. Check directions and warnings for the exact product and intended surface.
Will natural fly repellents still work in wind or around food?
Wind can affect where a spray settles, so follow the product’s application directions; Scram’s directions say to apply in calm conditions and let the spray settle. For outdoor dining, follow the label and keep spray away from food and food-contact surfaces unless the directions explicitly allow otherwise.
Which option fits a larger outdoor or agricultural area?
Bug Soother is the listed option with a one-gallon format and flies among its target insects, making it the relevant choice to consider for a larger outdoor or agricultural setting. Confirm its label matches the site and application method before use; a larger format alone does not establish suitability.
Which product is intended for horse-specific application?
Farnam Nature’s Defense is the horse-specific choice identified in the article. Check its label for the permitted application areas, directions, and precautions before using it on a horse. Do not assume that other outdoor fly sprays are suitable for animals simply because they are botanical or intended to repel insects.
Final Words
Choose by application site and format, not by the word “natural” alone. NatureStop is the clearest fit for patios, gardens, and outdoor living areas; Scram is a close option for decks and outdoor meals when used as directed in calm conditions. Consider Bug Soother for a gallon format, Mintronella for a stick format, and Farnam for horse-specific use.
For every product, verify the label before applying it to a surface, person, or animal.