Natural Fly Spray Recipe to Keep Your Dogs Happy and Buzz-Free in Michigan
- The Wilsons
- Jul 11
- 4 min read
If you live in a rural area of Michigan, you know how quickly flies can become a nuisance during the warmer months. Even when you keep your yard clean and pick up after your pets regularly, flies still find a way to swarm around your home and your furry friends. One common sign that flies are bothering your dog is hearing them whimper or fuss more than usual. Flies can irritate dogs by landing on their skin, especially around sensitive areas like the ears and eyes, causing discomfort and stress.
To help reduce this problem, many pet owners turn to chemical sprays, but these can sometimes irritate your dog’s skin or cause other unwanted side effects. Instead, a simple homemade natural fly spray can be just as effective and much safer for your pets and the environment. In our experience, this spray cuts down on flies by about 90 percent, making outdoor time more enjoyable for everyone.
Why Flies Are a Problem for Dogs in Michigan
Michigan’s climate during spring and summer creates the perfect environment for flies to multiply. Rural areas, in particular, face more challenges because of open spaces, livestock, and natural wildlife. Even if you keep your dog’s waste cleaned up regularly, flies can still gather quickly around shaded areas, compost piles, or damp spots.
Flies don’t just annoy dogs—they can also carry bacteria and parasites that might lead to infections or other health issues. Dogs often try to swat flies away with their paws or scratch irritated spots, which can cause skin damage or worsen existing wounds.
Recognizing the signs of fly irritation is important. If your dog is whimpering, scratching more than usual, or shaking its head frequently, flies could be the culprit.
Benefits of Using a Natural Fly Spray
Many commercial fly sprays contain harsh chemicals that might harm your dog’s sensitive skin or cause allergic reactions. Natural fly sprays use plant-based ingredients that repel flies without toxic effects. Here are some benefits of using a homemade natural fly spray:
Safe for dogs and humans: No harsh chemicals or synthetic fragrances.
Environmentally friendly: Biodegradable and non-polluting.
Cost-effective: Made from simple, affordable ingredients.
Easy to make: Requires minimal preparation and common household items.
Effective: Reduces fly presence by about 90 percent in our experience.
Ingredients for the Natural Fly Spray
This recipe combines witch hazel, vegetable glycerin, and essential oils known for their insect-repelling properties. Each ingredient plays a role in keeping flies away while being gentle on your dog’s skin.
1/2 cup witch hazel
Acts as a natural astringent and base for the spray. It helps soothe the skin and evaporates quickly.
1 tablespoon vegetable glycerin
Adds moisture and helps the spray stick to your dog’s fur without drying it out.
Essential oils (about 10-15 drops total):
These oils have strong scents that flies dislike, making them effective natural repellents.
1/2 cup water
Dilutes the mixture to a safe concentration for spraying.
How to Make the Fly Spray
Follow these simple steps to prepare the spray:
Combine witch hazel and water in a clean bowl or measuring cup.
Add vegetable glycerin and stir well to mix.
Add essential oils one by one, stirring after each addition.
Pour the mixture into a glass spray bottle with a fine mist nozzle. Glass is preferred because it preserves the essential oils better than plastic.
Shake well before each use to ensure the ingredients are evenly mixed.
How to Use the Fly Spray Safely
Spray lightly on your dog’s coat, avoiding the eyes, nose, and mouth.
Focus on areas where flies tend to gather, such as around the ears, neck, and belly.
Reapply every few hours when your dog is outside, especially on hot or humid days.
Test a small patch of skin first to check for any allergic reaction.
Store the spray in a cool, dark place to maintain its effectiveness.
Additional Tips to Reduce Flies Around Your Home
While the spray helps protect your dog, controlling flies in your yard also reduces their presence overall:
Keep your yard clean by regularly picking up pet waste.
Remove standing water where flies breed.
Use fly traps or fans in outdoor seating areas.
Maintain compost piles properly to avoid attracting flies.
Plant fly-repelling herbs like basil, mint, or marigolds near your dog’s favorite spots.(where they cant dig it up)
This is the bottle that we use
Try this homemade spray to help your dog enjoy Michigan’s beautiful seasons without the constant buzzing and irritation of flies. Remember to combine it with good yard maintenance for the best results. Your dog will thank you with more wagging tails and fewer whimpers.
Give this recipe a try and see the difference it makes in your dog’s comfort and happiness this fly season.
What could you improve to ensure there are less flies for your pups..Wilson Wonders
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