This tradition has been lost over time, but it still remains functional. Just place a silly plant in the window to scare away the flies.
There is an old trick used to keep flies away from the house. It had been forgotten by many people, but has come back into fashion due to strong heat waves all over the world. When flies appear, we can bet on the natural power of a plant to keep them away. The best thing about all of this is that it is enough to leave a simple pot with the plant at the window. What is the plant that keeps flies away from your house?
Putting basil on the window to repel flies is an old and popular habit that has its roots in cultural traditions and ancestral knowledge. All this is based on the properties of the plant. This practice dates back to past cultures, and there are good reasons why flies tend to steer clear of this aromatic plant.
Basil (Ocimum basilicum) contains essential oils with an intense aroma and characteristics that can be unpleasant for insects, including flies. Its strong smell acts as a natural repellent, keeping away those unwanted insects.
Additionally, flies have sensory organs called olfactory organs, which are extremely sensitive to smells. In this sense, the aroma of basil can be repellent for these insects, making them avoid the proximity of the plant.
Other repellent plants
Over the centuries, various cultures around the world have observed and exploited the properties of basil to repel flies and other unwanted insects. Therefore, this knowledge has been passed down from generation to generation, becoming a traditional habit in many regions.
Besides basil, there are other plants that also have fly and insect repellent properties, such as mint, lavender, rosemary, and lemongrass. Likewise, these plants contain aromatic compounds that can help keep insects at bay.
Finally, more than that, this practice can also be linked to culinary tradition and research to keep food safe from contamination. Indeed, they are natural solutions, minimally invasive and non-toxic.