Flies are invading!!!

[Three Girls Farms]

I am having a problem with there being just about more flies inside the house than there are out. I have at least 30 inside at any given time. I have added to the kids chore list to kill 10 flies a day. I read that there are natural plants that would keep them away like...False Indigo, Lavender, Elderberry, Basil, and Mint. I am planning an arsenal of plants to be planted around the yard and by the doors. However, with that being said does anybody know what plants, if any, are poisonous to chickens as mine free range during the day and do not want to plant something that will harm them. I tried looking it up on Google but was unable to find any concrete answers. I then need to match it to see if they are poisonous to dosg and cats as well. Any help is GREATLY appreciated...before I turn in to the Fly Lady! Thank you!!!

 

[MammasBabies]

I know Lavender is safe all around. Others....do not know.

 

[CMV]

This should help:

http://www.poultryhelp.com/toxicplants.html

I have a great number of toxic plants around my yard. The birds tend to avoid them. I think if the plants were present in the run they would get sampled, but if the birds are given a choice in the matter, they stay away from toxic stuff.

Be aware that all the mints and false indigo are aggressive growers and spread like mad. I have both species...outside my garden. They spread too much to be in the garden.

Good luck.

 

[Three Girls Farms]

Thank you both very much! I am going to keep some in pots around my back door so hopefully I will be bale to contain their growth a bit.

 

[Baymule]

I hang the Christmas tree car air fresheners (vanilla only) in my coop to keep the flies away. I also spray the girls with vanilla to keep the buffalo gnats off them. Maybe you could hang the vanilla Christmas trees by your door.

 

[LazyBee]

Why vanillia? Does it have something special that deters flies? Does it work with humans too?

 

[Oregon Blues]

Vanilla air freshener is not real vanilla. It is some sort of chemical.

 

[MammasBabies]

Got to try this. I hate having those icky flies hanging around!