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Get Rid of Flies

Flies are one of the most common pests we deal with, especially during warmer months. Whether you’re having a backyard BBQ, relaxing on your porch, or enjoying a sunny day outside, flies seem to find their way into the scene. If you’re tired of swatting at them or constantly waving your hands around, you’re not alone. Many people struggle with how to get rid of flies outside fast.

In this blog post, we’ll explore proven tips and strategies that can help you eliminate flies from your outdoor space. These methods will not only help you get rid of flies but also prevent them from returning. Keep reading to discover the best ways to keep your outdoor areas fly-free.

Why Are There So Many Flies Outside?

Before diving into the solutions, it’s helpful to understand why flies are drawn to certain areas in the first place. Flies are attracted to smells, especially decaying food, garbage, and animal waste. They also thrive in warm, humid environments, which is why they are more noticeable during the summer months.

Additionally, flies are often attracted to any organic matter that can serve as a breeding ground, such as compost piles, trash bins, and pet waste. Identifying the source of the fly problem can be key to solving it quickly. Now, let’s look at some proven methods to get rid of flies outside fast.

1. Keep Your Outdoor Area Clean

One of the simplest and most effective ways to keep flies at bay is to maintain a clean outdoor environment. Flies are attracted to food scraps, garbage, and pet waste, so the cleaner your yard or patio, the less likely flies will find it appealing.

Here are some tips for keeping things clean:

Dispose of food waste properly: If you’re having a picnic or a barbecue, make sure to cover food items when not in use and throw away scraps immediately after eating.
Clean up after pets: If you have pets, be sure to remove pet waste from the yard regularly. Flies love this as a breeding ground.
Secure trash cans: Make sure your outdoor garbage bins are sealed tightly and emptied regularly to prevent flies from gathering around them.

Keeping your space tidy not only makes it less attractive to flies but also helps you enjoy a cleaner, more pleasant outdoor experience.

2. Use Fly Repellents and Essential Oils

Fly repellents can be a quick and effective solution to get rid of flies outside fast. There are many natural options available, especially essential oils, which can be used to create homemade fly-repelling sprays. Some of the most effective oils for this purpose include:

Lavender oil: Flies dislike the scent of lavender, so it’s a great natural repellent.
Eucalyptus oil: This oil has a strong scent that flies tend to avoid.
Peppermint oil: The strong aroma of peppermint can deter flies from coming near.
Lemongrass oil: This oil contains citronella, which is often used in commercial fly repellents.

You can mix these oils with water and a bit of dish soap in a spray bottle, then spray the solution around your patio, yard, or garden. The smell will help keep flies away, and it’s a much safer alternative to chemical repellents.

3. Create Fly Traps

Another method to get rid of flies outside fast is by using fly traps. These traps attract flies with bait and trap them inside, where they can’t escape. There are several types of fly traps you can use:

DIY jar trap: Fill a jar with a little sugar water, fruit juice, or honey, and cover the top with a piece of plastic wrap. Poke a few small holes in the wrap. Flies will be drawn to the sweet scent, and once they enter, they’ll get trapped.
Commercial fly traps: You can also purchase pre-made fly traps that use attractants and sticky surfaces to capture the flies.
Fly ribbons: These are sticky strips that can be hung around your outdoor space. Flies will get stuck to them as they fly by.

Fly traps are effective at catching flies, especially in areas where they’re most concentrated, such as around trash cans or compost piles.

4. Plant Fly-Repellent Plants

Certain plants naturally repel flies and other insects, making them an excellent addition to your garden or patio. Planting these around your outdoor space can help keep flies away without the need for chemical sprays. Some of the best plants for repelling flies include:

Basil: This aromatic herb has a strong smell that flies dislike.
Marigolds: Marigolds are known to repel many insects, including flies.
Mint: Similar to peppermint oil, mint plants can keep flies at bay with their strong scent.
Lavender: As mentioned earlier, lavender is a natural fly repellent.

By planting these herbs and flowers in pots or directly in your garden, you can create a fly-free environment that’s also beautiful and aromatic.

5. Use a Fly Zapper

If you want a more high-tech solution, a fly zapper can be highly effective. These devices attract flies with UV light, and once the flies come into contact with the electric grid, they’re instantly zapped. Fly zappers are available in various sizes and can be placed in outdoor areas where flies are most problematic.

While effective, fly zappers can also attract other beneficial insects, so it’s important to place them strategically to minimize unintended consequences. Still, if you want a quick solution, a fly zapper can help you get rid of flies fast.

6. Use a Fan to Keep Flies Away

Flies are not great fliers in strong winds, so using a fan is an easy way to make your outdoor space less inviting to them. Place a fan on your patio or porch to create airflow. The strong breeze will make it harder for flies to land and settle, keeping them away.

If you’re planning an outdoor gathering, consider using several fans around the area to keep flies at bay. Not only will it help with the fly problem, but it will also keep you cool and comfortable.

7. Try Vinegar or Apple Cider Vinegar

Vinegar is another inexpensive and effective solution to get rid of flies outside fast. Flies are attracted to the sour scent of vinegar, and you can use it to make an easy fly trap. Here’s how:

Fill a small bowl with apple cider vinegar or regular vinegar.
Add a few drops of dish soap to break the surface tension.
Place the bowl in areas where flies are most concentrated.

The flies will be drawn to the vinegar and will get trapped due to the dish soap. This method works best for smaller areas like patios or garden tables.

8. Keep Your Outdoor Lighting in Check

Flies are attracted to light, especially at night. If you’re having an outdoor evening event, be mindful of your outdoor lighting. Consider using yellow or bug-repellent light bulbs, as they are less attractive to flies and other insects. You can also try dimming the lights or positioning them farther away from where you’ll be sitting or eating to minimize fly activity.

9. Seal Gaps and Entry Points

Sometimes, flies can enter your home from the outside, so it’s important to ensure that windows, doors, and other entry points are sealed. Check for any cracks or gaps where flies could be sneaking in. Installing screens or weatherproofing around windows can help keep flies and other pests outside where they belong.

If you have an issue with pests inside your home, you may also be interested in our blog post on how to get rid of fruit flies, which provides more tips for handling indoor fly infestations.

Final Thoughts

Flies can be a nuisance, especially when you’re trying to enjoy your outdoor space. But with the right strategies, you can get rid of flies outside fast and keep your yard, patio, or garden fly-free. Whether you opt for natural repellents, fly traps, or simply keeping things clean, there are plenty of ways to tackle the problem.

By using the tips outlined above, you can create a more pleasant outdoor experience and enjoy the beauty of your surroundings without constantly swatting at flies. If you’re interested in more tips for keeping your home and outdoor spaces clean, check out our post on how to remove old house smells. Enjoy a fly-free space, and happy outdoor living!