6 Ways to Get Rid of Outdoor Flies

Fly on Garden Plant
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Our editorial team strives to bring you accurate and unbiased information. _Any products featured are independently selected based on thorough research from our editorial team. If you buy something through links on our site, we may receive a commission._ As the warm weather starts to set in, you should expect to see more pesky bugs invading your outdoor paces. Flies in particular can get pretty annoying when you’re trying to enjoy a pleasant meal outside. They can also fly into your indoor spaces when you open and close doors. Flies are the least active during colder months and typically reach maturity during the spring. So, how do you get rid of flies in your outdoor spaces, and keep them away for good? In this guide, we outline how to get rid of outdoor flies so you can enjoy your yard without worrying about an infestation.

How to get rid of flies outside

There are many ways to get rid of outdoor flies, starting with eliminating their food source and other materials that might attract them. You can also use products and other remedies to treat your yard and other areas where your children and pets spend time.

Step 1: Clean up your patio or porch area

When it comes to keeping outdoor flies away, the most important step is tidying up your outdoor living spaces. Keep your yard free of pet waste, seal up garbage cans and bags, and clean up any food residue off your patio furniture and or other outdoor surfaces. Try and keep any compost bins far away from your outdoor living space. And if you have rotten wood laying around on your property, take it to the dump.

Step 2: Scatter fly bait 

Every 30 days, scatter fly bait on and around your patio and porch, as well as other areas where you see flies. Make sure to follow directions carefully. It’s toxic to humans and pets, so do not use it where you are serving food, or somewhere your pets can find it.

Step 3: Use sticky fly traps 

Hang sticky fly traps in areas where flies tend to swarm. Easy places to hang sticky fly traps are from tree limbs, birdhouses, and awnings or overhangs. If you have a garden, attach a few sticky traps to sticks and place them along the edges of your garden. These traps can be used indoors as well to keep fruit flies and gnats away.

Step 4: Spray insecticide

Lastly, spray your yard with an insecticide to keep the flies away. Be sure you’re using a spray that’s meant for flying insects. Before using any insecticide, be sure your children and pets are away from the area.

Step 5: Plant fly-repelling flowers and herbs

If you’re looking for natural ways to repel flies without using chemicals, there are plenty of natural fly-repelling plants you can use to surround your outdoor spaces with. Certain flowers and herbs like basil, bay leaves, catnip, lavender, and marigolds are a few popular choices that work great. 

Step 6: Make your own chemical-free fly traps

If you’re not a fan of using chemicals to get rid of flies, try making your own chemical-free DIY fly traps. One of the most popular DIY fly traps only involves an empty soda bottle, sugar, water, vinegar, and a little fruity dish soap.  Steps for making a soda bottle fly trap:
  1. Cut off the top half of a two-liter soda bottle and remove the bottle cap
  2. Fill the bottom part of the larger half of the soda bottle with water and about one tablespoon of sugar
  3. Add a small amount of vinegar (to help keep bees away) and a few drops of fruit-scented dish soap to the water
  4. Put the top half of the soda bottle, opening-side down, into the bottle half of the soda bottle. It should look like a funnel
  5. Place it outside where flies like to swarm
Flies will enter through the funnel of the soda bottle, attracted to the sugar water and vinegar. Once they enter the trap, they shouldn’t be able to get out and will likely drown. If your trap starts to get full, just empty the soda bottle and reset the trap.  Cayenne pepper is also a great natural fly repellent. Mix around a cup of water and a teaspoon of cayenne pepper, place it into a spray bottle, and spritz it around entryways and outdoor spaces to keep flies away. 

How to keep outdoor flies from returning

Flies are annoying outdoor pests that will keep returning if you don’t keep your outdoor spaces as clean as possible. That means emptying and washing out garbage cans frequently, and cleaning up all food or drink spills immediately. If you have a pet, clean up their waste daily. If your cat likes to hunt for birds or mice, clean up their conquests each time you see them in the yard.

The bottom line 

Getting rid of flies outside means keeping your outdoor areas clear of animal waste, decomposing animals, and dirty garbage cans. If food or drink spills, clean it up immediately. And don’t forget, there are many chemical products and natural home remedies you can use to get rid of outdoor flies.

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