17 Ways to Get Rid of Pesky Flies From your Backyard, Patio, Porch, or Balcony

Outdoor flies can be more than just a nuisance-they can also carry diseases and contaminate food. Fortunately, there are several effective ways to get rid of outdoor flies.

About House Flies

Most people are familiar with flies, but few know much about them. These small insects are actually quite interesting creatures. For one thing, flies are able to feed on a wide range of substances. While they are attracted to garbage and decaying matter, they will also eat fresh food if given the opportunity.

Female flies can lay up to 500 eggs at a time, and the larvae that hatch from these eggs are known as maggots. Once they reach adulthood, flies typically only live for around 30 days. In that time, however, they can cause a great deal of havoc in the home if not controlled. Fortunately, there are a number of ways to get rid of house flies, including using traps and insecticides.

How to Get Rid of Flies in Backyard

House flies are one of the most common insects in the world, and they can be found in almost every house. As their name suggests, house flies are attracted to human habitations. They often Breed in garbage cans and other places where there is decaying organic matter, and house flies can quickly become a nuisance. They can also transmit diseases.

If you want to combat flies in your outdoor spaces, then the solutions below are all effective to varying degrees. Of course, many of them will work if you have flies inside the house too.

Make Use of a Fan

One of the most basic ways to keep flies at bay is by using a fan. If you have an outdoor ceiling fan, turn it on when you’re sitting outside to enjoy the fresh air. If not, set up a portable fan so you can direct the airflow toward yourself. The breeze will make it harder for flies to land on your skin and will also help to disperse any odors that might be attracting them in the first place.

Make Your Own Fly Trap

You can make a very simple fly trap using a plastic bottle and some sweet bait. Just cut the top off of a 2-liter soda bottle and then invert it, so the cut end is pointing downwards. Tape it in place, add some bait (fruit juice, honey, or even just overripe fruit), and then wait for the flies to go in but not be able to get back out.

Make Your Own Bug Repelling Spray

If you want a more natural way to keep bugs at bay, try making your own repellent spray.  You probably have all the ingredients you need already in your kitchen. All you need is water, apple cider vinegar, and essential oils. Just mix 1 part apple cider vinegar with 3 parts water in a spray bottle, then add 10-15 drops of your favorite essential oil or blend of oils. Citronella, lemongrass, lavender, and peppermint are all great options for repelling bugs. shaken well before each use. You can apply this spray to your skin or clothing, and natural fly repellants are safe to use on children and pets.

Buy a Fly Swatter

This one is pretty self-explanatory. If you want to get rid of flies, a fly swatter is a cheap and easy way to do it. Just make sure to dispose of the dead bugs properly so they don’t attract more flies to the area.

Light a Candle

Candles can help to keep flies away from your outdoor space for two reasons. First, the flame itself will deter them from getting too close. And second, candles can help to mask any odors that might be attracting flies in the first place. If you’re worried about leaving an open flame unattended, try a citronella candle.

Purchase some Fly Strips

Fly strips are an easy way to catch flies and get them out of your hair. Just be sure to hang them away from any areas where people or pets might accidentally come into contact with them.

Invest in a Fly Zapper

A fly zapper uses an electric current to kill flies that come into contact with it. They’re very effective, but they can be a bit pricey. If you have a serious fly problem, though, it might be worth the investment.

Cultivate a Venus Fly Trap

If you’re looking for a more permanent solution, you could try cultivating a Venus fly trap. These carnivorous plants are native to the southeastern United States and thrive in humid environments. They’re not too difficult to care for, but they do require a bit of attention. Venus fly traps are available for purchase online or at some garden stores.

 

Essential Oils

Certain essential oils can help to repel flies. There are a number of essential oils that can be used as effective fly repellents. Citronella oil is perhaps the best known of these, and it can be found in many commercial insect repellents. However, there are other oils that can be just as effective, including eucalyptus oil, geranium oil, and lavender oil. You can add a few drops of these oils to a diffuser or spray bottle filled with water to create a natural fly repellent.

Cover your Food

One of the main reasons that flies are attracted to your outdoor space is because they’re looking for food. If you can keep your food covered, it will go a long way in deterring flies. Use a screen cover on your picnic table or barbecue area, and be sure to cover any dishes or bowls of food that you’re not currently eating.

Ensure your Outdoor area is Rubbish Free

Another way to deter flies is to make sure that your outdoor area is clean and free of rubbish. Flies are attracted to garbage, so it’s important to keep your garbage cans sealed and empty them on a regular basis. It’s also a good idea to sweep up any leftover food or drink that might be attracting flies.

Clean with Pine Sol

One way to keep flies away is to clean your outdoor area with a solution of Pine-sol and water. This will help to mask any odors that might be attracting flies, and the smell of pine will also help to deter them. Simply mix equal parts water and Pine-Sol in a spray bottle, and use it to clean all surfaces in your kitchen, including counters, tables, and floors. The strong scent of pine will repel flies, and the cleaning action will help to remove any crumbs or other bits of food that might attract them.

Spray Your Yard with Dawn Dish Soap

If you have a serious fly problem, you may need to resort to chemical warfare. One way to do this is to mix up a solution of Dawn dish soap and water in a spray bottle and then use it to mist your yard or patio. The dish soap will kill any flies that come into contact with it, and it’s safe to use around children and pets. Just be sure not to get it on any plants, as it can damage them.

Remove Pet Waste

If you have pets, it’s important to remove their waste on a regular basis. Animal waste is one of the main things that attracts flies, so it’s important to keep your yard clean. Pick up after your pet every time they go outside, and be sure to dispose of their waste in a sealed bag.

Bird feeders can also attract flies, especially if you feed your local wildlife fruit. To prevent outdoor flies from contracting around your bird feeder, avoid leaving rotting fruit there for to long.

Manage Your Compost Properly

If you have a compost bin, it’s important to manage it properly to avoid attracting flies. Be sure to keep a lid on your bin, and don’t add any meat or dairy products to it. You should also keep your compost bin away from your house, as flies can be attracted to the odors coming from it.

Flies Don’t like these Plants

There are a number of plants that can help to repel flies. These include marigolds, basil, lavender, and mint. The oils and smell in the leaves release a strong scent that confuses flies and prevents them from landing. Planting these around your outdoor space will help to keep flies away. You can also add a few drops of essential oils to a diffuser or spray bottle filled with water to create a natural fly repellent.

Adopt a Pet Spider!

There’s nothing that says “I don’t like flies” quite like a pet spider. Spiders are natural predators of flies, so they can be a great way to keep them out of your outdoor space. If you’re not too fond of spiders, you could also try adopting a frog or lizard. These animals will also eat flies, and they make for interesting pets. Just make sure not to choose a species harmful to humans!

Final Thoughts on How to Prevent Flies From Ruining Your Outdoor Area

There are a number of ways to get rid of flies, but it’s important to find one that works for you. Some methods may work better than others, depending on the severity of your fly problem. The most important thing is to be persistent and keep trying until you find a solution that works.

For maximum effectiveness, use a combination of these methods to create a fly-free outdoor space.

Good luck!

FAQs

What can I spray outside to repel flies?

There are a number of things you can spray to keep flies away. This includes a solution of Dawn dish soap and water, Pine-sol and water, or a mixture of essential oils and water.

Why does my yard attract flies?

There are a number of reasons why your yard might have a lot of flies. This includes pet waste, compost bins, or leftover food and drink.

What is the fastest way to get rid of flies outside?

The fastest way to get rid of flies is to spray them with a solution of Dawn dish soap and water. This will kill the flies on contact.

How do you get rid of an outdoor fly infestation?

If you have a fly infestation, you may need to resort to chemical warfare. One way to do this is to mix up a solution of Dawn dish soap and water in a spray bottle and then use it to mist your yard or patio. The dish soap will kill any flies that come into contact with it.

What smell will keep flies away?

There are a number of smells that will keep flies away. This includes the smell of essential oils, such as lavender, basil, or mint. You can also try spraying a solution of Pine-sol and water.

Does vinegar keep flies away?

Yes, vinegar can help to keep flies away. You can make a fly repellent by mixing equal parts vinegar and water in a spray bottle. Then, just mist it around your outdoor space.

What is the best fly repellent?

There is no one “best” fly repellent. However, there are a number of effective repellents that you can try. This includes a solution of Dawn dish soap and water, Pine-sol and water, or a mixture of essential oils and water. You can also try planting fly-repellent plants, such as marigolds, basil, lavender, or mint.

What do flies hate the most?

There are a number of things that flies hate. This includes the smell of essential oils, vinegar, and citrus. You can also try planting fly-repellent plants, such as marigolds, basil, lavender, or mint.

What are some natural ways to keep flies away?

There are several methods to keeping flies away without resorting to chemicals.. This includes planting fly-repellent plants, such as marigolds, basil, lavender, or mint. You can also try using a solution of vinegar and water as a fly repellent. Finally, you can add a few drops of essential oils to a diffuser or spray bottle filled with water to create a natural fly repellent.

What can I plant to keep flies away?

There are a variety of plants you can plant to keep flies away. This includes marigolds, basil, lavender, mint, and lemongrass. These plants all have strong smells that deter flies.

Do LED lights keep flies away?

Yes, LED lights can help to keep flies away. The light confuses the flies and prevents them from being able to land or breed in your outdoor space.

What sound frequency keeps flies away?

There is no one sound frequency that will keep all flies away. However, some studies have shown that certain frequencies, such as ultrasonic sound waves, can help to deter flies.