How to Get Rid of Flies Outside: Effective Tips to Keep Your Yard Fly-Free

Ah, summer—the sun, the outdoor BBQs, the perfect weather for relaxing… and, of course, the flies. You know the ones—buzzing around your food, hovering near your drink, and landing on your freshly grilled burgers. If you’ve ever found yourself swatting at flies while trying to figure out how to get rid of flies outside to enjoy a peaceful summer outside, you’re not alone! 

Today, let’s dive into how to get rid of flies outside, with simple, practical methods that will keep your outdoor space fly-free so you can enjoy the great outdoors without the unwanted company.

Why Are Flies So Attracted to My Outdoor Space?

Before we jump into the solutions, let’s take a moment to understand why flies love hanging around your yard in the first place. Flies are naturally attracted to food, moisture, and organic waste. Whether it’s the smell of your delicious BBQ, your pet’s waste, or even standing water, these are all perfect breeding grounds for flies. And, with warm weather, outdoor environments become even more inviting for them.

Don’t worry though! With a few easy-to-follow tips and tricks, you can keep those flies at bay and reclaim your outdoor space.

1. Remove Attractants and Breeding Grounds

The most effective way to reduce the fly population in your yard is to eliminate what’s attracting them in the first place. Flies are highly attracted to food scraps, waste, and moisture, so by cleaning up and maintaining your outdoor space, you can make it less inviting for them.

Clean Up Pet Waste

If you have pets, especially dogs, their waste can be a prime breeding ground for flies. To combat this, pick up pet waste daily and seal it in bags before tossing it in the trash. This will prevent flies from laying eggs in moist organic matter. Regularly cleaning up pet waste is one of the easiest and most effective ways to keep flies at bay.

Manage Garbage

Flies are often drawn to trash, so make sure all your outdoor trash cans have tight-fitting lids. It’s also important to clean your trash cans regularly to eliminate lingering odors. If your cans are kept outside, try to position them in a shaded area to reduce smells, as flies are especially attracted to food waste left in the sun.

Eliminate Standing Water

Standing water is another major attractant for flies. Drain birdbaths, clogged gutters, or any containers collecting rainwater, as flies need moisture to breed. Additionally, change the water in your pet’s bowls and fountains frequently. Eliminating standing water not only reduces flies but also helps prevent mosquitoes from setting up shop in your yard.

Maintain Landscaping

Flies are drawn to damp, overgrown areas. Keep your grass cut short and remove any piles of damp leaves, sticks, or brush that can trap moisture. By maintaining your landscaping, you’ll not only keep your yard looking neat, but you’ll also make it less appealing to flies.

2. Active Trapping Methods

Sometimes, even after cleaning up, flies still find their way into your yard. That’s where active trapping methods come in handy. These traps can help you manage the fly population and keep them away from your outdoor space.

Hanging Bait Traps

Disposable bait traps like those from Rescue! use a water-activated scent to attract flies. These traps work by drawing flies away from your seating area, but be aware—they can smell pretty strong. To avoid any unwanted scents while enjoying your meal, hang the traps at least 20 feet away from where you’re eating. These traps are effective in how to get rid of flies outside but should be placed strategically.

DIY Vinegar Traps

For a low-cost, DIY solution, try making your own fly trap. Simply mix apple cider vinegar with a few drops of dish soap in a jar. The vinegar attracts flies, and the soap breaks the surface tension, causing them to sink and drown. This trap is incredibly easy to make and can be placed anywhere flies are gathering.

Fly Light Traps

At night, flies can become especially active, and one way to handle this is by using UV light zappers or sticky board traps. These traps attract flies to the light, where they are either zapped or trapped on the sticky board. For best results, hang these traps above head height in areas where flies tend to gather, like near outdoor lighting or food prep areas.

3. Natural Repellents and Barriers

If you want to master how to get rid of flies outside using natural methods or just want to avoid chemicals, there are plenty of ways to create fly-repelling barriers to keep flies at bay.

Use Outdoor Fans

Flies are weak fliers, so a strong, steady breeze can be an excellent way to keep them away. Pedestal or ceiling fans are perfect for patios or dining areas. Position a fan near your seating area to create a breeze that flies won’t want to fly through. Not only will it help keep flies at bay, but it will also keep you and your guests cool on a warm day.

Fly-Repelling Plants

Certain plants are naturally repellent to flies. Basil, lavender, mint, marigolds, and rosemary are all known to repel flies with their strong scents. Consider incorporating these plants into your landscaping or placing them in pots on your porch. These plants are not only beautiful but will also help keep your outdoor space fly-free.

Water Bag Trick

One old-school trick that’s said to work for repelling flies is the water bag trick. Fill a clear plastic bag with water, leaving about 3/4 of the bag empty, and add a few pennies inside. Hang these bags around your outdoor area, and the light refraction from the water is thought to confuse and deter flies from entering your space.

Scent Barriers

Flies aren’t fond of certain smells, so use this to your advantage by setting up scent barriers around your outdoor space. Citronella candles and incense sticks can be effective at creating a barrier that flies will avoid. Another great natural deterrent is smoldering dried coffee grounds placed in a fire-proof dish, which will keep flies at bay while adding a pleasant aroma to your outdoor area.

4. Chemical Solutions

In cases of heavy infestation, chemical solutions can be a last resort. While I prefer natural methods first, these solutions can be a quick fix when you need to get rid of flies fast.

Barrier Sprays

Insecticides like Supreme IT can create a perimeter barrier around your home’s foundation, windows, and doors. These sprays kill flies on contact and prevent new ones from entering your space. Be sure to follow the safety instructions and keep pets and children away from treated areas.

Fly Baits

For heavy fly infestations, fly baits like QuickStrike can be placed in stations around your yard. These granular baits attract and kill flies, providing long-term relief from a fly problem. Make sure to place them away from pets to ensure safety.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. How can I make a homemade fly repellent?

Making your own fly repellent is simple and effective! Just mix water with a few drops of essential oils like peppermint, lavender, or eucalyptus in a spray bottle. This DIY solution can be sprayed around your yard, on outdoor furniture, or even near trash cans to help keep flies away.

2. Do fly traps really work?

Yes, fly traps are incredibly effective. DIY traps using apple cider vinegar or store-bought traps with attractants work well for reducing the fly population. These traps help capture flies, preventing them from hovering around your food and causing frustration during outdoor activities.

3. What are the best plants to repel flies?

If you’re looking for plants that naturally repel flies, try basil, lavender, or mint. These plants not only add beauty to your yard, but they also help keep flies at bay with their strong scents. Plant them around your patio or in pots to create a natural, fly-free zone.

4. How do I keep flies away from my food outside?

To keep flies away from your food, cover your food when not in use, and set up DIY fly traps nearby. You can also use outdoor fans to create a breeze and deter flies. Citronella candles and essential oils will also help create a scent barrier that flies will avoid.

Flies, Be Gone!

There you have it—effective, natural, and easy methods on how to get rid of flies outside so you can enjoy your outdoor space without the annoyance of buzzing insects. From cleaning up pet waste and managing trash to using DIY fly traps and natural repellents, you’ve got plenty of options to take control. Remember, a little maintenance and a few clever tricks will keep your outdoor area fly-free and fun-filled. Here’s to enjoying the sunshine without the flies!