Ultimate Guide: How to Get Rid of Flies Outside and Reclaim Your Space

Flies. The bane of outdoor enjoyment. Whether you’re trying to savor a peaceful barbecue, relax on your patio, or tend to your garden, these persistent pests can quickly ruin the mood. Not only are they annoying, but they can also carry diseases and contaminate food. If you’re tired of swatting away flies and want to reclaim your outdoor space, you’ve come to the right place. This comprehensive guide will walk you through various methods to effectively get rid of flies outside, from preventative measures to targeted elimination techniques.

Understanding the Fly Problem: Why Are They Here?

Before we jump into solutions, it’s crucial to understand why flies are attracted to your outdoor areas in the first place. Flies are drawn to several factors, including:

• Food Sources: Flies are attracted to decaying organic matter, such as spilled food, pet waste, garbage, compost piles, and even overripe fruits and vegetables.
• Moisture: They need moisture to survive and reproduce. Standing water, leaky faucets, and damp areas provide ideal breeding grounds.
• Warmth: Flies are cold-blooded and thrive in warm temperatures. This is why they are more prevalent during the warmer months.
• Shelter: Flies seek shelter from harsh weather conditions, finding refuge in shaded areas, under decks, and in overgrown vegetation.

By understanding these attractants, you can better target your fly control efforts.

Preventative Measures: The First Line of Defense

The best approach to dealing with flies is to prevent them from becoming a problem in the first place. Here are several preventative measures you can implement:

1. Proper Waste Management

Garbage is a magnet for flies. Follow these guidelines to minimize the appeal:

• Use Trash Cans with Tight-Fitting Lids: Ensure all outdoor trash cans have lids that seal properly. This will prevent flies from accessing the waste.
• Regularly Empty Trash Cans: Don’t let trash accumulate. Empty them frequently, especially during warm weather.
• Clean Trash Cans Regularly: Wash your trash cans regularly with soap and water to remove any residue or odors that might attract flies. Consider using a bleach solution for extra sanitation.
• Bag Your Garbage: Always use trash bags to contain waste within the cans. This prevents loose debris from attracting flies.

2. Maintain a Clean Yard

A clean yard is less likely to attract flies. Here’s how to keep yours tidy:

• Pick Up Pet Waste Regularly: Pet waste is a prime breeding ground for flies. Scoop it up daily and dispose of it properly.
• Clear Spilled Food and Drinks: Clean up any spills promptly, both indoors and outdoors. Don’t leave food scraps or sugary drinks lying around.
• Harvest Ripe Fruits and Vegetables Promptly: Don’t leave overripe or fallen fruits and vegetables on the ground. Pick them as soon as they are ripe and dispose of any spoiled produce.
• Trim Grass and Weeds: Keep your lawn mowed and remove any overgrown weeds. Flies prefer areas with tall grass and dense foliage.

3. Eliminate Standing Water

Flies breed in standing water. Eliminate any sources of stagnant water around your property:

• Empty Birdbaths and Pet Bowls Regularly: Refresh the water in these containers frequently, at least every other day, or consider using a fountain or bubbler to keep the water moving.
• Clear Gutters and Drains: Make sure your gutters and downspouts are free of debris so that rainwater can drain properly. Clogged gutters can hold stagnant water.
• Fix Leaky Faucets and Hoses: Repair any leaks promptly to prevent water from pooling.
• Fill Low-Lying Areas: Fill any depressions or low spots in your yard where water can accumulate.
• Cover Rain Barrels: If you use rain barrels, ensure they have secure lids to prevent flies from laying eggs in the water.

4. Secure Your Home

Prevent flies from entering your home by:

• Installing Screens: Ensure all windows and doors have properly installed and maintained screens.
• Repairing Screen Tears: Repair any tears or holes in your screens immediately.
• Sealing Cracks and Gaps: Seal any cracks or gaps around windows, doors, and pipes.
• Use Air Curtains or Fans: Air curtains or strategically placed fans can make it more difficult for flies to enter.

Targeted Elimination Techniques: When Prevention Isn’t Enough

Sometimes, despite your best efforts, flies still manage to find their way to your outdoor space. Here are some targeted elimination techniques you can use:

1. Fly Traps

Fly traps are an effective way to capture and kill flies. There are several types to choose from:

• Bait Traps: These traps use a bait, often a sweet liquid or a decaying protein, to lure flies inside. Once inside, the flies are unable to escape and eventually drown or die of dehydration. Common commercially available options are readily available.
• Sticky Traps: These traps are covered in a sticky substance that catches flies when they land. They are generally less messy than bait traps but need to be replaced regularly. You can find sticky fly paper, or glue boards that can be nailed up.
• DIY Fly Traps: You can easily create your own fly traps using a jar, a funnel, and a sweet liquid bait, such as sugar water, overripe fruit, or apple cider vinegar.

Placement is key when using fly traps. Place them where you see the most fly activity and out of reach of children and pets.

2. Fly Sprays

Fly sprays, also known as insecticides, can provide quick relief from flies. Here are a few considerations:

• Choose the Right Product: Look for sprays specifically designed for flies and follow the instructions carefully. Use outdoor-specific products as indoor versions can be harmful to the environment when used outside.
• Spray in the Early Morning or Late Evening: Flies are most active during these times, making insecticide applications more effective. Avoid spraying during the heat of the day.
• Target Areas Where Flies Congregate: Focus your spraying on areas where flies tend to gather, such as garbage cans, patios, and around light fixtures.
• Be Cautious of Beneficial Insects: Be mindful when using insecticides, as they can harm beneficial insects, such as bees and ladybugs. Use them sparingly and only when necessary.
• Consider Natural Sprays: If you’re concerned about chemicals, look for natural sprays made from essential oils, such as peppermint, lavender, or eucalyptus. These can act as repellents without harmful side effects to other wildlife.

3. Natural Repellents

Certain natural substances can repel flies without harming the environment:

• Essential Oils: Certain essential oils, such as peppermint, eucalyptus, lavender, lemongrass, and clove, can effectively repel flies. Dilute a few drops of these oils in water and spray the mixture around your outdoor space or use an essential oil diffuser.
• Plants That Repel Flies: Planting certain herbs and flowers, such as basil, lavender, marigolds, and mint, can help to naturally deter flies.
• Vinegar: Place bowls of apple cider vinegar near areas where flies are bothersome to trap them.
• Citrus: Flies dislike the smell of citrus. Place lemon or orange peels in areas where flies are common.

4. Fly Zappers

Fly zappers use ultraviolet light to attract flies, then electrocute them with an electric grid. While effective, they can sometimes be noisy and may attract beneficial insects as well. However, they are also a very effective means for control in areas where these issues are less concerning.

5. Professional Pest Control

If you have a severe fly problem that you can’t control on your own, consider contacting a professional pest control service. They have the expertise and equipment to effectively eliminate fly infestations. This may be the best option in extreme cases. This is generally a more expensive option but if the problem is severe, the benefits may outweigh the cost.

Additional Tips for Keeping Flies Away

• Use Fans: Fans can create a breeze that makes it difficult for flies to land and fly around. This can be a pleasant option during hot weather.
• Maintain Composting Properly: Ensure your compost pile is properly managed to reduce odors and fly breeding. Turning it regularly and ensuring a balance of wet and dry materials can help.
• Limit Outdoor Lighting: Flies are attracted to light, so reducing outdoor lighting, or switching to yellow tinted bulbs can help reduce their presence.

Long-Term Fly Control Strategies

Getting rid of flies is often an ongoing process. Here are some long-term strategies for maintaining a fly-free outdoor space:

• Implement a Regular Cleaning Routine: Develop a habit of cleaning your outdoor space regularly. This will prevent flies from finding food sources and breeding grounds.
• Monitor for Infestations: Keep an eye out for signs of fly infestations, such as increased fly activity or the presence of fly larvae. Take action immediately if you notice any problems.
• Adapt to Seasonal Changes: Fly control needs may change based on the season. Be prepared to adjust your approach as needed. During the summer when flies are more active, you may need to increase efforts.
• Work With Your Neighbors: If you live in a close neighborhood, working together to control flies can be more effective. Sharing information and coordinating cleaning efforts can help address community-wide issues.

The Bottom Line

Dealing with flies outdoors can be frustrating, but it doesn’t have to be a constant battle. By understanding what attracts flies and implementing a combination of preventative measures and targeted elimination techniques, you can significantly reduce their presence and reclaim your outdoor space. Remember that consistency is key. Regular cleaning, prompt waste disposal, and targeted fly control efforts will yield the best results over time. With the right approach, you can finally enjoy your patio, garden, and other outdoor areas without being constantly bothered by these persistent pests. So, take control, follow the tips outlined here, and say goodbye to those annoying flies for good!

By combining proper sanitation, strategic use of traps and repellents, and regular maintenance, you can make your yard less inviting to flies and finally get the relief you deserve. Happy outdoor living!