Flies are among the most bothersome pests to have around your home. Not only do they create a nuisance, but they also carry diseases that can pose health risks to you and your family.
Flies are often drawn to food, garbage, and animal waste, making patios and decks prime locations for their presence.
If you’re dealing with a fly problem around your home, there are several strategies you can employ to eliminate them and prevent their return.
In this post, we’ll explore why flies are attracted to your patio and share 21 tips to help you get rid of them.
1. DIY Fly Trap
Create an effective fly trap with just a few household items: a plastic bottle, a knife, and some bait. Cut the top off the bottle and invert it so the spout points into the base.
Add a few inches of water, sugar, and a few drops of dish soap to break the water’s surface tension. This makes a deadly pool for flies attracted to the sweet smell.
Apple cider vinegar or fruit juice also works as bait. This simple trap can significantly reduce the number of flies around your patio by luring them in and causing them to drown.
2. Utilize A Fan
Flies are not strong fliers and tend to avoid breezes. Position a fan on your patio to create a constant breeze that discourages flies from settling.
If you already have a fan, enhance its effectiveness by placing fly traps behind it. The fan will disperse the scent of the traps, making your patio even less inviting for flies.
This method not only keeps flies at bay but also provides a cooling effect for you and your guests, making it a dual-purpose solution for enjoying your outdoor space fly-free.
3. Light Citronella Candles
Citronella candles are a popular and effective way to repel flies and other insects. The scent of citronella oil is unpleasant to flies, deterring them from your patio area.
Place several citronella candles around your patio to create a barrier against flies. These candles come in various styles and sizes, allowing you to choose ones that complement your outdoor decors.
If you prefer not to use candles, citronella incense sticks or torches are good alternatives. They provide the same repellent effect without an open flame, adding both functionality and ambiance to your patio.
4. Hanging Water Bags
An old yet effective trick involves filling ziplock bags halfway with water and adding a few shiny pennies. Hang these bags around the edges of your patio.
The theory is that the reflected light from the water and pennies creates a visual effect that confuses flies, deterring them from entering the area.
Although this method may sound like folklore, many people swear by its effectiveness. It’s a simple, non-toxic way to reduce fly presence, and it’s easy to try since it only requires basic household items.
5. Apple Cider Vinegar And Soap
Apple cider vinegar is known for its ability to attract flies due to its sweet, fermented scent. To make a fly trap, pour a few inches of apple cider vinegar into a jar and add a few drops of dish soap.
The soap breaks the vinegar’s surface tension, causing flies to sink and drown when they land. Red wine vinegar or balsamic vinegar can also be used if apple cider vinegar is unavailable.
This homemade trap is an easy, cost-effective way to manage flies without resorting to harsh chemicals.
6. Sweet Sugar Solution
A simple solution of sugar and water can be surprisingly effective at attracting and drowning flies.
Dissolve sugar in water and place the mixture in a sunny spot on your patio. The sweet aroma will draw flies in, and once they land, they’ll be unable to escape and eventually drown.
This method is not only effective but also environmentally friendly and safe for households with pets and children.
Regularly refresh the mixture to maintain its effectiveness and ensure it continues to attract and trap flies.
7. Pepper Repellent
Flies dislike the strong smell of black or cayenne pepper. Sprinkle pepper around your patio to create a natural barrier that flies will avoid.
This method can also deter other insects, making it a multi-purpose solution. However, if you have a mosquito problem, you might want to use this method cautiously as it could also affect beneficial insects.
Pepper is an easy-to-find, non-toxic option that provides a quick and simple way to reduce the fly population around your outdoor spaces.
8. Lavender and Essential Oils
Lavender is not only a beautiful plant but also a powerful fly repellent. Plant lavender around your patio or use lavender essential oil to keep flies away.
If planting is not an option, place a few drops of lavender oil on cotton balls and distribute them around your patio. Replace the cotton balls every few days to maintain their effectiveness.
Lavender’s pleasant scent makes it a delightful addition to your outdoor space while simultaneously serving as a natural deterrent for flies and other unwanted insects.
9. Sugar and Water Fly Trap
Create a fly trap using a mixture of sugar and water. Combine equal parts of sugar and water in a small bowl or plastic bag. Hang or place the mixture near your patio.
The sweet smell will attract flies, and once they land, they’ll become trapped. This method is simple, cost-effective, and chemical-free, making it a safe option for homes with children and pets.
Regularly check and refresh the mixture to ensure it continues to attract and capture flies effectively, keeping your outdoor area fly-free.
10. Salt Solution
Salt can be used as a natural fly killer. Pour a generous amount of salt directly on flies to kill them, or mix salt with water to create a fly repellent spray.
Combine 1/2 cup of salt with 2 cups of water and pour the mixture into a spray bottle. Spray around your patio to deter flies from landing.
This method is safe, non-toxic, and can also help keep other pests at bay. It’s a straightforward and effective way to reduce the fly population around your outdoor spaces without using harmful chemicals.
11. Water Bag Reflection
Hanging clear plastic bags filled with water around your patio can help deter flies. The bags reflect light in a way that confuses and scares flies, making them less likely to enter the area.
This simple DIY method is chemical-free and safe for all environments. It’s also an excellent way to keep flies out of your home by hanging water bags near windows and doors.
Regularly check the bags to ensure they remain filled and properly positioned to continue providing an effective fly deterrent.
12. Lemon and Vinegar Mixture
A mixture of lemon juice and apple cider vinegar can create an effective fly deterrent. Slice a lemon in half, place a few cloves into the pulp, and pour apple cider vinegar over it.
Place the lemon halves around your patio to keep flies at bay. The combination of scents is unpleasant to flies and will help reduce their presence.
This natural remedy is easy to prepare, environmentally friendly, and adds a pleasant aroma to your outdoor space while effectively managing the fly population.
13. Sweet Corn Syrup Fly Trap
Flies are irresistibly drawn to the sweet scent of corn syrup. Create a fly paper trap by mixing equal parts corn syrup, sugar, and water in a saucepan. Bring the mixture to a boil, then let it cool.
Dip strips of brown paper bag or card stock into the mixture and let them dry. Punch a hole in the top of each strip and hang them around your patio.
The flies will be attracted to the sweet smell and get stuck on the sticky paper, effectively reducing their numbers.
14. Vanilla and Essential Oils
Combine vanilla extract with essential oils like lavender to create a natural fly repellent spray.
Mix 1/2 cup of water, 1/2 cup of apple cider vinegar, 30-40 drops of lavender essential oil, and 1 tablespoon of vanilla extract in a spray bottle.
Spray the mixture around your patio to keep flies away. The pleasant scent of vanilla and lavender will make your outdoor space more enjoyable while effectively deterring flies.
This method is a safe, non-toxic alternative to chemical sprays and adds a delightful fragrance to your patio.
15. Almond Extract Fly Deterrent
Flies are repelled by the smell of almond extract. To use this to your advantage, mix a few tablespoons of almond extract with water and soak cotton balls in the solution.
Place the soaked cotton balls in a shallow dish and set it near your patio. The flies will be attracted to the scent but will get stuck and drown.
Alternatively, mix almond extract with water in a spray bottle and spray around your patio to keep flies away. This natural method is safe, effective, and easy to implement.
16. Honey and Water Fly Trap
Flies are drawn to the sweet scent of honey. Create a fly trap by mixing a few spoonfuls of honey with water in a small bowl.
Place the bowl a few feet away from your seating area to lure flies away from your patio. The flies will be attracted to the honey but will get trapped in the sticky mixture.
This method is simple, effective, and uses ingredients you likely already have at home. Regularly refresh the mixture to maintain its effectiveness and keep flies at bay.
17. Wine and Vinegar Solution
Flies are attracted to the scent of wine and vinegar. Create a fly trap by combining equal parts of wine and apple cider vinegar in a bowl.
Add a few drops of dish soap to break the surface tension and trap the flies. Place the bowl around your patio to lure flies away.
This mixture effectively attracts and traps flies, reducing their numbers around your outdoor space.
It’s an easy, natural solution that utilizes common household items to keep your patio fly-free and enjoyable.
18. Plant Lavender
Lavender is not only beautiful and fragrant but also an excellent fly repellent. Planting lavender around your patio creates a natural barrier that deters flies.
If planting isn’t an option, use lavender essential oil on cotton balls placed around your patio. Replace the cotton balls every few days to keep the scent strong.
Lavender’s aroma is pleasant for humans but repulsive to flies, making it an effective and natural way to reduce fly presence. This method enhances your outdoor space with both beauty and functionality.
19. Maintain Clean Water Sources
Standing water is a breeding ground for flies. Regularly check and clean any water features on your property, such as birdbaths, fountains, and ponds.
Ensure that water sources are clean and free of debris to prevent flies from laying eggs. Replace stagnant water with fresh water regularly and use a water treatment to deter flies from breeding.
Keeping water sources clean and well-maintained not only helps reduce the fly population but also promotes a healthier and more pleasant environment for you and your guests.
20. Basil and Mint Plants
Basil and mint are natural fly repellents. Plant these herbs around your patio to create a barrier that flies dislike. If planting isn’t possible, place potted basil and mint plants on your patio.
The strong scent of these herbs deters flies, making your outdoor space more enjoyable. Additionally, basil and mint can be used in cooking and drinks, adding versatility to their repellent properties.
Regularly water and care for the plants to keep them healthy and maintain their effectiveness in repelling flies.
21. Eucalyptus Oil
Eucalyptus oil is a potent natural fly repellent. Mix a few drops of eucalyptus oil with water in a spray bottle and spray around your patio.
The strong scent of eucalyptus is unpleasant to flies, keeping them away from your outdoor space. Alternatively, place a few drops of eucalyptus oil on cotton balls and distribute them around your patio.
Replace the cotton balls every few days to maintain their effectiveness. This method is a safe, non-toxic way to reduce the fly population while enjoying the fresh, invigorating scent of eucalyptus.
