Besides being annoying, flies can spread bacteria, contaminate food, and disturb both humans and pets. From kitchen countertops to backyard barbecues, flies have a knack for showing up where they’re least wanted. But with the right prevention and control strategies, you can reclaim your space.
In this guide, we’ll learn how to prevent flies from entering your home, control fly populations in your yard, and protect your pets from fly-related problems.
These natural repellents, cleanliness, bright spaces, and natural predators, create an environment that flies find uninviting. Use this holistic approach to keep flies away without relying on chemicals.
Addressing indoor and outdoor flies can reduce their numbers and prevent future infestations. Visit our Species, Control, and DIY Guide sections for additional resources on flies and ways to tackle a fly infestation.
What Do Flies Hate?
Flies are naturally repelled by certain smells like lavender, peppermint, eucalyptus, basil, and bay leaves. Lavender and peppermint can be used as essential oils or potted plants, while eucalyptus leaves or oil diffusers work effectively in problem areas. Basil and bay leaves can be placed near windows or pet areas to keep flies away naturally. Natural Repellents to Keep Flies Away Specific scents, clean environments, and natural predators repel flies. Using these elements, you can create a fly-free space naturally. Here’s a list of effective repellents and why they work:Natural Scents and Essential Oils
-
Lavender: Its strong floral scent overwhelms a fly’s sense of smell, making it an effective deterrent. Use lavender as essential oil sprays or potted plants in fly-prone areas. -
Peppermint: Flies dislike the strong minty aroma of peppermint. To keep flies out, spray diluted peppermint oil near windows, doors, and countertops.
-
Eucalyptus: This pungent smell masks food odors and confuses flies. Use eucalyptus leaves or oil diffusers in entry points like windows and doors.
-
Basil: The sharp, herbal aroma of basil acts as a natural fly repellent. Place potted basil plants in kitchens, dining areas, or window sills.
-
Bay Leaves: Bay leaves release a subtle fragrance that deters flies. Place dried bay leaves in pantry shelves or pet areas.
Clean Environments and Bright Spaces
-
Keep Surfaces Clean: Regularly clean countertops, floors, and dining areas to eliminate crumbs and spills that attract flies.
-
Seal Garbage and Food: To reduce fly attractants, cover trash cans with tight lids and store food in airtight containers.
-
Use Natural Light: Flies prefer dim, shadowy areas, so open blinds and curtains to increase natural light in rooms.
Natural Predators of Flies
-
Dragonflies: Dragonflies are natural fly hunters, especially in garden areas. Consider building a small water feature to attract them.
-
Birds: Birds like swallows and sparrows feed on flies. Adding bird feeders or nesting boxes in your yard can encourage their presence.
-
Spiders: While not always welcome indoors, spiders are natural predators that catch flies in their webs. Keeping them in areas like sheds or basements may help control flies.
How to Prevent Flies Indoors?
Flies are more than just a nuisance; they carry bacteria and contaminate food. Preventing flies indoors requires proactive measures to block entry points, remove attractants, and maintain cleanliness. Here are four effective strategies to keep flies out of your home: Seal Entry Points Seal cracks, gaps, and crevices around doors, windows, and vents to block fly access. Install weather stripping, door sweeps, and fly screens to keep flies out. Clean and Sanitize Eliminate fly attractants by wiping down kitchen counters, sinks, and dining areas to remove crumbs and spills. Clean pet food bowls daily and promptly dispose of uneaten food. Empty kitchen trash bins regularly and wash them to remove food residues. Eliminate Breeding Sites Dispose of rotting fruits, vegetables, and organic waste to prevent fly infestations. Clean under kitchen appliances where crumbs accumulate and clear drains and garbage disposals of debris, as these are prime breeding spots for flies. Use Natural Repellents Use peppermint, eucalyptus, or lavender oil to keep flies away naturally. Put cotton balls soaked in these oils near entry points, windows, and trash bins. You can also effectively catch flies with DIY fly traps made with vinegar, sugar water, or store-bought traps. If these measures aren’t enough to control a fly infestation, consider seeking professional pest control services for a long-term solution. Our team can provide a customized approach to protect your home effectively.
How to Prevent Flies in Your Yard?
Flies can quickly multiply in yards, especially when food, moisture, and shelter are readily available. Here are effective tips to keep flies out of your outdoor spaces:Tips to Prevent Flies Outdoors
-
Clean pet waste regularly to prevent flies from using it as a breeding site.
-
Remove food scraps and clean outdoor dining areas to eliminate fly attractants.
-
Store trash bins away from living areas and ensure they are tightly sealed.
-
Drain standing water from pots, puddles, and birdbaths to prevent breeding grounds.
-
Clean and maintain gutters to avoid water accumulation that attracts flies.
-
Seal compost bins properly and ensure proper airflow to prevent moisture buildup.
-
Plant fly-repelling herbs like basil, lavender, and citronella around your yard.
-
Attract natural fly predators like dragonflies, praying mantises, and certain birds.
-
Set up outdoor fly traps using sugar water or apple cider vinegar to catch flies.
How to Protect Pets From Flies?
Flies can cause serious problems for pets. Attracted to pet waste, open wounds, and dirty fur, flies can cause skin irritation, infections, and even flystrike, a condition where flies lay eggs in a pet’s wounds. Here’s how you can protect both dogs and cats from flies.What to do if your dog has flies?
-
Wash dog bedding weekly in hot water to eliminate eggs, larvae, and adult flies. Keep doghouses clean, dry, and free from old, damp bedding.
-
Apply pet-safe fly sprays to vulnerable areas like the ears, belly, and legs. Vet-approved fly collars can offer added protection, especially for outdoor dogs.
-
Flies are drawn to wounds and may lay eggs in them, leading to flystrike. Clean and cover any wounds immediately to prevent infestation.
-
Look for small, red bumps or irritated patches on the ears, belly, and legs. Treat bite areas promptly to avoid infections or further irritation.
What to Do if Your Cat Has Flies
-
Clean waste from the litter box daily and clean it weekly. Dirty litter boxes can attract flies looking for breeding grounds.
-
Use only vet-approved sprays and repellents designed for cats.
-
Look for signs of fly bites, especially on the ears, face, and legs. Cats may scratch excessively or develop scabs in response to bites.
-
If you find wounds on your cat, clean them immediately and keep them covered. This stops flies from laying eggs in the wound.
How to Get Rid of Flies?
Flies can invade both indoor and outdoor spaces, making it essential to take swift action. Whether they’re swarming your kitchen or buzzing around your yard, these strategies can help you eliminate flies effectively.How to Get Rid of Flies in Your Home
-
Use Fly Traps: Hang sticky traps where flies are most active or make DIY traps using apple cider vinegar and dish soap.
-
Spray Fly Repellents: Apply non-toxic fly sprays or homemade repellents with essential oils like eucalyptus or peppermint.
-
Install Fly Zappers: Use electronic zappers that attract and kill flies with light.
-
Vacuum and Clean: Vacuum floors, curtains, and carpets to remove any eggs or larvae. Clean drains and garbage disposals to eliminate food residues that attract flies.
How to Get Rid of Flies in Your Yard
-
Apply Outdoor Insecticides: For severe infestations, use fly-specific insecticides in areas where flies breed.
-
Set Up Outdoor Fly Traps: Create traps using vinegar and sugar water to lure and trap flies naturally.
-
Use Natural Remedies: Plant fly-repelling herbs like basil, marigolds, and rosemary. Light citronella candles or tiki torches during outdoor events to deter flies.
What Temperature Do Flies Die in?
Flies are highly sensitive to extreme temperatures, which directly impact their survival and activity. When temperatures goes below 50°F (10°C), flies become sluggish, eventually entering a dormant state or dying. Conversely, extreme heat above 113°F (45°C) is lethal to flies, as their bodies cannot withstand such high temperatures.Myths and Facts About Fly Prevention
Flies are often misunderstood, leading to misconceptions about their behavior and control. Here are some common myths and the facts that debunk them:| Myth | Fact |
|---|---|
| Flies only come from dirty homes. | Flies can invade clean homes if there are attractants like food and waste. |
| Essential oils do not work for fly prevention. | Essential oils like eucalyptus and lavender are effective in repelling flies. |
| Cold temperatures will kill all flies instantly. | Flies die off at temperatures below 50°F (10°C), but not instantly. |
| Fly traps are harmful to pets and children. | Fly traps are generally safe if used according to instructions. |
| All flies are the same in terms of control. | Different fly species may require different control methods. |
