Nothing ruins a relaxing evening on the patio or a backyard BBQ faster than a swarm of flies.
These buzzing pests aren’t just annoying—they can also spread bacteria and disease. If you’re wondering how to get rid of flies outside, you’re not alone.
In this ultimate guide, we’ll cover 10 highly effective ways to keep flies away from your outdoor spaces, answer common questions about outdoor fly control, and share natural remedies that really work.
Why Are Flies Attracted to Your Yard?
To solve your fly problem, it helps to understand why they’re coming in the first place. Flies are drawn to:
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Food and drinks left uncovered during outdoor meals
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Garbage cans with loose lids or overflowing trash
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Pet waste or livestock manure in the yard
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Standing water like birdbaths or clogged gutters
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Compost piles or rotting organic matter
By addressing these attractants, you’ll make your yard far less appealing to flies.
10 Ways to Get Rid of Flies Outside
1. Keep Your Yard Clean and Tidy
Flies love dirty environments. Regular maintenance goes a long way:
✅ Empty trash cans frequently and use lids that seal tightly.
✅ Pick up pet waste daily.
✅ Remove rotting fruit, compost piles, or grass clippings.
A cleaner yard means fewer reasons for flies to stick around.
2. Eliminate Standing Water
Stagnant water isn’t just a breeding ground for mosquitoes—it attracts flies too.
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Dump out water from buckets, flowerpot saucers, and kiddie pools.
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Clean and refill birdbaths regularly.
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Ensure proper drainage in your yard to prevent puddles.
3. Use Fly Traps
Fly traps are a simple but powerful tool. Options include:
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Sticky fly ribbons – hang them in fly-prone areas.
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UV light traps – attract and kill flies at night.
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Bait traps – use attractants like sugar water, honey, or vinegar.
DIY Tip: Make your own trap by filling a jar with apple cider vinegar and adding a few drops of dish soap. The vinegar lures the flies, and the soap traps them.
4. Plant Fly-Repelling Herbs and Flowers
Some plants naturally repel flies and make your garden smell amazing:
🌿 Basil
🌿 Lavender
🌿 Mint
🌿 Marigolds
🌿 Rosemary
Plant them in pots or garden beds around your outdoor seating areas to create a natural barrier.
5. Try Citronella Candles and Essential Oils
Flies hate strong scents. Burn citronella candles or diffuse essential oils like:
🍋 Lemongrass
🌸 Eucalyptus
🌱 Peppermint
You can also make a natural spray:
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Mix 2 cups of water, 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar, and 10 drops of eucalyptus oil in a spray bottle.
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Spray around patios, doors, and outdoor furniture.
6. Install Outdoor Fans
Flies are weak fliers and struggle in strong air currents. A simple solution is to:
✅ Set up standing fans on your porch.
✅ Install ceiling fans in covered outdoor areas.
This keeps the air moving and your space fly-free.
7. Cover Food and Drinks
Whenever you’re eating outdoors, keep food and drinks covered. Use:
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Mesh food tents
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Containers with lids
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Drink covers for glasses and cans
This prevents flies from being attracted to your picnic or BBQ.
8. Use Yellow Bug Lights
Standard outdoor lights attract insects, including flies. Swap them for yellow bug lights, which are less appealing to pests and still light up your yard.
9. Set Up Electric Fly Zappers
For heavy infestations, electric fly zappers can be highly effective. Place them away from your main seating area to draw flies away.
10. Hire Pest Control for Severe Problems
If flies are overwhelming despite your efforts, it could indicate a larger issue (like a nearby breeding ground). A professional pest control service can:
✅ Identify the source of the infestation.
✅ Use safe, targeted treatments to eliminate it.
✅ Offer long-term prevention advice.
FAQs About Getting Rid of Flies Outside
1. What smell do flies hate the most?
Flies dislike strong scents like citronella, lavender, eucalyptus, peppermint, and cloves. These scents can be used in candles, sprays, or essential oil diffusers outdoors.
2. Why are there so many flies in my yard?
Common reasons include uncovered trash, pet waste, standing water, and rotting organic material like compost. Flies are drawn to food and moisture, so eliminating these attractants is key.
3. Do vinegar and dish soap traps really work for flies?
Yes! Apple cider vinegar attracts flies, and dish soap breaks the surface tension so they sink and drown. It’s a cheap and effective DIY solution.
4. How do I keep flies away from my patio naturally?
To repel flies naturally, combine multiple strategies: plant herbs like basil and lavender, use citronella candles, keep food covered, and set up outdoor fans to discourage them from landing.
5. When should I call pest control for outdoor flies?
If fly populations are still high after using traps and repellents, call a pest control professional. Large infestations may require treatment of nearby breeding sites or specialized fly control methods.
Final Thoughts
Knowing how to get rid of flies outside is about prevention and persistence.
By combining cleanliness, natural repellents, and effective traps, you can enjoy your outdoor spaces without the constant buzzing of flies.
Start implementing these tips today and reclaim your backyard for relaxing, dining, and entertaining—fly free.