TL;DR:
To effectively get rid of flies outside, you must adopt a multi-step approach. Start by eliminating their breeding grounds; this means securing trash cans with tight lids, promptly cleaning up pet waste, and managing compost piles correctly. Next, reduce the existing population by placing fly traps and baits away from your seating areas. Finally, create a fly-repellent zone by planting aromatic herbs like basil, mint, and lavender, and use oscillating fans on your patio to create air currents that flies cannot fly through.
Nothing disrupts a pleasant afternoon on the patio or a backyard barbecue faster than a swarm of buzzing flies. These persistent pests are a common feature of summer, with species like the house fly (Musca domestica) and the larger blow flies from the Calliphoridae family being particularly adept at crashing our outdoor activities. A single female house fly can lay up to 500 eggs in her short lifetime, which can hatch in as little as 24 hours, quickly turning a minor annoyance into a major infestation.
Beyond their irritating presence, flies pose a significant health risk. They travel from decaying matter and animal waste directly to your picnic table, carrying over 100 different pathogens, including bacteria like Salmonella and E. coli. This makes controlling them more than a matter of comfort; it’s a crucial step in maintaining a healthy environment for your family and guests. An effective fly control strategy is not about a single magic solution but about systematically removing their ability to eat, breed, and thrive in your space.
The Foundation: Eliminating Fly Breeding Grounds
The most critical step in any outdoor fly control plan is sanitation. Flies are drawn to specific environments to lay their eggs, and if you remove these sources, you break their life cycle. Simply put, if they have nowhere to breed, their population cannot grow. This requires a diligent audit of your entire property to identify and clean up potential fly nurseries.
Mastering Waste Management
Your trash and compost areas are a primary attraction for flies. They offer a perfect combination of food and shelter for laying eggs. Taking control of these zones is your first line of defense.
- Secure Your Trash Cans: Ensure all outdoor trash cans have tight-fitting lids that seal completely. A loose or missing lid is an open invitation.
- Regular Cleaning: At least once every two weeks, wash out your trash cans with a high-pressure hose and a mixture of hot water and vinegar or a disinfecting soap. This removes the residue and odor that attract flies.
- Bag Your Garbage: Always place garbage in sealed bags before putting it in the outdoor bin. This contains smells and prevents leakage.
- Manage Pet Waste: Dog or cat waste in the yard is a major breeding ground for flies. Clean it up daily. If you use a waste receptacle, make sure it is sealed and emptied frequently.
- Proper Composting: A well-managed compost pile should not attract flies. If it does, it’s likely too wet or has an improper balance of green (nitrogen) to brown (carbon) materials. Turn the pile regularly to aerate it and cover fresh food scraps with a layer of brown material like dried leaves or sawdust.
Addressing Moisture and Decay
Flies need moisture and decaying organic material to reproduce. A damp, forgotten corner of your yard can become a major source of infestation.
- Eliminate Standing Water: Check for areas where water collects, such as clogged gutters, old tires, buckets, or saucers under potted plants. Even a small amount of stagnant water can be a problem.
- Clean Up Garden Debris: Piles of rotting leaves, grass clippings, or fallen fruit from trees are ideal for flies. Rake up and properly dispose of this organic matter regularly.
- Check Under Decks and Porches: These areas can collect moisture and debris, creating a hidden breeding ground. Keep them clean and dry.
The Forgotten Zones: Grills and Outdoor Kitchens
Outdoor cooking areas are a magnet for flies if not maintained. The smell of food, grease, and spilled drinks can attract them from all over the neighborhood.
- Clean Your Grill After Every Use: Scrape the grates clean and empty the grease trap. The smell of old, rancid grease is highly attractive to flies.
- Wipe Down Surfaces: Clean up any food spills, crumbs, or sticky drink residue on tables and countertops immediately.
- Manage Food Waste: During a barbecue, have a designated, covered trash can for food scraps located away from the main gathering area.
Strategic Trapping and Baiting for Immediate Relief
While sanitation is the long-term solution, you often need to deal with the existing fly population. Traps and baits are excellent tools for reducing their numbers quickly. The key is to place them strategically to draw flies away from the areas where you spend time.
Choosing the Right Fly Trap
There are several types of fly traps, each with its own strengths. Placing them correctly is just as important as choosing the right one. A good rule of thumb is to hang or place traps at the perimeter of your yard, about 15-30 feet away from your patio or deck.
- Disposable Bag Traps: These traps, like the popular Rescue! brand, contain a powdered attractant that you mix with water. They are extremely effective at catching thousands of flies but produce a strong, unpleasant odor as they fill up. Hang them far from your house and seating areas.
- Reusable Jug Traps: These work on the same principle as bag traps but are made of durable plastic that can be emptied, cleaned, and refilled with a new attractant. They are a more sustainable and cost-effective option for long-term use.
- Sticky Traps: Flypaper and sticky ribbons are classic solutions. They are best used in more sheltered areas like covered porches or near trash cans, as they can also catch beneficial insects, dust, and debris in open, windy locations.
- Electric Zappers: While they do kill flies, bug zappers are generally not recommended for outdoor fly control. They kill indiscriminately, often eliminating more beneficial insects than pests. They can also create a fine mist of insect parts, which is unsanitary near eating areas.
DIY Fly Trap Solutions
You can easily make an effective fly trap with common household items. This is a great, low-cost way to supplement your commercial traps.
- Get an empty plastic bottle: A 2-liter soda bottle works well.
- Cut the top third off: Use scissors or a utility knife to cut around the bottle where it starts to slope inward.
- Create the bait: In the bottom of the bottle, mix something sweet and fermented. Good options include sugar water with a splash of apple cider vinegar, overripe fruit, or a little wine. Add a single drop of dish soap to break the surface tension so flies can’t land on the liquid.
- Assemble the trap: Invert the top cone-shaped piece and place it inside the bottom part, creating a funnel. Flies will be attracted by the bait, fly down the funnel, and become trapped inside.
Understanding Commercial Fly Baits
Fly baits are different from traps. They are a poison mixed with a food attractant. Flies land, feed on the bait, and die shortly after.
- Granular Baits: These can be scattered in areas with high fly activity, like around dumpsters or compost piles.
- Bait Stations: These are safer for use in yards with pets or children. The bait is contained within a plastic station that allows flies to enter but prevents access by others. Always place baits according to the manufacturer’s instructions and in locations where they won’t contaminate food or water sources.
Natural Repellents: Creating a Fly-Free Zone with Plants and Scents
For those who prefer a non-chemical approach, harnessing the power of nature can be highly effective. Many plants and essential oils contain compounds that flies find repulsive. Integrating these into your outdoor space can create a natural barrier that encourages flies to stay away.
Aromatic Herbs as a First Line of Defense
Planting certain herbs around your patio, deck, and garden not only looks and smells great but also serves as a living fly repellent. Their strong scents interfere with a fly’s ability to locate food sources.
- Basil: This culinary herb is one of the most effective fly repellents. Plant it in pots and place them on your patio table or around the perimeter of your seating area.
- Lavender: Known for its calming scent, lavender is despised by flies. Plant it in sunny spots in your garden or in containers.
- Mint: Spearmint and peppermint are fast-growing and have a potent aroma. Plant them in pots to control their spread, as they can be invasive in a garden bed.
- Rosemary: This woody herb thrives in hot, dry conditions and its pine-like scent is a great deterrent.
- Marigolds: These cheerful flowers contain pyrethrin, a compound used in many commercial insecticides. Planting them around your vegetable garden can help protect it from various pests, including flies.
Harnessing the Power of Essential Oils
If you don’t have space for planting, you can still use the power of these plants through their essential oils. This is a great solution for targeted, temporary relief during a party or meal.
- DIY Repellent Spray: Create your own spray by mixing 10-15 drops of an essential oil like lemongrass, peppermint, or eucalyptus with a cup of water and a tablespoon of witch hazel in a spray bottle. Lightly mist this on outdoor furniture, cushions, and around doorways.
- Outdoor Diffusers: A battery-powered or plug-in essential oil diffuser can be used on a covered patio to create a continuous cloud of repellent scent.
- Cotton Ball Method: Soak cotton balls in an essential oil (citronella and lavender work well) and place them in small bowls around your outdoor space.
Old-School Tricks That Still Work
Some traditional fly remedies have stood the test of time, though their effectiveness can vary.
- Cloves and Lemons: Cut a lemon in half and stud the flesh with whole cloves. The combination of citrus and spice is offensive to flies. Place these on your outdoor table.
- Bags of Water: Hanging clear plastic bags filled with water (and a few pennies) is a popular folk remedy. The theory is that the refraction of light through the water confuses and disorients flies’ compound eyes, causing them to flee. While scientific evidence is mixed, many people swear by this method.
Physical and Mechanical Barriers for a Protected Space
Sometimes the simplest solutions are the most effective. Creating physical barriers or making the environment difficult for flies to navigate can provide immediate relief, especially for defined areas like a patio, porch, or gazebo.
The Power of Air Movement
Flies are weak fliers. They struggle to navigate even a gentle breeze. You can use this to your advantage by creating your own wind.
- Oscillating Fans: Placing one or two oscillating fans around your deck or patio is one of the most effective ways to keep flies away from a specific area. The constant air movement makes it nearly impossible for them to land on you or your food.
- Ceiling Fans: If you have a covered porch or gazebo, installing an outdoor-rated ceiling fan provides both cooling and excellent fly control. Set it to a medium or high speed for the best results.
Screening and Sealing Entry Points
While your focus is on the outdoors, a robust defense includes preventing flies from getting inside your home. A fly-free patio is less useful if they are all waiting just inside the door.
- Check Your Screens: Inspect all window and door screens for rips, tears, or holes. Even a tiny opening is enough for a fly to get through. Repair kits are inexpensive and easy to use.
- Ensure a Good Seal: Make sure your screen doors close tightly and have no gaps around the frame. A self-closing screen door or a magnetic screen curtain can be a great addition to high-traffic doorways.
Strategic Use of Outdoor Curtains
For pergolas, gazebos, and covered porches, outdoor curtains can serve a dual purpose. They provide shade and privacy while also acting as a physical barrier against flies. Choose sheer or lightweight fabrics that allow airflow while still preventing pests from easily entering the space. When you’re relaxing, simply draw the curtains to create a more protected, bug-free enclosure.
Advanced Lawn and Garden Care for Long-Term Fly Prevention
The overall health of your lawn and garden plays a significant role in pest management. A well-maintained yard is less attractive to flies and other pests because it offers fewer places for them to hide, feed, and breed. This approach focuses on creating an environment that is naturally inhospitable to flies.
Mowing and De-Thatching
Your lawn care routine can directly impact fly populations.
- Mow Regularly: Keep your grass cut to a reasonable height. Long, damp grass can harbor moisture and decaying organic matter at its base, creating a suitable environment for flies.
- Manage Thatch: Thatch is the layer of dead grass and other organic material that builds up between the green blades and the soil. A thick layer of thatch can hold moisture and prevent air circulation, making it an attractive spot for pests. De-thatch your lawn as needed to keep it healthy.
Managing Water Features and Drainage
Water is essential for flies, both for drinking and for breeding. Careful water management is key to long-term prevention.
- Birdbaths: If you have a birdbath, change the water at least twice a week. Scrub the basin to remove any organic buildup.
- Yard Drainage: Ensure your property has good drainage. Low spots that collect water after rain can become breeding grounds for both flies and mosquitoes. Fill in these areas with soil or install a French drain if the problem is severe.
- Ponds and Fountains: If you have a decorative pond, consider adding fish that eat insect larvae. For fountains, ensure the water is constantly circulating, as flies prefer stagnant water.
Attracting Natural Predators
A healthy ecosystem includes predators that help keep pest populations in check. By making your yard more inviting to these beneficial creatures, you can add a natural layer of fly control.
- Encourage Birds: Birds like swallows, martins, and phoebes are voracious insect eaters. Install birdhouses and birdbaths to attract them to your yard.
- Support Beneficial Insects: Spiders, dragonflies, and predatory wasps all prey on flies. Avoid using broad-spectrum pesticides that kill these helpful allies. Planting a variety of native flowers can help support a diverse and balanced insect population.
When to Consider Chemical Solutions and Professional Help
In cases of a severe or persistent fly infestation, you may need to escalate your efforts beyond natural and mechanical methods. Chemical solutions can be effective but should be used responsibly and as a last resort.
Understanding Outdoor Insecticides
When choosing a chemical spray, it’s important to understand what you’re using and how to apply it safely.
- Residual Sprays: These insecticides are applied to surfaces where flies tend to rest, such as the walls of your home, under eaves, around doorways, and near trash cans. The residue remains effective for several weeks, killing flies that land on the treated surface. Look for products containing pyrethroids like permethrin or bifenthrin.
- Foggers: Outdoor foggers provide a quick knockdown of active flies in an area but offer no lasting effects. They are best used right before an outdoor event to clear the air temporarily.
- Safety First: Always read and follow the label instructions precisely. Apply treatments in the early morning or late evening when pollinators like bees are less active. Keep pets and children away from treated areas until they are completely dry.
Fly Bait Stations and Their Proper Use
As mentioned earlier, bait stations are a targeted way to use chemical control. They are particularly useful for managing fly populations near their source, such as around barns, compost areas, or dumpsters. By containing the poison, they reduce the risk of accidental exposure to non-target animals. Place them strategically where you see the most fly activity, but away from food preparation and dining areas.
Recognizing When to Call an Exterminator
Sometimes, despite your best efforts, a fly problem can become too large to handle on your own. It’s time to call a professional pest control service if:
- The infestation is persistent: If you’ve implemented the strategies above for several weeks and see no improvement, there may be a hidden breeding source you can’t find.
- The number of flies is extreme: A sudden, massive increase in flies could indicate a dead animal in a wall, crawlspace, or attic that needs to be located and removed.
- You need specialized treatment: Professionals have access to commercial-grade products and equipment that are more potent than what’s available to consumers. They are trained to identify the specific fly species and tailor a treatment plan to its habits.
With the right approach, you can easily banish flies from your yard and patio, creating a more enjoyable outdoor space. Schedule your maid services and experience a fly-free, relaxing environment all season long.
Conclusion
Regaining control of your outdoor space from flies is an achievable goal that relies on a consistent and layered strategy. The cornerstone of any successful plan is sanitation; by diligently removing the breeding grounds around your property, you disrupt the fly life cycle at its source. This foundational work, combined with the tactical use of traps to reduce current populations, natural repellents to create a protective barrier, and physical deterrents like fans, forms a comprehensive defense that makes your yard an unwelcome place for these pests.
Don’t wait for the problem to escalate. Begin today by conducting a thorough inspection of your yard, focusing on waste management and eliminating sources of decay and moisture. By implementing these proactive measures, you can transform your patio and garden from a fly-friendly habitat into a peaceful retreat for you, your family, and your guests. A little consistent effort is all it takes to enjoy a buzz-free outdoor season. Contact us and Get a Free Quote Today.