21 Natural Ways to Get Rid of Flies Inside and Outside

Pesky flies can start invading your home and outdoor spaces.

Flies are not only annoying but can also spread bacteria and other pathogens by contaminating food and surfaces [1]. So, it is important to take steps to get rid of them.

In this article, we will discuss some home remedies to help control flies.

How to Get Rid of Flies Naturally

From fly traps to homemade repellents, there are several natural methods you can use to keep flies away.

1. Cayenne Pepper Spray

A great home remedy to get rid of flies is cayenne pepper spray. For the recipe, mix one teaspoon of cayenne pepper powder with a cup of water.

Spray it around the house, especially near doors, windows, and other fly entry points. The solution will naturally deter flies because they don’t like its strong, spicy smell.

However, avoid spraying this solution directly on food, pets, or surfaces that may come into contact with eyes, and keep it out of children’s reach.

2. Clean Up

One of the best ways to keep flies out of the house is to keep everything clean.

Flies will settle on any scrap of food or waste, especially on rotting fruit and meat, so cleaning food-contact surfaces is vital. Therefore, regularly clean and sanitize where you prepare food or eat.

Cleaning the porch area, patio, floors, sinks, and outdoor surfaces is also essential.

3. Sticky Traps

An inexpensive way to eliminate flies is to hang sticky traps around the house. You can buy these traps in most garden shops or online.

Homemade ones will also work well, using a sticky substance and pieces of cardboard or thick paper. Sticky traps, especially yellow or blue ones, can help catch various fly and other flying insect species [2].

4. Apple Cider Vinegar

There are two easy methods for trapping flies with apple cider vinegar (ACV). Fruit flies are especially attracted to these traps.

To get rid of flies in the house, pour some apple cider vinegar into a jar or bottle. Next, cover the container with a clear plastic sheet or film.

Afterward, use rubber bands to keep the plastic in place and poke holes in the top just big enough for flies to enter. The pests will be lured into the jars and will be unable to escape.

Alternatively, pour about a cup of cider vinegar into a shallow bowl and add a little dish soap.

The ACV will attract the critters, and as they land on the surface, the soap will break the vinegar’s surface tension. This means that the flies will sink quickly into the solution and drown.

5. Throw Out Overripe and Rotting Produce

Warm summer temperatures can cause fruits and other foods to spoil quickly, attracting flies. Therefore, discard overripe and rotting produce.

6. Stale Beer

Pour some stale beer into a narrow-necked bottle to make a DIY fly trap. Once they get in, the narrow neck of the bottle makes it difficult for them to exit, and they will drown.

Beer cans with some residue can work this way, too, as can a trap using half a cup of stale beer in a closed mason jar.

Hammer some holes in the metal lid and screw it on tightly. Finally, clean out the drowned flies to repeat the process. This method also works well against fruit flies.

7. Plants That Repel Flies

Some gardeners report reduced insect activity near certain aromatic herbs.

• Marigolds are used as a traditional deterrent against certain insect pests, including flies.
• Nasturtiums, too, are colorful plants used to keep away flies.
• Basil is a popular herb choice with gardeners for this purpose as well.
• Bay laurel is another aromatic plant that some gardeners use to help deter flies.
• Citronella is used in many forms to deter flies.
• Catnip contains compounds that may help repel mosquitoes and flies.
• Wormwood contains components that can repel certain insect pests, including these. Moreover, you can also use it to repel rabbits.

Other plants that may help discourage flies include lavender, pennyroyal, sage, rosemary, mint, Venus flytrap, tansy, garlic, and petunias.

8. BugPellent® Fly & Tick Spray

BugPellent Fly & Tick Spray is a natural insect repellent made with essential oils. It can help repel flies, ticks, and other biting insects around people, pets, and outdoor areas.

Always follow the manufacturer’s instructions when applying the product.

9. Garlic Spray

To make a natural fly repellent, mince or purée 2 garlic bulbs with 1/2 cup of water.

Next, pour a pint of boiling water over it and let it steep overnight. Remove the solid pieces and use the solution as a spray.

You can also add a tablespoon of liquid soap to your garlic insect repellent to help the spray stick better to surfaces.

10. Essential Oils

An effective way to keep flies away is to use heavily scented essential oils. Scents that repel flies include lavender, cinnamon, eucalyptus, peppermint, and lemongrass.

To make a homemade fly spray using essential oils, mix 10–20 total drops of essential oils with 8 oz of water. Shake well and spray it on surfaces, windows, and doorways.

However, test on a small area first, as some essential oils may stain surfaces.

11. Fly Swatter

Swatting flies is easy with almost any flat utensil. However, an electric fly swatter may be more effective.

Passing the racket through the air will trap and kill the flies and other fast-moving flying insects.

12. Empty and Clean Garbage Cans

Flies congregate near garbage cans and also lay their eggs inside them. Therefore, keep the trash bins clean by washing them with soap and water.

Also, put all trash in bags and remove or replace them regularly to prevent attracting flies and bugs. You can also sprinkle some baking soda inside them to absorb odors.

13. Clean Up After Pets

Pets are likely to attract flies, too. So, it’s wise to clean up around them. Empty litter trays often and wash bedding.

Additionally, flies will lay eggs on any poop, so it is essential to keep pets clean and remove any feces around the property.

14. Clean Drains

Drains are another breeding ground for flies, so regularly clean drainage pipes and other plumbing outlets.

Pour boiling water down the drain, or use baking soda and vinegar. Flushing the drain may help remove organic buildup and reduce the number of drain fly larvae.

15. Clove and Lemon

You will need a fresh lemon cut in half and a handful of whole cloves.

Stick the cloves directly into the exposed flesh of the lemon halves. Next, place them on kitchen counters, windowsills, or outdoor tables.

The strong scent of the citrus-clove mix may help discourage flies. Replace the lemon every few days to keep the scent strong and effective.

16. Cucumber Slices

Cucumbers can also help repel flies. Flies dislike the strong smell of cucumbers.

Simply slice up a cucumber and place the pieces in areas where flies tend to gather. These areas include near trash bins, entryways, or kitchen surfaces.

For best results, use fresh slices and swap them out daily before they dry out.

17. Essentria IC Pro

This is another organic commercial product that provides instant knockdown and long-term protection against flies and many other flying and crawling insects on the farm.

Essentria IC Pro is labeled for use in many food-handling and preparation areas. To ensure safety and effectiveness, apply it according to the manufacturer’s instructions.

18. balEnce™ Fly Spray

This product is a liquid suspension of Beauveria bassiana. The spores of Beauveria bassiana infect flies, eventually killing them and helping reduce future infestations.

balEnce Fly Spray will also leave a residue to control future infestations.

19. Seal the House

Inspect your home for cracks and crevices and seal them.

Also, repair roof gaps and, if possible, protect the property from flies by installing fly screens.

20. Light Trap

These are boxes with a light attached to the back. The light attracts flies into the trap, where they are either electrocuted or captured on a glue board, depending on the model.

When the critters get inside the box, they will be electrocuted or stuck to a glue board, depending on the type you purchased.

Light traps can be an effective way to catch flies and other flying insects indoors. Use them to get rid of house flies, mosquitoes, gnats, and more.

21. Bottle Trap

Using an empty plastic bottle, place a sweet bait such as honey, syrup, or pieces of fruit inside.

Next, punch holes in the top and thread a piece of wire through the holes. Hang wherever needed. The critters will smell the bait and fly into the bottle, where they will find it difficult to get out.

Fly Prevention Tips

The most effective long-term strategy is to combine several methods:

• Keep food and garbage sealed to prevent access.
• Clean regularly to remove crumbs and spills.
• Eliminate breeding sites around your home.
• Use traps or repellents as needed for added control.

Takeaway

Flies are not only a nuisance, but some can also spread bacteria [3]. These natural methods can help safely control house flies and other nuisance fly species.

However, for severe infestations, it is important to locate and remove the breeding source, as traps and repellents alone may not solve the problem.